PC Zone Magazine – December 2006 – Issue 174 – Battlefield 2142, Dark Messiah, Gothic 3

Original UK Edition | December 2006 | Issue 174 | £5.99 Cover Price | Future Publishing

An original December 2006 edition of PC Zone, Britain's long-running PC gaming magazine, featuring a spectacular Battlefield 2142 cover, an extensive review of EA and DICE's futuristic military shooter, and coverage of numerous important computer games from the mid-2000s.

This issue also features Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, Gothic 3, DEFCON, Supreme Commander, Company of Heroes, Guild Wars: Nightfall, Neverwinter Nights 2, Just Cause, FIFA 07, Call of Juarez and many other titles.

The magazine captures an interesting period in PC gaming history, when developers were pushing graphical technology, experimenting with futuristic warfare, developing increasingly complex role-playing games and expanding online multiplayer experiences.

An appealing original publication for collectors of Battlefield memorabilia, classic PC games, gaming magazines and 2000s computer entertainment.

Front Cover – Battlefield 2142

The front cover is dominated by dramatic promotional artwork for Battlefield 2142, the futuristic first-person shooter developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts.

The artwork depicts a towering, heavily armoured mechanical combat walker advancing through an industrial battlefield.

Main Cover Artwork

The enormous futuristic walker occupies almost the entire cover.

Visible details include:

• Heavy grey and metallic armour plating.

• Large mechanical legs with multiple articulated sections.

• Armoured side panels and industrial-style structural components.

• Twin forward-facing weapons firing bright yellow muzzle flashes.

• Additional weapon systems mounted across the upper body.

• A large central mechanical chassis.

• Numbered markings on the vehicle's armour.

• Warning symbols and military-style markings.

• Extensive mechanical detailing across the legs and torso.

A smaller futuristic aircraft appears in the background on the left, flying above the battlefield.

The environment features industrial structures, concrete buildings, distant mountains, smoke and flames.

The artwork uses a predominantly brown, grey and metallic colour palette, creating an atmospheric vision of futuristic warfare.

Main Cover Headline

BATTLEFIELD 2142

The title appears in huge distressed white lettering across the lower half of the cover.

Above it is the prominent yellow headline:

EXCLUSIVE REVIEW!

The accompanying cover text questions whether this is the best Battlefield game yet.

A yellow banner at the top advertises the magazine's focus on mechanical warfare with the words "MECHS APPEAL!"

The overall cover design makes this an especially attractive issue for Battlefield collectors.

Main Feature – Battlefield 2142

Page 62 – Battlefield 2142

The headline review examines the futuristic Battlefield instalment, which introduced a science-fiction setting to the popular multiplayer combat franchise.

The photographed opening editorial page includes a large screenshot of a mechanised walker surrounded by electrical effects and combat action.

The image depicts:

• A large military walker operating in an urban environment.

• Bright blue electrical discharges.

• Dark, industrial buildings.

• Futuristic military equipment.

• A first-person weapon visible in the foreground.

The review headline references the game's enormous combat machines and multiplayer battles.

Battlefield 2142 Background

Originally released in 2006, Battlefield 2142 introduced a futuristic conflict between two major military factions.

The game became known for its distinctive science-fiction setting, large multiplayer maps, heavily armed vehicles and the popular Titan game mode.

Its mechanical walkers remain among the most recognisable features of the game.

This original December 2006 review offers collectors a contemporary perspective on Battlefield 2142 at the time of its initial release.

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic

Page 70 – Dark Messiah of Might and Magic

One of the issue's other major reviews.

The photographed contents page includes a large image of a powerful fantasy creature, with heavy limbs, muscular features and an imposing appearance.

The headline asks whether the Might and Magic universe has produced an exciting new action game.

About the Game

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic is a first-person fantasy action game developed by Arkane Studios.

The game combines medieval-style weapons, magic, environmental interaction and close-combat mechanics.

This review is an interesting contemporary look at an important early Arkane Studios title, particularly for collectors interested in the developer's later games.

The feature will also appeal to enthusiasts of fantasy role-playing games and the Might and Magic franchise.

Gothic 3

Page 94 – Gothic 3

A review of the fantasy role-playing game developed by Piranha Bytes.

The photographed contents page shows a screenshot featuring an armoured character within a detailed medieval-style outdoor environment.

Gothic 3 was one of the major open-world fantasy role-playing games released during 2006.

The magazine provides period coverage of its graphics, gameplay and role-playing experience.

An interesting inclusion for collectors of the Gothic series and European PC role-playing games.

DEFCON

Page 76 – DEFCON

A review of Introversion Software's strategy game inspired by Cold War nuclear conflict.

The photographed contents page includes a screenshot featuring a dark world map with brightly coloured geographical outlines and military indicators.

