PC Zone Magazine April 2005 Issue 153 Brothers in Arms Road to Hill 30 SKU 1587

PC Zone Magazine – April 2005 – Issue 153 – Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 Original UK Edition | April 2005 | Issue 153 | Future Publishing | Original Cover Price £5.99 An original April 2005 edition of PC Zone magazine, featuring an exclusive review of the World War II tactical shooter Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30. This issue captures an important period in PC gaming, featuring an extensive selection of reviews, previews and features covering some of the most popular and influential games of the mid-2000s. Alongside Brothers in Arms, the magazine includes coverage of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, Act of War: Direct Action, The Sims 2: University, Playboy: The Mansion, Constantine, LEGO Star Wars, Project: Snowblind, F.E.A.R., Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Star Wars: Republic Commando and many other titles. The magazine also features a special retrospective celebrating the 50 greatest PC gaming moments ever, making it particularly interesting for collectors of gaming history and original early-2000s computer publications. Front Cover – Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 The front cover is dominated by dramatic World War II military artwork promoting Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30. The artwork depicts three American soldiers wearing period military uniforms, webbing and net-covered combat helmets. Main Cover Artwork The central image features a group of soldiers advancing through a battlefield environment. The artwork includes: A prominent American soldier in the foreground wearing a net-covered combat helmet. A military uniform with visible straps, ammunition pouches and equipment. A soldier positioned behind the central figure, wearing spectacles beneath his helmet. Another soldier on the left, apparently shouting while raising an arm. Military weapons and battlefield equipment. Weathered clothing and realistic facial expressions. Orange-yellow explosions and dramatic battlefield lighting. A dark, smoky background suggesting the chaos of combat. Small airborne debris adding movement and intensity to the scene. The foreground soldier has a distinctive serious expression, with visible dirt and grime across his face. The combination of realistic military equipment, expressive characters and dramatic orange battlefield lighting gives the cover a particularly cinematic appearance. Main Cover Headlines WORLD EXCLUSIVE REVIEW! BROTHERS IN ARMS: ROAD TO HILL 30 The accompanying cover headline promotes the game's World War II shooter experience. This cover is an appealing piece of original promotional artwork for collectors of the Brothers in Arms series, Gearbox Software games and historical military gaming publications. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 – Exclusive Review Page 64 – Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 The magazine's principal review examines the World War II tactical first-person shooter developed by Gearbox Software and published by Ubisoft. The game follows American paratroopers during the Normandy campaign of 1944, combining first-person combat with squad-based tactical commands. The photographed contents spread features another substantial image of three American soldiers. Interior Feature Artwork The interior image includes: A central soldier wearing a combat helmet and military field jacket. A firearm carried across the soldier's chest. Military webbing and equipment straps. A second soldier positioned to the left, wearing spectacles and carrying a weapon. A third soldier on the right, also carrying a firearm. Realistic facial detailing and camouflage-style battlefield colours. A dark brown and olive-green background. The artwork illustrates the game's emphasis on teamwork, battlefield authenticity and infantry combat. The magazine describes the title as an ambitious tactical World War II squad-based shooter. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 became an important release in the military gaming genre, especially for its emphasis on commanding soldiers rather than relying entirely on conventional first-person shooting. The original 2005 review offers an interesting contemporary perspective from the period when the game first appeared. Act of War: Direct Action – First UK Review The front cover prominently advertises a first UK review of Act of War: Direct Action. This military real-time strategy game was developed by Eugen Systems and published in 2005. The game explores a fictional modern military conflict involving international terrorism, political intrigue and advanced military technology. Its gameplay combines traditional real-time strategy mechanics with cinematic presentation and modern military units. The cover's prominent review promotion makes this issue particularly relevant to collectors of early-2000s strategy gaming. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords Page 76 – Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords The magazine includes a review of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the game continues the story and role-playing systems established by the original Knights of the Old Republic. The photographed contents spread includes a colourful screenshot showing characters within a fantasy science-fiction environment. The screenshot features: Several characters standing in an outdoor area. A central dark-clothed figure. Distinctive Star Wars-inspired clothing and equipment. Vegetation and unusual creatures. Bright lighting and detailed environmental textures. The review provides an original contemporary assessment of one of the best-known Star Wars role-playing games of the mid-2000s. An interesting inclusion for collectors of Star Wars gaming memorabilia, Obsidian Entertainment publications and classic PC role-playing games. The Sims 2: University Page 82 – The Sims 2: University Another major review concerns the first expansion pack for The Sims 2. The expansion introduced university life, new social interactions, student accommodation and additional character development opportunities. The contents photograph includes a screenshot showing a group of characters socialising inside a brightly furnished interior environment. The original review offers insight into how The