Encore and JoWooD are teaming up for SpellForce, which is yet another entry in the growing list of cross-genre titles that blend role-playing and real-time strategy elements. Due in February, the game looks like it will offer rich gameplay across a wide expanse of environments.

SpellForce's storyline involves a world that's been fragmented by 13 dark mages, which has resulted in a series of 23 islands being left in their wake. Thankfully, the powers-that-be have also graced the lands with "magic portals" so that the heroes can travel between them. It's a good thing, too, because there's frequent need during the various quests and objectives to pop from one island to another for a gem, key, or other essential prize.