Macintosh Game News (Past News)

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Listed below are past news about Macintosh games in Japan and world-wide. Note: Links with * are for Japanese page. Some versions and links in this page may outdated.

News of May, 1998

5/29/98 (Fri)

MacSoft's Revenues Increased by 151%, Appealing to Other Game Developers

MacSoft (GT Interactive Software) announced that its Macintosh revenues increased 151% during the first quarter of 1998 compared to the first quarter of 1997. Apple Computer covered this news as a "Good News for Mac Games Developers" in their Developer site. That news, along with iMac promotion, appeals to game developers to jump into Mac market. (Source: Macintosh WIRE*)
Followup: This announcement is now available as a press release from MacSoft.

MacPipes Updated to 2.2.4

Factor Software has updated MacPipes to version 2.2.4. MacPipes is a puzzle arcade game where player must build a pipeline of a given length using randomly-given parts in a given time. Version 2.2.4 improves user interface such as dialogs. File size is 738 KB. Requires 68020 or better, System 7.0.1 or later (7.5 or later recommended), free memory 1.2 MB or larger, 256 colors or better, Sound Manager 3.0 or later (3.2 or later for PowerPC). Shareware $5. (Source: MacUpdate.com)

5/28/98 (Thu)

MDK Finally Shipped after Delayed Duplication

According to retail stores in USA, Playmates Interactive Entertainment finally shipped MDK. MDK, developed by Shiny Entertainment and ported by Shockwave Software, is a 3D shooting action game featuring high quality, unique and fantastic graphics and game play with fast pace. Although the golden master was finished early in March, the production has said to be delayed for marketing reason. Requires PowerPC/100 MHz or faster with L2 cache, System 7.5 or later, RAM 16 MB or larger, free HD 3 MB or larger.

Humongous Entertainment Announces New Kid's Games at E3

Humongous Entertainment announces following game titles at E3 Expo (booth 5626) in Atlanta:

-- Pajama Sam 2: Thunder and Lightning Aren't So Frightening: Adventure game for kids where player as Sam fixes the weather machine. To be released in July.
-- Backyard Soccer: Soccer game for kids where player forms, manages a soccer team and plays with them. To be released in September.
-- Putt-Putt Enters The Race: Kid's adventure game where player gathers objects to enter the race with Putt-Putt. To be released early in 1999.

Humongous Entertainment also announces preschool entertainment titles based on popular TV series; Blue's Clues: Blue's Birthday Adventure and Blue's Clues: Blue's ABC Time Activities.
(Source: Humongous Entertainment Press Release)

Links LS Updated to 1.1, Now Supports 640 x 480 Resolution

Access Software has updated Links LS to version 1.1. Links LS is a golf simulation game featuring beautiful 3D graphics and network play. Version 1.1 adds 640 x 480 display support, improves Internet networking, and adds printing of course and player statistics. Updater size is 1.5 MB (more info). The demo version has not been updated yet.

Starbound II Updated to 0.85

Catfish Software has updated Starbound II, a networkable strategic space conquest game with many features, to version 0.85. Version 0.85 fixes several bugs. Currently, only PowerPC version is available and 68K version is comming soon. File size is 8.1 MB (more info). Catfish also working on version 0.90 which will have improved AI. Shareware $20.

5/27/98 (Wed)

Simon & Schuster Announces New Games at E3

Simon & Schuster Interactive announces following game titles at E3 Expo (booth 166) in Atlanta:

-- Star Trek: Starship Creator: Interactive game where player, as a Starfleet Admiral, designs, builds, staffs, and launches Starships. To be released this fall.
-- Sabrina, The Teenage Witch: Spellbound: Interactive game based on the hit TV show "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch".

Simon & Schuster also announces Mac version of Starship Titanic and new titles of Richard Scarry children's CD-ROM series.
(Source: Simon & Schuster Interactive Press Release)

Battle for the Planets Updated to 2.1.1

Misty Software has updated Battle for the Planets to version 2.1.1. Battle for the Planets is a networkable shooting conquest game like Asteroids but features more strategic game play thanks to the large galaxy map that consists several solar systems and stations/bases to repair and resupply. Version 2.1.1 fixes some bugs and improves the opponents tracker dialog using NetSprocket. Size of the full version is 2.6 MB (more info). Shareware $20

QuickTime 3 Japanese Version Released

Apple Japan* has released Japanese version of QuickTime 3*. QuickTime 3 contains various new features such as new music instruments module supporting GM/GS format, new codecs/formats. The Japanese version includes Japanese documents and menus/dialogs. Note that English version also well plays Japanese movies under Japanese Mac OS so the Japanese QuickTime 3 is not essential to play Japanese contents. File Size is 8.7 MB (more info*). Freeware. Upgrading to QuickTime 3 Pro Japanese version* costs $29.99 per machine.
(Source: Apple Japan Press Release*)
Followup: As of 5/27, the server is very loaded and you'd better download later in the day if you failed.

