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 Some versions and links in this page may outdated.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 June, 1998

6/28/98 (Sun)

Large-Scaled Interactive Adventure "Croisades" Japanese Version Released

Br@in has released Japanese version of Croisades. Croisades is, originally developed by France-based Index+, an interactive adventure game set in era of the crusade, that consists the story part where player walks through a large-scaled story with realisticly-rendered high-quality movies, the enigma part where player solves miseries with theme of history/military/society of medieval Europe, and the reference part that offers a lot of useful hints and background information. The player, as a crusade commander, must carry out a series of missions in order to recover the Holy Sepulcher at Jerusalem. PowerPC Recommended. Requires Japanese System 7.5 or later, free memory 8 MB or larger, free HD 7 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.

Restaurant Management Simulation "The Bistro: Yoshokuyasan Keiei Simulation"

PSD* has released "The Bistro: Yoshokuyasan Keiei Simulation*". The Bistro is a restaurant management simulation game where player, as a owner of a restaurant, decides its location/exterior/interior/layout as well as manages the stock, the floor, and the menu. Requires PowerPC 601/80 MHz or faster, Japanese System 7.5 or later (Mac OS 8.1 compatible), free memory 12 MB or larger, free HD 3 MB or larger (100 MB or larger recommended), 640 x 480/256 colors or better, CD-ROM 2x or faster (4x or faster recommended). Available at retail stores in Japan. Japanese software.

Interactive Horror Adventure "Ochazukenori's Kaiki!! Mushidanshaku-no Yakata"

Inner Brain* has released "Ochazukenori's Kaiki!! Mushidanshaku-no Yakata". It is an interactive horror adventure game by Ochazukenori, Japanese popular cartoonist known for his unique horrible illustration, where player, as a curious girl, explores rooms in a mansion to rescue her friend. It features a variety of horrible events hidden in the rooms. Recommends PowerPC, RAM 32 MB or larger, free HD 5 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better. Requires Japanese System 7.1 or later, CD-ROM 2x or faster, QuickTime 2.5 or later. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan.

6/27/98 (Sat)

Fantasoft Updated Realmz, Divinity, and Other Related Softwares to 5.1.4. Divinity Demo Posted.

Fantasoft has updated Realmz and other related softwares/files as following:

-- Realmz 5.1.4: Fantasy RPG. Added new landscapes and several bug fixes. Updater size is 1.4 MB (more info), full version size is 10.5 MB (more info).
-- Realmz Scenarios: Each scenario has been updated to 5.1.2.
-- Divinity 5.1.4, Divine Right 5.1.4: Scenario development kit using the world and the system of Realmz. Added and changed landscapes/codes. Updater is 2.4 MB (more info).
-- Divinity Manual 5.1.4: New manual for Divinity. 1.7 MB.
-- Divine Right LE 5.1.4: Limited freeware edition of Divine Right for registered Realmz users. Supports new landscapes and codes. 3.8 MB.

Fantasoft also posted Divinity Demo. File size is 4.7 MB. Registered copy of Realmz 5.1.4 and Divine Right LE is also needed.
Followup: As of June 3, Realmz has updated to version 5.1.5.

6/26/98 (Fri)

Unique Fantasy Role Playing Game "Revenge of Monsters"

YellowNail Software '98* has been released Revenge of Monsters*. It is a unique 2D fantasy role playing game where player, as a slime, explores the world and fights against human heroes while evolving into stronger monster. It features the easy operation by mouse or keyboard, the sophisticated user interface, smooth scrolling, and large-scaled scenario/maps. File size is 2.9 MB*. Requires PowerPC, Japanese System 7.1 or later, free memory 5 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. Shareware ¥2,000. Japanese software.
Followup: As of July 12, Revenge of Monsters has been updated to 1.0.3.

