Following the project's revelation via a fact sheet (story), Gathering officially announces Sabre Squadron, an upcoming expansion for Hidden & Dangerous 2, Illusion Softworks' World War II tactical shooter, accompanying the announcement with the first screenshot from the project. Update: We contacted Gathering and determined that this project is indeed being developed by Illusion. Here's the announcement, which heralds the always welcome inclusion of cooperative multiplayer support:

New York – June 9, 2004 – Gathering, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), today announced that it will release Hidden & Dangerous 2: Sabre Squadron, a new expansion disk for its hit WWII PC title Hidden & Dangerous 2 this fall. Sabre Squadron features nine new single-player campaign missions in four new locations plus the added ability to play all of these nine missions cooperatively over the Internet. In addition, Sabre Squadron features three new deathmatches, three new occupations and two new objective multiplayer missions for up to 32 players, enhanced, more realistic AI, and new weapons such as the German Panzershreck, SAS flare gun, German G43 rifle and the PAK40 cannon.

Released in October 2003, Hidden & Dangerous 2 has sold more than 1 million units worldwide and put gamers in command of a squad of elite British Special Air Service (SAS) commandos as they tackle the most dangerous covert missions of the Second World War. Featuring a mix of first- and third-person action, Hidden & Dangerous 2 offers a deep, tactical squad-based shooter experience in the single-player campaign and extensive multiplayer modes that feature numerous WWII-era weapons and vehicular combat.