5/26/98 (Tue)

X-Plane 4.0 to Support 3Dfx

Laminar Research announced X-Plane 4.0, an upcoming version of comprehensive civilian flight simulator, will support 3Dfx cards. X-Plane 4.0 features beautiful texture-mapped graphics but it needed, in previous specification, an expensive OpenGL graphic card such as ATI Rage Pro. To adapt the program to 3Dfx API, Laminar Research is developing a proprietary menuing/windowing system, that will be included in the next public beta version, Beta-14. Voodoo and Voodoo 2 chipset are said to be supported but Voodoo 2 support of Macintosh version is not clearly mentioned. Full retail version of X-Plane 4.0 will be available in this summer.

5/25/98 (Mon)

Adventure Simulation Game "ROAD" Trailer Demo Posted

Karakuri Yugidan* posted trailer demo program of upcoming "ROAD*". ROAD is an adventure/simulation game featuring anime/manga-style characters performed by voice actors of Walking in Space 2*, a production house for audio-drama. The trailer demo contains brief introduction of the game. Size of the trailer is 729 KB*. Requires PowerPC, free memory 7 MB or larger. The game will be released on June 10 as freeware. Japanese software.

5/24/98 (Sun)

3-D Ultra Pinball Collector's Edition to be Released in May

Dynamix and Sierra On-Line release 3-D Ultra Pinball Collector's Edition in May. 3-D Ultra Pinball is a series of pinball games featuring 3D perspective table graphics and large-scaled adventurous stories. The Collector's Edition is a bundle pack of 3-D Ultra Pinball series that contains following titles:

-- 3-D Ultra Pinball
-- 3-D Ultra Pinball: Creep Night
-- 3-D Ultra Pinball: The Lost Continent
-- The Incredible Machine 3.0

Berkeley Systems to Announce New Games at E3

Berkeley Systems will announce following game titles at E3 Expo (booth 1651) in Atlanta:

-- After Dark Game Pack: Collection of games featuring well-known characters in After Dark modules. To be released in November.
-- YOU DON'T KNOW JACK Volume 4: Fourth installment of hilarious quiz game series. To be released in November.
-- Don't Touch That Dial!: Quiz game based on advertisement of various products. To be released in October.
-- YOU DON'T KNOW JACK The Irreverent Collection: Collection of hilarious quiz games contains YOU DON'T KNOW JACK series through Vol. 4. To be released in November.
-- HeadRush: Pop culture trivia game for teens. To be released in August.

(Source: Berkeley Systems Press Release)

5/23/98 (Sat)

Bungie Announced Myth II: Soulblighter

Bungie Software Products announced Myth II: Soulblighter. It is the sequel to Myth, The Fallen Lords, a popular 3D fantasy strategy simulation game, featuring many improvements in game engine and game play such as new graphic/sound effects, new units/terrains, and network refinements. Requires PowerPC/120 MHz or faster, System 7.5 or later, RAM 16 MB or larger, CD-ROM 2x or faster. No release date has been given. (Source: Mach One*, IMG)

New Flight Simulator "FLY!" in Development for Late 1998 Release

Gathering of Developers, a developer-driven game publisher, and Terminal Reality, a developer known for Terminal Velocity, announced upcoming flight simulator "FLY!". It is a general aviation simulator focused on light aircrafts featuring not only accurate flight model but also fully functioning cockpit items and avionics including various switches and circuit breakers, which is intended to appeal advanced users and student pilots as well as beginners. Expected to release in late 1998. (Source: Mach One*, Tikkabik)
Followup: According to Terminal Reality, the expected release date of FLY! is sometime in November.

5/22/98 (Fri)

Soap Bubble Arcade Game "ShabongClub" English Version

Kijibato has released English version of ShabongClub 0.90b. ShabongClub is a unique arcade game where player makes soap bubbles by pressing keyboard/mouse or simply blowing into microphone. Player must make as greater and as many bubbles as possible in a given period. File size is 141 KB (more info). Freeware.

