Earlier this year we wrote a preview about knights of honor. With the game nearing completion we thought it was about time we followed up on that preview and give you the chance to read about what you can expect when this game hits the shelves.

While the basics of the game have barely changed at all -you still have to pretty much conquer Europe and some surrounding areas through force, tact and cunning- there have been a few major changes surrounding the actual way you execute that mission.

Your knights, the center point of your whole campaign, have become much more specialised in their functions, their number has been reduced to 9, this means you can employ 9 out of a good 300 knights, giving them specialised functions like marshall, spy, merchant, cleric or builder. Each have their functions, for instance your marshall is the only one that can command armies. You will be able to assign these functions freely however so your actual setup of your knight’s functions depends on how you like to play the game. Your cleric for example can one day become pope if you play our cards right, of course that means one less spy with which you can torture and "convert" your enemies or one less marshall to command your armies and without merchants who will provide the backbone for you economic growth to sustain all those bribes and armies...

The map formerly limited to Western Europe is now enlarged to encompass more terrain like parts of North Africa and the Russian frontiers (that's where the golden horde shall appear another new addition to the game).

Your heirs can now be chosen from your knights or your offspring, of course daughters cannot become kings since they are much too busy courting potential allies to your cause. Only sons and good sturdy knights can be selected to be your heir.

The game contains 50 individual units now, Mongols, Arabs and western fighters like the Teutonic knights. Special events like jihads and crusades are also included. While jihads are a purely defensive option you can provoke a crusade much more easily, it all depends on how you can influence the pope...

Another new addition are the sea battles. While having a limited scope they provide an enhanced naval element that was not there when we first saw the game. Other additions to fighting are the possibility to enhance the troops protecting your villages with urban militia buildings, those will automatically generate troops when the town is under attack. The use of fire arrows, palissades and defensive positions will also add some spice to siege warfare. Not to mention the already existing siege warfare units like trebuchets and siege towers.

For those who get bored in a campaign or want some quick online or offline action there will be 50 preset battles to choose from. Every sort of battle that can be imagined - or if you prefer, actual historic battles that shaped the world of today - will be available to show your mettle. If you want to know more about this game go to our more elaborate preview here

If you are convinced you got what it takes to conquer Europe and claim the emperor’s crown, start sharpening your stakes, drill your cavalry and prepare your pike. Because in September the battle for Europe truly begins.