Battle Realms: Winter of the Wolf is an expansion for the real-time strategy game, Battle Realms.  Winter of the Wolf adds twelve new missions, eight new units, four new Zen Masters, and new gameplay modes.  If you missed the original Battle Realms, don't worry - Winter of the Wolf will include the original game (Battle Realms owners will be eligible for a $10 rebate).

Winter of the Wolf is set seven years prior to the events of the original game.  You take on the role of Grayback, the new chieftain of the Wolf Clan, as he struggles to unite the Wolf Clan to end three decades of slavery at the hands of the Lotus Clan.  You must turn the tools of your slavery against your former masters to win your freedom from the Lotus Clan's shale mines.  Sledgehammers, stone slabs, and burning pitch will be wielded by the former slaves in their fight for freedom.  Grayback must use the slaves' knowledge of the mines, while rediscovering the knowledge of his own lost druid powers, as he tries to convince the remaining slaves to join the rebellion.

In addition to the new units, classic Wolf Clan units and weapons will gain extra functionality that will have to be used to solve the puzzle elements in the missions.  For example, weapons can see double duty when used for chain breaking, smashing through stone blockades, or burning away explosive gas.  There will also be new weather effects created by the game's winter setting.  Look for slower rice growth, steamy breath, and footprints in the snow when the weather turns frigid.

Winter of the Wolf will also improve upon the original by streamlining the game's interface and unit management.  The game's multiplayer component will also get a boost, with a new multiplayer interface featuring simplified player matching.

Look for Winter of the Wolf in October 2002.