PC Zone Magazine – November 2006 – Issue 173 – Team Fortress 2, World of Warcraft, Company of Heroes

Original UK Edition | November 2006 | Issue 173 | £5.99 Cover Price | Future Publishing

An original November 2006 issue of PC Zone, the British computer gaming magazine, featuring an impressive Team Fortress 2 cover, extensive pre-release coverage of Valve's much-anticipated multiplayer shooter and features on some of the most important PC games of the mid-2000s.

The magazine also includes coverage of World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, Company of Heroes, Assassin's Creed, LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, GTR 2, Battlefield 2142, Dark Messiah of Might and Magic and numerous other PC titles.

This issue is particularly interesting because it captures Team Fortress 2 before its eventual 2007 release, following the game's lengthy development and transformation into the distinctive cartoon-styled shooter recognised today.

An appealing original publication for collectors of Valve memorabilia, Team Fortress, Blizzard Entertainment, classic PC gaming and British video game magazines.

Front Cover – Team Fortress 2

The front cover is dominated by colourful promotional artwork for Team Fortress 2, featuring several members of the game's RED team.

The artwork uses the distinctive stylised character design, exaggerated proportions and dramatic action associated with the game.

Main Cover Characters

The Spy

Positioned prominently in the centre of the composition, the Spy wears his recognisable dark balaclava, tailored suit, white shirt and red-striped tie.

He is depicted with a cigarette in his mouth, looking sideways with a suspicious expression.

His sharply dressed appearance contrasts with the heavily armed characters surrounding him.

The Heavy

Standing in the right foreground, the Heavy is shown operating his enormous multi-barrel minigun.

His appearance includes:

• A black ammunition vest.

• Red short-sleeved shirt.

• Heavy ammunition belt.

• Fingerless gloves.

• Distinctive bald head.

• A broad, aggressive expression.

A large yellow-orange muzzle flash erupts from the minigun across the lower-left section of the cover, creating a dramatic action scene.

The Soldier

Appearing on the left side, a red-uniformed character is pictured holding a large rocket-launcher-style weapon.

Spent ammunition and explosive effects surround the character.

The Pyro

Visible behind the central figures in the upper-right section, the Pyro wears a protective gas mask, orange-red protective clothing and equipment associated with the character's flamethrower.

Together, these characters create an instantly recognisable Team Fortress 2 cover for enthusiasts of Valve's multiplayer franchise.

Cover Headline

The central headline reads:

"We've been expecting you... TEAM FORTRESS 2"

The headline appears in large white and yellow lettering across the lower half of the cover.

Additional cover features advertise:

World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

Exclusive gameplay details from beyond the Dark Portal.

Company of Heroes

A major review of the Second World War real-time strategy game.

The cover features the classic PC Zone masthead and the original Future Publishing branding.

Main Feature – Team Fortress 2

Page 56 – Team Fortress 2

The magazine's principal feature examines the forthcoming return of the much-anticipated team-based multiplayer shooter.

The photographed introduction describes it as an explosive return for the series.

A large interior image depicts the Heavy standing in an industrial-style environment, carrying his minigun.

Visible details include:

• The Heavy's red uniform.

• His ammunition belt and black vest.

• Industrial buildings and equipment.

• Large weapon detailing.

• The game's distinctive cartoon-like visual design.

This feature is particularly notable because Team Fortress 2 had undergone a long development period before finally appearing in 2007.

The magazine captures the game's emerging visual identity and the excitement surrounding its return.

For collectors, it provides an interesting piece of Team Fortress 2's pre-release history.

World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

Page 20 – World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

An early feature exploring Blizzard Entertainment's highly anticipated first expansion for World of Warcraft.

The front cover advertises exclusive gameplay information.

The magazine was published before the expansion's January 2007 launch, making the feature a contemporary preview of an important release in MMORPG history.

The Burning Crusade introduced players to Outland and became a significant chapter in the development of World of Warcraft.

This issue is therefore of additional interest to Warcraft collectors and fans of classic online PC gaming.

Company of Heroes

Page 78 – Company of Heroes

A review of Relic Entertainment's acclaimed Second World War real-time strategy game.

The photographed contents page features an image showing two soldiers in military uniforms and helmets.

The article covers one of the major PC strategy releases of 2006.

Company of Heroes became particularly notable for its tactical combat, destructible environments and detailed representation of Second World War battlefields.

The magazine's review offers an original contemporary perspective from the period of the game's release.

LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy

Page 62 – LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy

One of the prominently illustrated features in the photographed magazine.

The opening pages feature a colourful collection of LEGO Star Wars characters inside a spaceship-style environment.

Recognisable elements include:

• LEGO-style Star Wars characters.

