Strategy First has announced an agreement with Nival Interactive to publish Etherlords II, Nival's upcoming turn-based strategy sequel, in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The game is a follow-up to Etherlords, a strategy game released by Fishtank Interactive last November that combines turn-based collectible card game mechanics with detailed 3D graphics. The new game will improve on its predecessor with story-driven single-player campaigns and new creatures and spells.

　　In the game, players will control one of four races in a 3D fantasy world. The game features exploration, conquest, puzzle solving, and turn-based tactical battles that combine various creatures and magic spells. Etherlords II will include 16 new fantasy creatures, more than 30 new spells, a streamlined interface, and a number of new abilities, such as sailing, tunneling, and teleporting. In addition, the game will have an artifact editor that lets players create custom spells and a map editor that lets players create their own maps and combine them into full campaigns.

　　In addition to its single-player elements, Etherlords II will feature one-on-one and team-based multiplayer modes. The game is tentatively scheduled for release in early 2003. We've posted some new screenshots from the game in the gallery above, and we'll post more information about the game as it becomes available.