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Silent Hunter 4 announced

It's all going down next spring.

Ubisoft is once again preparing to enter the murky waters of the deep blue, confirming development on Silent Hunter 4: Pacific Wolves, which is the latest instalment in the acclaimed submarine-based series.

We're assuming there aren't any actual wolves involved, but there will be over 15 maps to explore, with unique objectives, missions and rewards to keep things interesting down below.

There's also going to be a new Adversarial Mode, giving would be submarine commanders the chance to link up with up to eight pals via LAN or four over the internet, and engage in massive naval battles.

The single player campaign has also been beefed up a little, and a new crew evolution system means you can applaud your fellow mariners for a job well done, boosting their skills and ultimately creating some sort of elite underwater uber team.

Ubisoft is promising to adhere to the "legendary franchise" by offering lifelike graphics and "spectacular audio/visual effects." We're betting that bubbles rising to the surface of the water have never looked so good.

Silent Hunter 4: Pacific Wolves is scheduled for release on PC during spring 2007. Until then, treat yourself to alook at the launch trailer on EGTV.