6/25/98 (Thu)

Starbound II Updated to 0.91, Add-on Race File "Tonos" Posted

Catfish Software has updated Starbound II, a networkable strategic space conquest game with many features, to version 0.91 and has posted add-on race file "Tonos". No information about the update has been given but the Tonos file requires version 0.91. Currently, only PowerPC version is available and 68K version is coming soon. File size of Starbound II 0.91 is 8.1 MB, Tonos file is 2.3 MB (more info). Shareware $20.
Also Starbound II manuals are updated. The size of Starbound II manuals is 3.5 MB, Starbound II design manuals is 153 KB (more info). Download directly from this page if you are encountered some trouble at downloading the manuals.

Prerelease Event of "Train Simulator: Hanshin Electric Railway" to be Held on July 12

Hanshin Electric Railway holds the prerelease event* of "Train Simulator: Hanshin Electric Railway*", the upcoming train simulator game, on July 12 at Harvis Hall in Osaka. In the event hall, Minoru Mukaiya, the author of Train Simulator series who is also a popular musician, will introduce and demonstrate the game. After the event show, the visitors also ride the train from Osaka to Kobe just like in the game, that is useful for one who is interested in actual trains in the game. The charge for the event along with some lunch is ¥2,700. Go to Hanshin News page* or Train Simulator News page* (sorry both Japanese only) for more information.

The Tower II to be Released on July 10, Site Renewed, and System Requirements Announced

OPeNBooK 9003* put off the Japanese release of The Tower II* until July 10 and renewed The Tower II site*. The Tower II is a new building management simulation game which is the sequel to The Tower (English title "Sim Tower"). It features not only various new items but also features add-on Towerkits that give variation and expansibility to the game. The system requirements has also been announced; PowerPC, Japanese System 7.5 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger (48 MB or larger recommended), free HD 40 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better, CD-ROM (2x or faster recommended).
USA version of The Tower II will be released in this fall as the title "Yoot's Tower" from Sega Entertainment (developer: Yoot Entertainment).

Infinisys Offers their Products for Special Price to Registered Users

Infinisys has special offer of their products for registered users through July 31. They offers several game and creativity softwares. Go to the campaign page* (sorry Japanese page only) for more information.

6/24/98 (Wed)

Sheepshead Demo Posted

Fa. Rasche posted the demo version of Sheepshead. Sheepshead is a German old card game for 4 players using 32 playing cards where player teams up with a partner and takes as many card points as possible. The Sheepshead software is for one human player and three computer players that features variety of rule options and beautiful card graphics. Demo size is 1.6 MB. Full version is available directly for $44 but special price $35 through August.

X-Plane 4.0 Public Beta Updated to Beta-13.7

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-13.7. No information about the update has been given. The file size of the beta updater for 3.x users is 19.9 MB (more info). The beta demo size is 21.7 MB (more info).
Followup: As of July 5, final version of X-Plane 4.0 has been released.

6/23/98 (Tue)

Hardwood Solitaire II Updated to 2.12

Silver Creek has updated Hardwood Solitaire II to version 2.12. Hardwood Solitaire II is a collection of solitaire card games featuring beautiful graphics, sounds and BGMs. No information about the update has been given yet. Demo size PowerPC is 3.1 MB, 68K is 2.9 MB (more info). Requires 68020 or later, RAM 8 MB or larger. Available directly for $24.95. (Source: MacUpdate.com)
Followup: As of July 6, Hardwood Solitair II has been updated to version 2.20.

6/22/98 (Mon)

Beta Testers Required for Ocean Bound, an Upcoming Desert Island Survival Simulation Game

Richard White starts recruiting beta testers of upcoming Ocean Bound. Ocean Bound is a desert island survival simulation game where player must build a village while fighting against wild animals, hostile natives, and starvation. It features as many as 60 full scrolling maps of islands. Requires 68020 or better, System 7.0 or later, free memory 2.5 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. Go to Ocean Bound Testing page for more information.

6/21/98 (Sun)

Bolo Map Editor BMAPEdit 4.0 Released

Carl R. Osterwald has released BMAPEdit 4.0. BMAPEdit is a map editor for Bolo, a popular classic networkable 2D tank battle game, with many features and tools. Version 4.0 includes new drawing tools, MacOS 8 Appearance Manager and Navigation Services support, floating palettes, and other many improvements/fixes. File size is 1,008 KB. Requires 68020 or better, System 7.0 or later, Macintosh Drag and Drop. A PostScript printer is required for printing out. Shareware $10.

