Independent developer and publisher Stardock released the much-awaited PC fantasy strategy title Elemental: War of Magictoday. Elemental: War of Magic opens a world of magic and ancient lore as players begin the game as one of the few beings in the world still able to channel power from shards of magic - a series of mystical artifacts left over from a great cataclysm. You must decide how much of your power to imbue into your heroes as you build cities, explore dungeons, learn spells of ever=increasing power and negotiate with friends and foes.

Elemental: War of Magic is available at retail stores throughout North America starting today. The Limited Edition ($69.95) and the standard edition ($49.95) are also available via Stardock's digital distribution platform, Impulse (www.impulsedriven.com) or via the game's web site (www.elementalgame.com.)

This latest title from Stardock is heavily inspired by classic games from the golden age of PC gaming. The game's Lead Designer and CEO of Stardock Brad Wardell said, "The main idea behind Elemental was that we wanted to create gameplay that was both an advancement of the genre and a throwback to old-school gaming on the PC. Elemental: War of Magic accomplishes that and more."

Included with the game are a series of integrated modding tools allowing fans to create their own fantasy maps, monsters, tiles, effects and much more. The game's story-driven campaign, written by Random House's writing team, was made exclusively with the built-in modding tools.

Also launching today is the companion novel to the PC title, ELEMENTAL: DESTINY'S EMBERS, written by Elemental: War of Magic Executive Producer Brad Wardell. The novel weaves a captivating tale that takes place in the land of Elemental, giving readers and players alike a unique perspective on the land in which they seek to rule in the game. The novel is available at bookstores nationwide from Random House's Del Rey publishing division.

Customers who purchase a copy of the book ELEMENTAL: DESTINY'S EMBERS will be able to download the additional, exclusive video game campaign, Elemental: Destiny's Embers. The campaign will release in four stages, with the first component being released in September.

www.elementalgame.com