DEFCON became known for its minimalist presentation, strategic gameplay and nuclear warfare theme.

The article provides an original 2006 review of a distinctive British independent PC game.

Supreme Commander

Page 22 – Supreme Commander

An early feature examining the forthcoming real-time strategy game.

The photographed contents page shows a screenshot featuring a battlefield filled with futuristic military units.

Supreme Commander, developed by Gas Powered Games, was released in 2007 and became well known for its enormous battlefields and large-scale strategic combat.

This December 2006 article offers an interesting pre-release perspective on the title.

The Greatest Games You've Probably Never Played

Page 52 – Special Feature

One of the magazine's most interesting editorial features.

The article examines overlooked video games and titles that may not have received the attention they deserved.

The photographed opening pages promote a selection of forgotten gaming classics.

The accompanying illustration features a large green fantasy creature with oversized ears and an exaggerated cartoon-style face.

This feature is particularly appealing to collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts interested in lesser-known games and PC gaming history.

It reflects PC Zone's wider interest in recognising unusual, innovative and overlooked releases.

Additional Features and Previews

The photographed contents page identifies a wide range of gaming-related articles.

Upfront Features

• Page 16 – Portal

• Page 18 – Special Report: Blu-ray vs HD DVD

• Page 20 – Whose Line Is It Anyway?

• Page 22 – Supreme Commander

• Page 28 – C&C3: Tiberium Wars

• Page 30 – S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

• Page 31 – F.E.A.R.: Extraction Point

• Page 37 – Race

• Page 38 – Warhammer: Mark of Chaos

• Page 40 – Caesar IV

• Page 44 – Guild Wars: Nightfall

• Page 46 – What's Next for Star Wars?

• Page 48 – Parabellum

• Page 52 – The Greatest Games You've Probably Never Played

These articles provide an interesting overview of the PC gaming industry during late 2006.

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars

An early look at the forthcoming instalment in the Command & Conquer strategy franchise.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

Coverage of the atmospheric first-person shooter before its original 2007 release.

F.E.A.R.: Extraction Point

Coverage of the expansion to the popular horror-themed first-person shooter.

Guild Wars: Nightfall

An article exploring the online fantasy role-playing game and its expanding world.

What's Next for Star Wars?

A feature examining developments within the Star Wars gaming franchise.

Major Game Reviews

The December 2006 issue contains a substantial collection of PC game reviews.

The photographed contents page lists:

• Page 62 – Battlefield 2142

• Page 68 – The Guild 2

• Page 70 – Dark Messiah of Might and Magic

• Page 76 – DEFCON

• Page 80 – El Matador

• Page 82 – Joint Task Force

• Page 85 – NBA Live 07

• Page 85 – Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07

• Page 86 – Just Cause

• Page 90 – ParaWorld

• Page 91 – The Ant Bully

• Page 94 – Gothic 3

• Page 98 – FIFA 07

• Page 99 – NHL 07

• Page 99 – Madden NFL 07

• Page 100 – Faces of War

• Page 104 – Indie Zone

The reviews cover multiple genres, including military shooters, fantasy role-playing, strategy, sports, action-adventure and independent games.

This makes the issue a useful historical snapshot of the PC games available in late 2006.

Half-Life 2: Episode One – Developer's Commentary

Page 156 – Half-Life 2: Episode One

The contents page identifies a developer commentary feature focusing on Valve's episodic Half-Life sequel.

An accompanying screenshot features a character standing against an industrial-style background.

Half-Life 2: Episode One was released earlier in 2006 and continued the story of Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance.

The inclusion of this developer commentary adds appeal for collectors of Valve Software, Half-Life and PC gaming history.

PC Hardware and Technology

As well as games coverage, the magazine includes articles examining PC hardware and computing technology.

The photographed contents list:

• Page 113 – Hardware News

• Page 114 – Hardware Reviews

• Page 116 – How To...

• Page 118 – Dear Wandy

• Page 122 – Watchdog

• Page 124 – Buyer's Guide

The photographed contents spread also shows an advertisement for ATI FireGL graphics hardware.

These sections offer an interesting perspective on the components, computer technology and gaming equipment available during 2006.

Freeplay – Demos, Freeware and Game Modifications

Page 128 onwards

PC Zone includes its regular Freeplay section, covering game demos, freeware and modifications.

The photographed contents identify:

• Page 128 – Playable Demos

• Page 130 – Savage, Iron Grip Interview

• Page 132 – Oblivion Polymorphing

• Page 134 – Freeware

• Page 138 – Point of Existence

• Page 140 – The Tale of Gridwars 2

• Page 142 – Fight Club

• Page 144 – How To: Company of Heroes

Freeware and Toribash

The photographed contents spread highlights Toribash, a physics-based fighting game.