Nanosaur Updated to 1.0.5

Pangea Software has updated Nanosaur, a 3D shooting action game set in the dinosaur world, to version 1.0.5. Version 1.0.5 fixes a bug that causes freeze. Updater size is 480 KB (more info). New users must download the updater along with full version 1.0 (more info).

6/20/98 (Sat)

Hameruto Monster 2 Character Design Contest

Eba Planning Office* has opened the character design contest for upcoming "Hameruto Monster 2". Hameruto Monster* is a Tangram-based fantasy puzzle adventure game series featuring well-designed friendly and enemy monsters. Applicants must send character design of ether friendly or enemy monster character in HD or MO. The top 30 winners will be awarded ¥50,000, ¥20,000 or ¥10,000. Go to the contest page* (sorry Japanese only) for more information.

EV-Edit Updated to 3.3

Ben Chess has updated EV-Edit, a scenario editor for Escape Velocity and Escape Velocity Override, to version 3.3. In version 3.3, the Resource ID con be changed in Get Resource Info dialog and parameter limitations are applied to each field. Also it fixes several bugs and problems. Full version size is 719 KB. Shareware $10.

Traditions Updated 1.2.1

Patrice Mallette has updated Traditions to version 1.2.1. Tradition is a text/parameter-based realistic wedding simulation game where player must make more than 10 decisions to bring success to the plan while taking care of budget and stress. No information about the update has been given. Full version size is 6.3 MB. Requires PowerPC. Shareware $10.
Traditions 2.0 also expected to be released soon.

6/19/98 (Fri)

Apple and Bungie to Release "Uber", a Source Code Set for Network Game Developers

Mac OS Rumors reported that Apple Computer and co-developer Bungie Software Products seems to be preparing Uber, a source code set for network game. Uber is, developed chiefly by Chris De Salvo known for Game Sprockets, a cross platform CodeWarrior/CodeWarrior Pro code set that allows game developers to quickly implement networking features such as modem, direct connection, LAN, and Internet into their games. Mac OS version and Windows version are to be released in several days. Also BeOS, Linux, and other OS versions are available soon.

BrightChick 2.0.0J Japanese Version Released

Bridge 1 Software*, a Japnese software localizer and distributer of sharewares, has released Japanese version of BrightChick 2.0.0J*. BrightChick (developer: Mushroom Software) is a cyber-pet software of a chick like Tamagotch. It Features the autofeeder and the editor for more advanced use. Version 2.0.0J is now compatible with Mac OS 8. But the Japanese version doesn't support Plug-In architecture that the English version already supports. File size is 160 KB*. Shareware ¥1,200. Also English version 2.0.0 is available.

6/18/98 (Thu)

X-Plane 4.0 Public Beta Updated to Beta-13.5

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-13.5. No information about the update has been given. The file size of the beta updater for 3.x users is 20.00 MB (more info). The beta demo size is 21.8 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.
Laminar Research also plans to release Beta-14 soon which finally supports 3Dfx cards.
Followup: As of July 5, final version of X-Plane 4.0 has been released, but doesn't support 3Dfx yet.

Release Date of "Train Simulator: Hanshin Electric Railway" Changed to July 17

PONYCANYON* announced that the release date of "Train Simulator: Hanshin Electric Railway*" , the latest installment of popular train simulator game series developed by Ongakukan*, is changed to July 17. PONYCANYON accepts preorder* now for ¥5,800. Japanese software that requires Japanese Mac OS.

6/17/98 (Wed)

Mars Rising Updated to Version 1.0.2

Ambrosia Software has updated Mars Rising to version 1.0.2. Mars Rising is a Xevious-like 2D forward scrolling shooting arcade game featuring various power-ups and cool BGMs. Version 1.0.2 improves error handling, fixes a InputSprocket-related bug that caused freeze, fixes resolution switching problem with multiple monitors, and fixes various bugs as well as optimizes the program. Updater size is 822 KB (more info), Full version size is 5.0 MB (more info). Requires PowerPC (PowerPC 601/80 MHz, PowerPC 603/100 MHz or better recommended), System 7.5.5 or later, free memory 7.4 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better, Sound Manager 3.1 or later. A joystick recommended. Shareware $20.