STAR FIGHT-FINAL English Version Updated to 1.02

Cool Breeze STUDIO* has updated English version of STAR FIGHT-FINAL* to 1.02. STAR FIGHT-FINAL is a classical 2D side scrolling shooting arcade game featuring a variety of power-up items and unique enemy characters. Version 1.02 improves performance and changes some graphics. File size is 1.7 MB. 68LC040 or better, System 7.5.3 or later, free memory 3 MB or larger. Shareware $12.
Followup: As of June 9, STAR FIGHT-FINAL English Version has been updated to 1.1.0.

Vote for F/A-18 Korea Mission Contest

Graphic Simulations has started the voting for Korea Mission Contest. The contest is for F/A-18 Korea mission files submitted by users. F/A-18 Korea users can download some missions from 44 entries and choose best three missions from them. The voting is running through June 22. Go to GSC Contest page for more information.

5/21/98 (Thu)

Tetris-Type Puzzle Arcade "Cool!"

Relax Software has released Cool!. It is a Tetris-type puzzle arcade game where player must line up 3 or more pool balls of some sort to clear them. File size is 1.8 MB (more info). PowerPC/66 MHz or faster, System 7.5 or later, free memory 6 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better. Shareware $15. (Source: Tikkabik)

Monkey Shines Updated to 1.2

Fantasoft has updated Monkey Shines to version 1.2. Monkey Shines is a 2D arcade game where player controls Bonzo the monkey to explore the dungeon avoiding enemy characters. Version 1.2 fixes bugs with Mac OS 8.1 Extended Format volumes, adds resolution switching using DrawSprocket, and adds support for various input devices using InputSprocket. Full version size is 6.7 MB. Requires 68020 or better, System 7.1 or later, free memory 4.9 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. Sound Manager 3.1 or later recommended. Shareware $20. Note that 68K users are recommended to use Monkey Shines 1.1.2 because the final version of InputSprocket is not compatible with 68K Macs.

Nanosaur Updated to 1.0.2

Pangea Software has updated Nanosaur, a 3D shooting action game set in the dinosaur world, to version 1.0.2. No information about this update is given yet. Updater size is 134 KB (more info). New users must download the updater along with full version 1.0 (more info).
Followup: As of June 5, Nanosaur has been updated to version 1.0.4.

5/20/98 (Wed)

Followup: Japanese Version of MacAttack also Updated to 1.9.8J

While English version of MacAttack (developer: New Reality Entertainment) has just been updated, its Japanese version* (localizer: Bridge 1 Software*) also has been updated to 1.9.8J. Version 1.9.8J fixes the hang up on Japanese Mac OS 8.1. Full version size is 1.2 MB* (more info*). shareware ¥2,000. (Source: Macintosh WIRE*, Mach One*)

New Adventure Game "Orb" in Development

eko Entertainment announced they have begun developing Orb. Orb is a Myst-type adventure game taking full advantage of QuickTime VR and QuickTime 3. They are accepting pre-orders for $39.95. Demo version will be finished by around August. (Source: EvangeList)

5/19/98 (Tue)

MacAttack Updated to 1.98

New Reality Entertainment has updated MacAttack to version 1.98. MacAttack is a Tempest-style 2D shooting arcade game with easy mouse control where player shoots enemy characters running down the space of perspective view. Version 1.98 fixes the hang up on Mac OS 8.1. Requires any Macintosh with Color QuickDraw, System 6.07 or later, free RAM 1.5 MB or larger. Updater size is 176 KB (more info). Full version size is 1.2 MB (more info). shareware $15.

5/18/98 (Mon)

X-Plane 4.0 Public Beta Updated to Beta-13

Laminar Research has updated public beta version of upcoming X-Plane 4.0, a comprehensive civilian flight simulator featuring texture mapped 3D graphics, to Beta-13. No information about the update has been given. The file size of the beta updater for 3.x users is 19.7 MB (more info). The beta demo size is 21.4 MB (more info). If you have trouble in downloading and decoding the archive, you'd better download it as MacBinary file and decode the file as BinHex. Requires PowerPC/100 MHz or faster, RAM 64 MB or larger, free HD 80 MB or larger, Display 800 x 600 or better, OpenGL 3D card, English Text-to-Speech. Full retail version will be available this summer. (Source: MacUpdate.com, Version Tracker)

Sniping Simulation "Kokkyo Keibi" 3.0.0

HarumanX* has released Kokkyo Keibi* (Border Guard) 3.0.0. Kokkyo Keibi is a night sniping simulation game with the realistic sighting device. Although the background of the game has an inhumane theme where player as an imperial border guard snipes nonresistant civilians including young children and aged people, the audio and the visual are not so cluel since graphics are not conspicuous and there are no screaming and few splatter in the game. File size is 50 KB* (MacLHA* is needed to expand the archive). 68LC040 or better, Japanese System 7.1 or later. Freeware. It is Japanese software but somewhat playable for non-Japanese users.