• A blue-and-white R2-D2 figure.

• A brown-robed Jedi-style character.

• A princess character in white.

• Additional figures positioned around the scene.

• Detailed LEGO-inspired interior surroundings.

The article covers the second LEGO Star Wars video game, based on the original Star Wars film trilogy.

This feature is especially attractive for collectors interested in the early LEGO Star Wars gaming franchise.

The magazine advertises the review with a humorous headline referencing the characters' distinctive LEGO arms.

Assassin's Creed – Early Preview

Page 42 – Assassin's Creed

An important early feature covering Ubisoft's forthcoming action-adventure title.

The photographed contents page displays large artwork showing several hooded and armoured figures associated with the game's medieval setting.

The headline reads:

FIRST LOOK – ASSASSIN'S CREED

The accompanying text references the creators of Prince of Persia and the game's medieval-style characters and weapons.

The artwork includes:

• Hooded figures wearing pale and dark clothing.

• Protective armour.

• Medieval-style weapons.

• A prominent central figure.

• A dramatic grey and blue colour scheme.

This is an interesting pre-release feature from before Assassin's Creed became an established gaming franchise.

For collectors of Ubisoft games and Assassin's Creed memorabilia, the magazine provides a contemporary look at the beginning of the series.

GTR 2 – Racing Simulation

Page 70 – GTR 2

The photographed contents page includes a review of the acclaimed motorsport simulation.

A screenshot shows an orange racing car driving around a circuit.

The image features racing barriers, trackside scenery and the realistic car modelling associated with the game.

GTR 2 was an important release for enthusiasts of serious PC racing simulations.

This feature will appeal to collectors of classic motorsport and racing games.

Battlefield 2142

Page 49 – Battlefield 2142

Coverage of Electronic Arts' futuristic entry in the Battlefield franchise.

The issue was published around the original game's release period.

Page 140 – Developer's Commentary: Battlefield 2

A separate feature examining Battlefield 2.

The photographed contents page shows an image from a military-themed environment accompanying the developer commentary.

These articles give the issue additional appeal for collectors of the Battlefield series.

Additional Games and Features

The photographed contents page identifies a particularly extensive selection of gaming features.

Upfront Features

• Page 18 – Special Report: Who Killed E3?

• Page 20 – World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

• Page 24 – Scarface

• Page 26 – Defcon

• Page 30 – What Vista Means to You

• Page 35 – The Professionals

• Page 37 – The Man Who Knows

• Page 38 – Medieval 2

• Page 42 – Assassin's Creed

• Page 48 – Guild Wars: Nightfall

• Page 50 – Owl Battlefield 2142

• Page 52 – Half-Life 2: Episode Two

• Page 55 – Portal

• Page 56 – Team Fortress 2

The inclusion of Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Portal and Team Fortress 2 is especially interesting because all three later appeared together in Valve's celebrated Orange Box collection.

This issue documents these titles during their pre-release development and promotional period.

Main Game Reviews

The magazine includes reviews covering a broad range of genres.

• Page 62 – LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy

• Page 66 – Call of Juarez

• Page 70 – GTR 2

• Page 73 – Bliss Island

• Page 74 – Birth of America

• Page 74 – Reservoir Dogs

• Page 75 – U-Boat: Battle in the Mediterranean

• Page 78 – Company of Heroes

• Page 82 – Dungeon Siege II: Broken World

• Page 83 – LMA Manager 2007

• Page 83 – Premier Manager 2006–2007

• Page 84 – DropTeam

• Page 84 – Warpath

• Page 86 – Heroes of Annihilated Empires

• Page 88 – Indie Zone

These titles cover first-person shooters, strategy games, racing simulations, sports management, historical warfare and adventure gaming.

Special Report – Who Killed E3?

Page 18 – Special Report: Who Killed E3?

An editorial feature examining changes surrounding the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

The photographed contents page includes a photograph showing attendees at an entertainment industry event.

This is an interesting historical article reflecting concerns and developments within the video game industry during 2006.

Windows Vista – What It Means to You

Page 30 – What Vista Means to You

An early examination of Microsoft's forthcoming Windows Vista operating system.

The contents page includes a screenshot showing a computer interface.

The article offers a period perspective on how Windows Vista might affect computer users and PC gamers.

Particularly interesting for enthusiasts of retro PC hardware, operating systems and software history.

PC Hardware and Technical Features

Alongside its extensive games coverage, PC Zone includes regular computing and hardware sections.

Hardware

• Page 97 – News

• Page 98 – Reviews

• Page 100 – How To...

