Paradox Interactive announces that Combat Mission: Shock Force is now available in European stores and for sale online via GamersGate, while the game is also available from BattleFront. The version available from BattleFront is version 1.01, so there is also a patch on their Download Page to update the Paradox edition of the game. Update: This patch is now up to version 1.01a, addressing an issue with the version 1.01 patch. The patch for the Paradox edition is mirrored on The Patches Scrolls. Finally, there is also a new playable demo of the military combat simulation that includes two scenarios, full multiplayer support, the full manual, and even the editor (though the save function is disabled). The demo is available from BattleFront, with mirrors on ComputerGames.ro, FanGaming, FileFront, FilePlanet (registration required), Gamer's Hell, and GameSpot (registration required). Here's the release announcement:

Stockholm, Sweden (July 27, 2007) – Paradox Interactive announced today that the much-awaited tactical military combat simulation - Combat Mission: Shock Force is available in European stores and for digital download on GamersGate.

Combat Mission: Shock Force is the latest and most advanced installment in the critically acclaimed Combat Mission series and has been eagerly anticipated by fans during its 3 years in the making.

"Combat Mission: Shock Force is already being referred to as the best in its genre by critics and we look forward to the reactions from strategy gamers all over the world as this game hits stores worldwide", said Fredrik Wester, Executive Vice President for Paradox Interactive.

Combat Mission: Shock Force depicts a hypothetical near future conflict between NATO and Syrian forces in Syria. Players will play a highly story driven semi-dynamic Campaign from the US perspective. A highly accurate environment, playable in real time or turn based, and the intuitive Scenario Editor work to give players an authentic modern ground warfare experience.

"We've worked very closely with former and current military personnel to achieve the high degree of realism in the game and the scenario editor alone should add years to a game that is bringing wargaming to a whole new level" said Steve Grammont, one of the two Founders of Battlefront.com.