12th Installment of Train Simulator Series to be Released on July 1

PONYCANYON* releases Train Simulator: Hanshin Electric Railway* on July 1. Train Simulator is a series of realistic train driving simulators where player can drives a real world train in various locations. It is developed by Ongakukan*, a software house founded by Minoru Mukaiya who is musician and most popular train enthusiast. The 12th installment "Hanshin Electric Railway" features New Jet Car, a high performance train with latest technology, and a variation of schedules to drive. Requires Japanese Mac OS. Preorder* is available now for ¥5,800. Japanese software.
Ongakukan is also working on the 13th installment of the series* featuring JR Hokkaido.

5/17/98 (Sun)

QuakeWorld Server Beta 1 Posted

Westlake Interactive posted public beta version of QuakeWorld Server 2.11b1. QuakeWorld Server is the server add-on for QuakeWorld, an optimized head-to-head only version of Quake. File size is 288 KB. Requires full retail version of Quake and beta version of QuakeWorld. Note that no technical support is provided although Westlake Interactive accepts bug reports. (Source: Westlake Interactive News)
Followup: As of June 8, QuakeWorld Server has been updated to 2.21b1.

Daikogun Shogi Updated to 1.0.1

RakuSoftware* has updated Daikogun Shogi*, simplified military board game using chess-like grid board and tokens of various sorts, to version 1.0.1. The new version fixes a bug causing freeze at quitting. Full version size is 565 KB*. Shareware ¥1,500. Japanese software.

Journeyman Project 3 Japanese Version to be Released on July 23

INTERPROG* releases Japanese version of Journeyman Project 3: Legacy of Time* on July 23. Legacy of Time (developer: Presto Studios, USA publisher: Red Orb Entertainment) is an adventure game with a theme of time travel and historical exploration featuring excellent story and elaborate puzzles as well as 360-digree first person perspective graphics and cinematic movie scenes. Requires PowerPC/80 MHz or better, Japanese System 7.5 or later (compatible with Japanese Mac OS 8.0/8.1), free memory 10 MB or larger, free HD 70 MB or larger, CD-ROM 4x or faster, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better.

5/16/98 (Sat)

Warbirds Online Scenario/Event "Point Blank" to be Held from June 10

iMagic Online holds Point Blank, a Warbirds online scenario/event, from June 10 through June 27. Point Blank is a large-scaled online event for Warbirds online users that is modeling on the greatest WWII European air operations in 1943. The scenario consists two simultaneous scenarios; "Northern Euro", high altitude level-bomber attacks/defenses, and "Southern Euro", lower altitude medium/fighter bomber ground supports/defenses.
The operation starts on every Wednesday at 21:30 (24:30 GMT) and on every Saturday at 15:00 (19:00 GMT). One who want to participate the event must register at Pointblank Registration Page by May 22. Go to Point Blank page for more information. Also go to iMagic Online WarBirds page for more information about Warbirds.
Followup: You need the latest version 2.01r1 of Warbirds to participate Point Blank. As of June 6, updaters from 2.01r0 to 2.01r1 are available from iMagic Online FTP site.

5/15/98 (Fri)

Starbound II 0.80 Released

Catfish Software has released Starbound II 0.80. Starbound II is a networkable strategic space conquest game which has various features including space battle, ground battle, colony development, diplomacy, and many others. It seems to be very complex and difficult game, but player can select features to apply to each game and can choose combat style from arcade style, strategic, real time, or even calculated according to the skill and the preference. Also player can choose from six races with deferent cultures and military styles although only two races are available at this point. Currently, only PowerPC version is available and 68K version is comming soon. File size is 14.0 MB (more info). Shareware $20.
Followup: As of May 28, Starbound II has been updated to version 0.85.

