Battles in Italy v1.02 Update Released

Staten Island, NY, July 15th, 2005 - Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Strategic Studies Group (SSG) (www.ssg.com.au) are pleased to announce that a new v1.02 update is available for the latest game in the Decisive Battles Series, Battles in Italy. Battles in Italy brings the award-winning series to three pivotal battles: Sicily (Operation Husky), Salerno (Operation Avalanche), and the unfortunate Operation Shingle, the invasion at Anzio.

The v1.02 update primarily fixes a problem with Secure PBEM play, which should allow PBEM tournament play to proceed with full confidence.

Battles in Italy is an operational wargame that takes you to three of the toughest fought battles in the Mediterranean - the invasions of Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio. You are given complete control of either the allies or the axis armies and must utilize strategy and tactics to overcome your opponent. All three campaigns incorporate many new improvements and enhancements to the Decisive Battles series. Some of these updates include rules for surrender, political units, cooperation between countries, and improved amphibious invasions!

The Decisive Battles of World War II Series has won a number of awards, including War Game of the Year from both Computer Gaming World and Gamespy, Editor's Choice from PC Gamer, and The Wargamer's Award for Excellence. The series features an operational setting with an easy to use interface. The game is approachable by beginners and masters with customizeable AI options to give any skill level a run for their money. Battles in Italy comes with an extended tutorial to help new players get started.

For more information on Battles in Italy and the Decisive Battles series visit www.matrixgames.com/games or check the SSG website at www.ssg.com.au.

ABOUT MATRIX GAMES

Matrix Games produces, markets and publishes historical wargames as well as other computer gaming products. Since 2000, Matrix Games has published over two dozen titles and several award-winning games, including War in the Pacific, Highway to the Reich, Gary Grigsby's World At War, Flashpoint Germany, Battles In Normandy, Starshatter and Tin Soldiers: Julius Caesar. Matrix Games is based in Staten Island, New York. For more information, visit the Matrix Games website at www.matrixgames.com

ABOUT STRATEGIC STUDIES GROUP

Strategic Studies Group (SSG) was founded in Australia during the 1980s by Roger Keating and Ian Trout with the release of their first game, Reach for the Stars. Over the last twenty years and over fifty computer games, SSG has grown from a fledgling company to one of the driving forces in Computer Strategy in the world today. SSG's Decisive Battles series has won as much acclaim as any modern wargame. Their work continues with Battles In Italy. For more information, visit the SSG website at www.ssg.com.au.