• Page 102 – Dear Wandy

• Page 106 – Watchdog

• Page 108 – Buyer's Guide

These features provide historical information about gaming hardware, PC components and purchasing advice from late 2006.

Freeplay – Free Games, Demos and Modifications

Page 112 onwards

The magazine includes a dedicated Freeplay section exploring game demos, freeware and modifications.

The photographed contents identify:

• Page 112 – Playable Demos

• Page 114 – F.E.A.R. Combat, Penumbra Interview

• Page 116 – Budget Compo, Drawn to Be Alive

• Page 118 – Freeware

• Page 120 – Unwheel R5, USKARRS

• Page 122 – Surreal II, Obsidian Conflict

• Page 126 – Fight Club

The illustrated contents section advertises a games competition and shows images associated with Dark Messiah of Might and Magic and other PC titles.

These articles offer an interesting record of the freeware and game modification communities during the 2000s.

Important: These are printed editorial features. No separate demo discs, game discs or software are included with this listing.

Retro Gaming and Regular Editorial

The issue also includes several regular departments.

• Page 130 – Retro Zone

• Page 135 – NeverQuest

• Page 136 – Total War: Eras

• Page 140 – Developer's Commentary

• Page 144 – Supertest

NeverQuest

The photographed introductory page features a humorous NeverQuest extract accompanied by an image of LEGO Star Wars characters.

This reflects PC Zone's characteristic satirical approach to computer gaming journalism.

Introduction by Jamie Sefton

The photographed opening editorial is written by Jamie Sefton, identified as editor of PC Zone.

The column is titled Show Shame.

It discusses the state of the gaming industry, the Games Convention, E3 and the changing landscape of computer gaming events.

The article also mentions several contemporary games, including Crysis and World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.

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

This is part of the magazine's original printed design and does not indicate that the magazine has been personally autographed.

Publication Details

Magazine: PC Zone

Issue: 173

Publication Date: November 2006

Original UK Cover Price: £5.99

Publisher: Future

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed PC Gaming Magazine

Main Cover Feature: Team Fortress 2

Other Major Features: World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, Company of Heroes, Assassin's Creed, LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, GTR 2, Battlefield 2142, Portal and Half-Life 2: Episode Two.

SKU: 1587

Condition – Please Read Carefully

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

The photographs show the actual magazine available for purchase.

Front Cover

The original Team Fortress 2 cover is present and retains strong, colourful artwork.

Visible condition details include:

• Surface rubbing and light scratches across the glossy front cover.

• Some noticeable scuffing, particularly in the darker printed areas.

• Light handling creases.

• Wear along the outer edges.

• Some corner rubbing and slight bending.

• More noticeable wear at the bottom-left corner near the spine, where the cover edge appears creased and slightly rough.

• Minor wear along the bottom edge.

• Slight curling and unevenness along the upper edge.

The central character artwork and large Team Fortress 2 headline remain clearly visible.

Spine and Binding

• The spine is present.

• There is visible rubbing along the spine edge.

• Some minor creasing and wear are evident near the lower spine.

• The photographed interior sections remain attached.

• The magazine opens normally in the photographs.

Interior Pages

• The photographed pages remain colourful and readable.

• Some light page curling and handling wear are visible.

• The page edges show minor signs of storage.

• No major tears are apparent in the interior pages photographed.

• Printed illustrations, screenshots and text remain generally clear.

Overall Assessment

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

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

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully before purchasing, as they form part of the condition description.

Important – Missing Original Extras

This listing includes the printed magazine shown in the photographs only.

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

No separate games, software, activation codes or downloadable content are supplied.

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

You are purchasing the original printed PC Zone magazine only.

Packaging and Delivery

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

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during overseas delivery.

Ideal For Collectors Of

• PC Zone magazine.

• Original British PC gaming publications.

• PC Zone Issue 173.

• November 2006 video game magazines.

• Team Fortress 2.

• Valve Software and Valve gaming memorabilia.

• The Orange Box.

• Portal and Half-Life 2.

• World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.

• Blizzard Entertainment.

• Company of Heroes.

• Assassin's Creed.

• Ubisoft gaming history.

• LEGO Star Wars II.

• GTR 2 racing simulations.

• Battlefield 2142.

• Retro PC gaming.

• Classic video game reviews and previews.

• Early-2000s gaming journalism.

• Computer games and technology nostalgia.

An original November 2006 PC Zone Magazine, Issue 173, featuring a memorable Team Fortress 2 cover and extensive pre-release coverage of some of the most significant PC gaming titles of the period.

A desirable addition to a collection of retro PC gaming magazines, particularly for enthusiasts of Team Fortress 2, Valve and mid-2000s computer gaming history.

You will receive the actual magazine pictured.

SKU: 1587