Sims 2 franchise was expanding during 2005. Playboy: The Mansion Page 84 – Playboy: The Mansion The magazine includes a review of the management and lifestyle simulation game Playboy: The Mansion. The game focuses on managing a fictionalised version of the publishing business and its associated social environment. The photographed contents page features an in-game screenshot showing a group of characters gathered within an indoor setting. The review represents another example of the broad variety of PC gaming releases covered by the magazine during this period. Constantine Page 80 – Constantine A review of the supernatural action-adventure game based on the Constantine film. Released in 2005, the game features supernatural enemies, dark environments and combat inspired by the film's fictional universe. The title is another interesting inclusion for collectors of video games based on film properties. LEGO Star Wars – Exclusive First Play Page 48 – LEGO Star Wars The magazine advertises an exclusive early look at the original LEGO Star Wars game. The title combines the Star Wars universe with LEGO-style characters, environments and puzzle-based gameplay. The original game launched in 2005 and helped establish the popular LEGO video game formula subsequently used across numerous film and entertainment franchises. The magazine provides a contemporary look at the beginnings of a particularly successful gaming series. Project: Snowblind Page 40 – Project: Snowblind The magazine includes preview coverage of Project: Snowblind. This futuristic first-person shooter was developed by Crystal Dynamics. The game features advanced military technology, science-fiction weaponry and combat in futuristic urban environments. The front cover advertises exclusive early coverage of the title. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Page 44 – Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory The photographed contents page identifies a preview of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. The game follows covert operative Sam Fisher through stealth-focused missions involving infiltration, surveillance and espionage. Released in 2005, Chaos Theory became one of the most highly regarded entries in the Splinter Cell franchise. The original preview provides an interesting contemporary insight into Ubisoft's influential stealth-action series. Other Major Game Previews The photographed contents page identifies the following additional previews: Page 40 – Project: Snowblind Page 44 – Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Page 46 – Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars Page 48 – LEGO Star Wars Page 52 – Soldner: Marine Corps Page 54 – SWAT 4 Page 56 – Empire Earth II Page 58 – Close Combat: First to Fight Page 60 – Freedom Force vs. The 3rd Reich These articles cover a broad range of gaming genres, including science-fiction shooters, military simulations, historical strategy games, action-adventure titles and tactical combat games. The selection captures the diversity of PC gaming releases and forthcoming titles during early 2005. Special Feature – The 50 Greatest PC Gaming Moments Ever Page 30 – The 50 Greatest PC Gaming Moments Ever One of the most distinctive features in this issue is a special retrospective celebrating memorable moments from PC gaming history. The front cover promotes this as a major additional feature. The photographed contents page includes a large illustrated number 50 surrounded by gaming imagery. The feature examines notable experiences and memorable events from different PC games. The accompanying introduction refers to classic gaming experiences involving titles such as Half-Life 2 and other influential releases. This retrospective makes the magazine particularly interesting to collectors interested in PC gaming culture, nostalgia and the history of interactive entertainment. F.E.A.R. – First-Person Shooter Coverage Page 26 – Hot Shots The photographed contents spread includes a prominent screenshot from F.E.A.R. The image depicts a dramatic combat scene inside an industrial-style interior. Visible elements include: A first-person weapon viewpoint. Soldiers and enemies within an enclosed environment. Bright orange muzzle flashes. Detailed walls and industrial structures. Dark lighting and atmospheric combat effects. F.E.A.R. was an important upcoming title in 2005, combining first-person shooting mechanics with psychological horror elements. The magazine provides an interesting early look at the game during its development period. Additional Game Reviews The photographed contents page identifies the following reviews: Page 64 – Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 Page 70 – Darwinia Page 72 – Act of War: Direct Action Page 76 – Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords Page 80 – Constantine Page 82 – The Sims 2: University Page 84 – Playboy: The Mansion Page 86 – GTR Page 88 – The House of the Dead III Page 90 – The Punisher Page 92 – Psychotoxic Page 92 – Disciples II: Gold Edition Page 93 – Rugby 2005 Page 93 – Pro Rugby Manager 2 Page 94 – Ski Racing 2005 Page 94 – Transport Tycoon: Down Under Page 95 – Alexander Page 95 – Majestic Chess Page 96 – Indie Zone The magazine offers a substantial selection of contemporary PC game reviews covering strategy, simulation, sports, action, science fiction and role-playing releases. Online Gaming and Community Features The photographed contents pages identify a dedicated online gaming section. Online Zone Page 102 – Online News Page 106 – Pirates of the Burning Sea Page 108 – Reader's Challenge Page 110 – Fight Club Page 112 – Reviews Page 116 – Community Chest Page 117 – NeverQuest The online section explores multiplayer gaming, online communities and the growing popularity of internet-connected PC games. Pirates of the Burning Sea The contents spread includes a particularly attractive screenshot depicting a historical sailing ship. The image features a large wooden vessel with multiple masts, complex rigging and sails, positioned against a bright blue sky. This feature provides a period look at the development of the historical online multiplayer game. PC Hardware Features The magazine contains its regular computer hardware and technology section. The photographed contents list: Page 120 – Hardware News Page 122 – Hardware Reviews Page 124 – Dear Wandy Page 126 – Watchdog Page 