Cobra Gunship Updated to Version 1.3.2

Elysium Digital has updated Cobra Gunship to version 1.3.2. Cobra Gunship is a 2D side-scrolling helicopter shooting game like Choplifter featuring beautiful parallax scrolling graphics and variation of equipment and missions. Version 1.3.2 fixes a bug at startup as well as improves stability. File size of full version is 6.6 MB (more info), updater from 1.x is 777 KB (more info). Requires 68040 or better (PowerPC 604/150 MHz or better recommended), System 7.1 or later, free memory 10 MB or larger, 680 x 480/256 colors or better. Shareware $21. (Source: Version Tracker)

Hang2000, the Newest Version of Popular Word Game "Hangman"

Ken Winograd and Space-Time Associates has released Hang2000. Hang2000 is the newest version of Hangman, a popular classic word game, featuring colorful improved graphics and the information area for educational purpose. It also makes speech using PlainTalk speech synthesizer although it sometime makes wrong pronunciation especially in proper nouns. In the game, player chooses the letters used in a hidden word and a certain number of mistakes forces a man in the picture to be hanged. The word for each game is randomly chosen from word lists of various categories or custom word list, or directly entered from the dialog box. File size is 378 KB. Shareware $20. (Source: Version Tracker)

5/14/98 (Thu)

MGUR Tracker, the New Version Tracking Service for Mac Game Utilities

Mac Game Utility Resource (MGUR) has opened The MGUR Tracker page. MGUR Tracker is a software/version list of Macintosh game utilities such as map editors, cheater programs, sound replacement utilities, etc., where newly released/updated Macintosh game utility titles are listed along with brief descriptions, latest versions, release dates, prices, as well as link for related home page and download. Check out the MGUR Tracker page daily if you are a scenario or map creator.

5/13/98 (Wed)

Dragon's Lair DVD-ROM to be Released in June

Digital Leisure releases Dragon's Lair DVD-ROM in June. Dragon's Lair is a classic interactive LaserDisk game for arcade whose Macintosh CD-ROM edition is available for long but somewhat lower in quality. The DVD-ROM edition is a complete reproduction of original arcade version thanks to high quality MPEG-2/AC-3 video/audio contents including missing scenes in old CD-ROM edition. Requires CoolDVD DVD-ROM upgrade kit from E4 (also requires Power Macintosh G3 and Mac OS 8.1). No information about compatibility with PowerBook G3 Series (equipped with DVD-ROM drive) is given.

5/12/98 (Tue)

DrawSprocket 1.1.3 GM Released for Developers

Apple Computer has released DrawSprocket 1.1.3 GM for developers. DrawSprocket is a drawing library of Apple's Game Sprockets which is used in some recent games such as Astrorock 2000 and Diablo. No information about this update is given yet and only a developer's kit is available now. But sources said that the latest version is already included in Diablo. File size of DrawSprocket 1.1.3 GM developer's kit is 1.5 MB (more info). (Source: Mach One*)

Poker Dice Released

Candy House* has released Poker Dice. It is a poker dice game played against computer opponents. Player rolls 5 dice to make poker hand (except straight). Each player has 3 rolls but player must consider whether additional rolls are valuable because additional rolls cost much more chips to bet. File size is 393 KB (more info*). Shareware ¥1,000. The software itself is in English but users must read Japanese Read Me to register. (Source: Macintosh WIRE*)
Followup: As of 5/26, Poker Dice has been updated to version 1.0.1. File size is now 447 KB.

Hyperspeed Screenshots Posted

Yellow Lemon Software posted screenshots of upcoming Hyperspeed. It is an 2D shooting arcade game like invaders or galaxian featuring various aliens, powerful weapons, and stereo sound. Yellow Lemon Software is recruiting beta testers of Hyperspeed. Contact to yls@kagi.com for more information. Requires PowerPC.

5/11/98 (Mon)

Cricket v3.0 Released

G.E.Randall has released Cricket v3.0. Cricket is a simulation of English most popular sport of same name. Like baseball, the cricket is played by a bowler (like pitcher), a keeper (like catcher), fielders, a batter, and a runner where the batter scores by hitting a ball and running between two wickets. The new version of Cricket v3.0 features 7 international teams each of which consists real-world top players. Demo size is 896 KB. Requires 68040 or better, System 7.0 or later, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. Available directly in E-mail delivery for £15.

Fast Smack 'Em 2.0 Released

Hard Core Game Design has released Fast Smack 'Em 2.0. Fast Smack 'Em is an arcade game like Whack-A-Mole but the game play is more exiting thanks to Happy Faces that should not be whacked and Goof-O-Meter that counted up at each miss. Version 2.0 let the game play be more fun by restructuring the levels and adding the High Score Table. File size is 862 KB. Requires 68020 or better. Shareware $10.

Elementurn, a New Type Puzzle Game Stack

Kojima Kikaku has released Elementurn. It is a HyperCard stack puzzle game where player rearranges elements in 5 x 5 and make same elements into a line by flipping some in a pattern given randomly. Player can take score at every turn a line is completed, and can take bonus points at completing multiple lines at a time or making the same element into special form such as cross or X. File size is 19 KB* (more info*). Requires HyperCard. Freeware.