The illustrated feature includes screenshots, character demonstrations and references to other freeware releases.

The contents page also displays images relating to several game modifications and free gaming projects.

These articles provide an interesting record of the independent gaming and modding communities of the period.

Important: These are printed magazine features only. No separate demo discs, software or promotional games are included with this listing.

Retro Gaming and Regular Columns

The magazine includes additional editorial sections.

• Page 146 – Retro Zone

• Page 151 – NeverQuest

• Page 152 – Quake 4 Special Edition

• Page 154 – Supertest

• Page 156 – Developer's Commentary

NeverQuest

The photographed opening editorial features a humorous NeverQuest extract alongside an illustration of a green fantasy creature.

These satirical gaming articles were a recognisable part of PC Zone's editorial character.

Introduction by Jamie Sefton

The photographed introductory page features an editorial by Jamie Sefton, identified as editor of PC Zone.

The article is titled:

20 Seconds to Comply

It discusses the issue's mechanical warfare theme, including Battlefield 2142 and Supreme Commander.

The column also comments on the wider collection of game reviews and features appearing in the magazine.

A printed reproduction of the editor's signature is visible at the bottom of the page.

This is part of the original magazine printing and is not evidence of a personally signed or autographed copy.

Publication Details

Magazine: PC Zone

Issue Number: 174

Publication Date: December 2006

Original UK Cover Price: £5.99

Publisher: Future Publishing

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed PC Gaming Magazine

Main Cover Feature: Battlefield 2142

Other Major Features: Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, Gothic 3, DEFCON, Supreme Commander, Half-Life 2: Episode One, Company of Heroes, Guild Wars: Nightfall and classic PC gaming.

SKU: 1587

Condition – Please Read Carefully

Pre-owned original magazine with visible signs of age, handling and storage.

The photographs show the actual magazine being sold.

Front Cover

The original Battlefield 2142 cover remains present, retaining its striking artwork and readable headlines.

Visible condition details include:

• Surface rubbing and light scratches across the glossy cover.

• Scuffing visible within some of the darker printed areas.

• General handling marks and minor surface wear.

• Small creases and rubbing along the cover edges.

• Wear around the upper corners, including slight bending.

• Minor corner wear along the lower edge.

• Some light rubbing and stress marks around the spine.

• Slight unevenness and minor curling along parts of the cover.

The main Battlefield 2142 artwork remains clearly visible, with the title and mechanical walker design retaining good visual impact.

Spine and Binding

• The spine is present.

• Some surface rubbing and handling wear are visible along the spine edge.

• Minor creasing can be seen near the spine and corners.

• The photographed interior pages remain attached.

• The magazine opens normally in the supplied images.

Interior Pages

• The photographed pages remain colourful and readable.

• The glossy interior printing retains good detail.

• Minor page-edge wear and handling marks are visible.

• Some natural page curvature and light creasing are apparent.

• No major tears are evident in the photographed interior spreads.

Overall Assessment

Good pre-owned condition overall, with visible surface rubbing, light scratches, minor creasing, edge wear and general age-related handling marks.

This is a used magazine rather than a mint or professionally graded collector's copy.

The magazine has not been checked page by page, so absolute completeness cannot be guaranteed.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully before purchasing. They form an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Extras No Longer Included

This listing is for the printed magazine shown in the photographs only.

Any original CDs, DVDs, demo discs, promotional software, free gifts, loose supplements, inserts, vouchers, activation codes or other extras that may originally have accompanied the magazine are no longer included.

No separate computer games or software are supplied.

Any competitions or promotional offers advertised in the magazine are historical and no longer valid.

You will receive the original printed PC Zone magazine only.

Packaging and Delivery

Your magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Sent in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

Ideal For Collectors Of

• PC Zone magazine.

• Original British computer gaming magazines.

• PC Zone Issue 174.

• December 2006 video game publications.

• Battlefield 2142.

• Battlefield gaming memorabilia.

• EA and DICE.

• Classic first-person shooter games.

• Dark Messiah of Might and Magic.

• Arkane Studios.

• Gothic 3.

• Piranha Bytes.

• DEFCON.

• Introversion Software.

• Supreme Commander.

• Command & Conquer 3.

• S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl.

• Guild Wars: Nightfall.

• Half-Life 2.

• Valve Software.

• Company of Heroes.

• Retro PC gaming.

• Classic gaming reviews and previews.

• Early-2000s PC gaming history.

An original December 2006 PC Zone Magazine, Issue 174, featuring an impressive Battlefield 2142 cover and extensive contemporary coverage of many important PC gaming titles.

An interesting addition to a collection of classic video game magazines, particularly for enthusiasts of Battlefield, PC gaming history and the major computer game releases of 2006.

You will receive the actual magazine pictured.

SKU: 1587