128 – Buyer's Guide These sections provide a contemporary perspective on PC gaming hardware, accessories, consumer technology and performance. Retro Gaming and Regular Features Additional sections include: Page 130 – Mailbox Page 132 – The A-List Page 136 – Disc Pages These articles provide a mixture of reader correspondence, gaming recommendations and information relating to the magazine's original disc content. Original Cover Disc Information The photographed contents page promotes original CD and DVD cover-disc content. The magazine originally advertised gaming demos, movies and additional downloadable or playable material. The illustrated disc advertisements include references to: Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Prince of Persia: Warrior Within Darwinia UEFA Champions League 2004–2005 Republic: The Revolution Ford Racing 3 World of Warcraft community content Half-Life 2 modifications Important: These are historical references to material originally advertised with the magazine. The CDs/DVDs and any other accompanying software are no longer included. The listing is for the printed magazine only. Editorial – Dave Woods The photographed opening contents page features an editorial column by Dave Woods, identified as the magazine's editor. The column is titled Agent Provocateur. The page includes a portrait photograph of the editor, editorial commentary and a printed reproduction of his signature. The editorial discusses gaming-related topics and includes a humorous account concerning editorial staff and the magazine's activities. This is an interesting example of PC Zone's distinctive editorial style during the mid-2000s. The printed editorial signature is part of the original magazine design and does not indicate that this copy is personally autographed. Publication Details Magazine: PC Zone Issue Number: 153 Publication Date: April 2005 Original UK Cover Price: £5.99 Publisher: Future Publishing Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Printed PC Gaming Magazine Main Cover Feature: Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 Other Major Features: Act of War: Direct Action, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, LEGO Star Wars, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, The Sims 2: University, F.E.A.R., Project: Snowblind and the 50 Greatest PC Gaming Moments. SKU: 1587 Condition – Please Read Carefully Pre-owned original magazine displaying visible age-related wear, handling marks and storage wear. The supplied photographs show the actual magazine being sold. Front Cover The original Brothers in Arms cover remains present, with its military artwork and headlines clearly visible. Visible condition details include: Noticeable rubbing and scuffing around the cover edges. Wear and creasing around the upper-left corner. Small areas of surface wear along the top edge. General surface scratches and handling marks. Light scratches across portions of the dark cover artwork. Minor corner bending and creasing. Wear along the spine edge. Some small areas of discolouration and rubbing consistent with age. Slight unevenness and handling wear around the outer edges. The lower-left cover area shows visible rubbing and edge wear. The upper portion of the cover also shows age-related handling marks. Despite these imperfections, the principal artwork and cover headlines remain clear and presentable. Spine and Binding Visible handling and shelf wear along the spine. Rubbing and creasing are apparent near the upper and lower spine areas. The magazine opens normally in the supplied photographs. The photographed interior pages remain attached. Interior Pages The photographed interior pages remain readable and show colourful screenshots, illustrations and editorial content. Visible observations include: Light page curling near some corners. Minor handling creases. Some edge wear. Small folds and bends near the upper corners of the photographed contents pages. General handling wear consistent with a magazine of this age. The interior photographs show no obvious major tears, although the entire magazine has not been inspected page by page. Overall Condition Fair to good used condition, with noticeable cover rubbing, edge wear, creasing and general age-related handling marks. The magazine is suitable for reading, reference and collecting, but should not be considered mint or professionally graded. Complete pagination has not been independently verified. Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description. Important – Original Extras No Longer Included This listing is for the original printed magazine only. Any CDs, DVDs, demo discs, software, free gifts, promotional inserts, loose supplements, vouchers, activation codes or other extras that may originally have accompanied the magazine are no longer included. No separate computer games, discs or software are supplied. Any original competitions, promotions or subscription offers advertised inside the magazine are historical and no longer valid. You will receive the printed PC Zone magazine shown in the photographs only. Packaging and Delivery The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit. UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope. International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international shipping. Ideal For Collectors Of PC Zone magazine. April 2005 gaming publications. PC Zone Issue 153. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30. Gearbox Software. Ubisoft games. World War II computer games. Military tactical shooters. Act of War: Direct Action. Eugen Systems. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II. Obsidian Entertainment. LEGO Star Wars. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. Sam Fisher. F.E.A.R. Project: Snowblind. The Sims 2: University. Classic PC strategy games. Retro PC gaming. Original gaming magazine artwork. Early-2000s computer gaming history. An original PC Zone April 2005, Issue 153, featuring a dramatic Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 cover, exclusive reviews, major PC gaming previews and a substantial retrospective celebrating memorable moments from PC gaming history. An interesting collectible publication for enthusiasts of classic PC games, military shooters and original British gaming magazines. The actual magazine shown in the photographs is the copy you will receive. SKU: 1587