Spades Deluxe Released

Freeverse Software has released Spades Deluxe. It is an excellent Spades card game featuring,PlainTalk speech/recognition, various opponent sets, tutorials for beginners, etc., just like their popular Harts Deluxe. File size is 3.3 MB (more info). Shareware $19.95.

Gemjm Released Splash!

Gemjm has released Splash!. It is a Pong-type arcade game where player must save bouncing turtles by platform floating on the sea. The game play is somewhat tedious at the beginning because only one turtle comes at the same time. But more turtles will come at the same time as player gets advanced. File size is 646 KB. Requires color display 640 x 480 or better, Sound Manager 3.0 or later. Shareware $5.

Nanosaur Custom Levels Page Opened

Pangea Software has opened Nanosaur Custom Levels page. This page gathers documents and tools for Nanosaur custom levels. Following files are posted there:

-- Creating Custom Worlds for Nanosaur (58 KB): PDF document file describing process to make custom levels.
-- OreoTerrain 6.0 (497 KB): Map editor for Nanosaur. Freeware.
-- BioOreo Pro 1.0.3: 3DMF animation tool for Nanosour. Demo size is 330 KB. Full version is available directly for $150.

Pangea Software also provides following tools to make custom models:

-- 3DMF Optimizer 2.5.2: 3DMF file optimizer. Demo size is 426 KB. Full version is available directly for $50.
-- 3DMF Linker: 3DMF file manger. Full version is available directly for $25.

5/10/98 (Sun)

Sigma Chess 4.0 Released

LogiSoft has released Sigma Chess 4.0. Sigma Chess is a strong chess program featuring powerful algorithm using large hash table, variety of endgame databases, 2D/3D board graphics with various designs, searching/analyzing game notation database, PGN (Portable Game Notation) file format support, and other goodies to analyze and study chess games. Version 4.0 also features more powerful notation/annotation tools, game collections, more endgame databases, and other user interface improvements. Although the program is not PowerPC native, it is one of the strongest programs on 68K Macs. Requires 68020 or better, System 7.0 or later, free memory 1.4 MB or larger (2 MB or larger recommended), 680 x 480/16 colors or better (256 colors or better recommended). File size of Sigma Chess 4.0 Lite, a limited freeware edition, is 1.1 MB. Full version is available from ChessBase for 98 DM.

5/9/98 (Sat)

B&B Software Updated 2 Game Softwares

B&B Software has updated following game softwares:

-- GopherGolf 3.1.0 (752 KB): 2D miniature golf arcade game featuring unique billiards-like game play and various tricky gimmicks on each course. Version 3.1.0 fixes bugs on Mac OS 8 and the problem on 640 x 480 screen position. Requires Macintosh Plus or better. Shareware $15.
-- Giza 2.1.4 (2.0 MB): 3D first person perspective adventure game where player explores the dungeon in pyramid and gathers pieces of ancient pictures. Version 2.1.4 fixes all known bugs. Requires 68020 or better. Shareware $15.

Kiyoshi Takeuchi Updated 5 Game Softwares

Kiyoshi Takeuchi* has updated following game softwares:

-- Mogura 1.5.4* (525 KB*): Simple Whack-a-Mole arcade game.
-- Daruma 1.2.3* (518 KB*): Puzzle game where player must find out upright dolls and remove them.
-- Nankin-Mushi 1.0.2* (446 KB*): Puzzle game resembles Mine Sweeper but player must find out all bugs in the limited turns.
-- Ajisai 1.0.1* (478 KB*): Puzzle game to solve by rotating pieces.
-- Gammen Suijaku 1.0.1* (491 KB*): Cards game like Concentration (Memory) using cards with face pictures.

Each update is bug fixes and improvements. Each requires 68020 or better. All of them are freeware.

Zero Entertainment Releases AlphaNatix on 5/30

Zero Entertainment releases AlphaNatix: The Urban Legend Edition on 5/30. AlphaNatix is a series of action word puzzle arcade game where player controls a ball to select the letters on a platform for required words. There are various traps and gimmicks in each platform and player must keep the ball from falling. The Urban Legend Edition is the first installment of the series featuring unique themes related to a variety of American urban legends such as "Alligator in the Sewer" and "Kidney Thieves". Requires PowerPC/100 MHz or faster, System 7.5 or later, RAM 16 MB or larger, free HD 12 MB or larger, 256 colors or better, QuickTime 2.5 or later. Shareware.

