Combining a fantasy theme with real-time strategy and RPG elements, Phenomic Game Development's SpellForce 2 - Shadow Wars is expected to ship shortly in North America. Cast in the role of the Avatar, the player must face the invading forces by commanding three diverse factions in turn. The Realm includes the Human, Elf and Dwarf races. Orks, Trolls and Barbarians comprise the Clans, while the Dark Elves and Shadows are aligned with the Gargoyles within the Pact. To bolster your forces in the trying battles that lie ahead, you'll also be able to enlist a selection of stalwart heroes each of whom can be customized with myriad skills, spells, weapons, armor and items. To tell us more about these sides, specifically focusing on how each of them plays, we enrolled the help of regional publisher Aspyr for a three-part series.