5/8/98 (Fri)

Handtalk World, an Internet-based Comprehensive Go Service

Harbin Daemon Information has opened Handtalk World, an Internet go server, and released Daemon Internet Go Client (DIGC) 1.1, a client go software for that server. Handtalk World provides various service not only a play room to play or watch games but also ranking list, classroom for beginners, data library, and discussion forum, although many of them are not ready at this point. The DIGC software offers good user interface along with user browser and chat window. File size is 434 KB. Only English version is available now (Japanese, Chinese, and Korean versions are coming soon). Membership is free for the moment.

Daydream Software Posted Traitors Gate Trailer Movie

Daydream Software, known for adventure game Safecracker, posted trailer movie of upcoming Traitors Gate. It is a photo realistic adventure game where player as a great thief must steal a valuable treasure rigidly protected for 500 years. There are large version (53.4 MB) and small version (4.8 MB) of the movie. No more information about release date and platform is given yet.

5/7/98 (Thu)

Apple Announced New PowerBook G3 Series

Apple Computer announced new PowerBook G3 series. The new PowerBook series, known as code name Main Street/Wall Street, is the line of portable Macintoshes with performance and cost well comparable to high-end desktop Macs. It features high performance logic board (bus clock 66 MHz or 83 MHz) capable of backside cash, 2D/3D graphic accelerator (maybe ATI RAGE) with maximum 4 MB of VRAM, and expansion bay capable of DVD-ROM drive, by which it is also sufficient to run cutting edge game softwares. The series has 9 standard configurations ranges from PowerBook G3/233 (estimate $2,299) with 12.1" STN display to PowerBook G3/292 (estimate $5,599) with 14.1" TFT display, but more configurations will be available through BTO (built-to-order). The Apple Store is accepting orders now but 14.1" models will ship from early June.
Apple Computer also announced upcoming low cost (estimate $1,299) all-in-one Macintosh called iMac, that will be available in August.
Followup: The 2D/3D accelerator in the new PowerBook G3 is ATI 3D RAGE LT, which is based on RAGE II.

Divinity, Divine Right, Divine Right LE Updated to 5.1.2

Fantasoft has updated Divinity, Divine Right, and Divine Right LE to version 5.1.2 respectively. Divinity is a scenario development kit for fantasy role playing games using their Realmz world and game system. Divine Right, bundled with Divinity or sold separately, is the scenario player. Divine Right LE is freeware version of Divine Right only for Realmz users. Version 5.1.2 adds Contact Info editor to create contact and version information about scenarios, Race/Spell/Caste Editor to create custom spells/races/castes, and Scenario Restrictions editor to set limits on characters that can play on each scenario. The update also changes several codes and includes other improvements. The updater for Divinity/Divine Right is 2.0 MB (more info). Full version of Divinity is available directly for $65 ($45 for registered Realmz users). Divine Right alone is also available for $25 ($15 for registered Realmz users). The size of Divine Right LE updater is 239 KB, full version is 3.8 MB.
Followup: As of June 4, Divinity, Divine Right, and Divine Right LE have been updated 5.1.3.

5/6/98 (Wed)

Flying Circus, a WWI Flight Simulator, Demo Released

Bullseye Software posted Flying Circus demo. Flying Circus is an upcoming WWI flight simulator with 3D RAVE support. Although the demo version doesn't support Internet play, the first mission of the game can be played. File size is 1.8 MB. Requires PowerPC/180 MB or faster, free memory 7 MB or larger, 512 x 384/32,000 colors or better, QuickDraw 3D, DrawSprocket. 3D RAVE card recommended. No information on availability and price is given.

5/5/98 (Tue)

Simplified Military Board Game "Daikogun Shogi"

RakuSoftware* has released Daikogun Shogi*. It is a simplified military board game using chess-like grid board and tokens of various sorts such as infantries, armors, and other weapons. It features head-to-head play via AppleTalk, assistance for strategic play, saving several initial depositions as files. Requires Japanese System 7.5, 640 x 480/256 colors. File size is 565 KB*. Shareware ¥1,500. Japanese software.
Followup: As of 5/17, Daikogun Shogi has been updated to 1.0.1.

QuakeWorld Beta Updated to 2.11b3, QuakeFinderQW Beta to 1.6b3

Westlake Interactive updated public beta version of QuakeWorld, an optimized head-to-head only edition of Quake, to version 2.11b3. Version 2.11b3 fixes the problem in gamma/brightness control on 3Dfx version, fixes the problem in saving setting files, and improves some dialogs, as well as allows to set file type of sound files properly. Also QuakeFinderQW public beta, bundled with QuakeWorld, has been updated to 1.6b3, that improves the behavior on refreshing and supports user profile such as skin graphics and player name. Beta size is 1.4 MB (more info). QuakeWorld is freeware. QuakeFinderQW is shareware for $15. Note that since QuakeWorld is unsupported product, no technical support is provided. However, Westlake Interactive accepts bug reports.
Followup: As of June 8, QuakeWorld has been updated to 2.21b1 and QuakeFinderQW has been updated to 1.6b4.

Lunar Commando Updated 1.0.4

Smokin' Software has updated Lunar Commando to version 1.0.4. Lunar Commando is sci-fi 2D shooting and arcade game where each stage consists two phases; shooting phase to shoot down incoming saucers and arcade phase to rid the moon base of invading aliens. Version 1.0.4 now becomes shareware rather than FD edition and allows to play all stages as long as 30 days. File size is 1.1 MB. Shareware $10.

5/4/98 (Mon)

True PlayStation Emulator Project by Yockey Domain (Not a Trojan Horse)

While PSX-Emu 0.01d, a Trojan Horse program imitating PlayStation emulator, is annoying, Yockey Domain Software is seriously working on a PlayStation emulator named XMU. XMU is a emulator software that will be port of PSEmu Pro for Windows. Will require PowerPC. Expected to be released as freeware in 1999.
Yockey Domain Software also begins the development of two PlayStation utilities to be the first step to the emulator. QuickTime MDEC is a QuickTime 3 decoder extension for PlayStation MDEC files. Requires PowerPC. Freeware. X-Mount is an Apple CD extension for PlayStation CD-ROMs that allows to view directory contents directly in Finder. Requires 68030 or better. Freeware.

5/3/98 (Sun)

Bubblomania Updated to Version 1.5.3

Jochen De Schepper has updated Bubblomania to version 1.5.3. Bubblomania is a simple arcade game where player controls the needle to crash bubbles coming to the surface. Version 1.5.3 changes the method to register the high score and adds other small changes. File size of small version is 677 KB, full version including all background arts is 1.7 MB (more info). Updater from 1.5.2 is 72 KB (more info). Requires PowerPC. shareware $10. (Source: MGL)

Near-Future Strategy Simulation "LASTWAR" Updated to 1.0.6J

NAGI-P Soft* has updated LASTWAR* to version 1.0.6J. LASTWAR is a simple strategy conquest simulation game set in near future where four countries controls over the world. Player chooses one of the 35 cities to be an independent country and conquers the world through military, economic, and diplomatic strategy. Version 1.0.6J improves default name setting in "Save As..." dialog and adds Mac OS 8 Appearance support (more info*). Size of updater from 1.0.xJ is 138 KB*. Full version size is 2.1 MB*. Requires Japanese System 7.1 or later, free memory 1.5 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. Shareware ¥2,000*. Japanese software.

5/2/98 (Sat)

Falcon 4.0 Development Started

Westlake Interactive announced that Falcon 4.0 development has been started. Falcon 4.0 is the latest installment of Falcon, a popular Flight simulator and air combat simulation of F-16 Falcon. The new version is set in the today's Korean peninsula and will features realistic modeling of F-16 avionics/weapons, photorealistic texture-mapped graphics, and network play. (Source: Westlake Interactive News)

Star Control 3 Released

MacSoft has released Star Control 3. Star Control 3 (original publisher: Accolade) is a networkable space conquest adventure with various aspects such as 3D space combat, colony management, diplomacy, and exploration. Player must unlock the secrets of a lost civilization with help of allied alien races to save the universe from annihilation. Requires PowerPC, System 7.5.3 or later, RAM 12 MB or larger. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $44.95.

Interactive Comics "The Time Trap" Japanese Version Released

Br@in has released The Time Trap Japanese version. The Time Trap is, developed by France-based Index+, a sci-fi interactive comic with a suspence story and a theme of time trip, featuring surprising visual effects and interactivity as well as adventure game-like features such as searching items and playing puzzles/games. Requires 68040/33 MHz or better (PowerPC recommended), Japanese System 7.5 or later, free memory 8 MB or larger, free HD 5 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan.

5/1/98 (Fri)

EV Override Released

Ambrosia Software released Escape Velocity Override. It is a shooting strategy game to be called the sequel to Escape Velocity featuring a brand-new plot, huge universe containing 300 star systems, and new ships/technologies. File size is 6.9 MB (more info). Requires 68040 or better, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. Shareware $25 ($15 for registered Escape Velocity users).
Note: As of 5/1, some mirror sites such as Download.com have the corrupted file. If you encountered some trouble at expanding the archive, you'd better choose other site such as Always Apple (6.9 MB).