ColorMind Updated to 1.5.1

Patrice Mallette has updated ColorMind to version 1.5.1. ColorMind is a board game like "MasterMind" or "Hit and Blow" where player must guess a color sequence. Unlike MasterMind, ColorMind doesn't indicate "Blown" colors; only correct colors in the right place are indicated and each wrong color is indicated as "darker" or "lighter". No information about the updated has been given but the game seems to become PowerPC only. Full version size is 1.3 MB. Download as application/x-stuffit file if you are encountered a trouble at downloading since the Content-Type of this file is not set properly. Shareware $5.

Hanemaru! Updated to 2.1

Takaomi* has updated Hanemaru!* to version 2.1. Hanemaru! is a 2D arcade game where player controls bouncing character by mouse and takes a certain number of hearts while avoiding blocks and holes. Version 2.1 fixes an error at entering high score. Full version size is 169 KB*. Requires Japanese System 7.1 or later, 256 colors or better. Freeware but users are required to send a mail to the author. Japanese software.

Puzzle Arcade Game "Torizo" Updated to 1.10J

Takaaki Mizuno* has updated Torizo* to version 1.10J. Torizo is a classic style 2D puzzle arcade game where player must take fruits of the designated sort and amount while exploring the dungeon. Version 1.10J adds high speed mode for smoother play. Full version size is 603 KB*. Requires Japanese System 7.1 or later, 256 colors or better. Freeware. Japanese software.
Followup: As of July 5, Torizo has been updated to 1.20J.

6/16/98 (Tue)

Starbound II Updated to 0.90

Catfish Software has updated Starbound II, a networkable strategic space conquest game with many features, to version 0.90. Version 0.90 fixes many bugs (more info). Currently, only PowerPC version is available and 68K version is coming soon. File size is 8.1 MB (more info). Shareware $20.
Followup: As of June 25, Starbound II has been updated to 0.91.

EV-Edit Updated to 3.2.1

Ben Chess has updated EV-Edit, a scenario editor for Escape Velocity and Escape Velocity Override, to version 3.2.1. Version 3.2.1 fixes several bugs and problems. Full version size is 717 KB. Shareware $10.
Followup: As of June 20, EV-Edit has been updated to 3.3

The X-Files: The Game Shipped

Fox Interactive has released The X-Files: The Game. It is, developed by HyperBole, an interactive adventure game based on a popular TV show "The X-Files" where player, as an agent, assists Special Agents Mulder and Scully in their investigation to solve a mystery case. The game features multi-path storylines, AI-controlled characters, and VirtualCinema game engine for realistic live-action which allows player to become the main character in the story. PowerPC 603/120 MHz or better (180 MHz or faster recommended), System 7.1 or later, free memory 12 MB or larger (18 MB or larger with Virtual Memory off. 32 MB or larger recommended), free HD 250 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better (thousands of colors recommended), CD-ROM 4x or faster (8x or faseter recommended). QuickTime 3.0 and DrawSprocket 1.1.2 or later must be installed. Available as Hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $43.98.

Ultimate Blackjack Updated to 1.3.3, Now Compatible with G3 and Mac OS 8

KT Enterprises has updated Ultimate Blackjack to version 1.3.3. Ultimate Blackjack is a casino-style Black Jack card game and training software featuring various tutorial modes and statistical displays as well as Monte Carlo-style simulation to validate the strategy. Version 1.3.3 adds compatibility with PowerPC G3 and Mac OS 8. Full version size is 422 KB. Requires System 7.0 or later, free memory 1.4 MB or larger. Shareware $10.

Ashcan Updated to 1.5

Jerry Fritschle has updated Ashcan to version 1.5. Ashcan is a simple brain game where player must sink an enemy submarine by guessing its depth accurately. Version 1.5 improves some animation of the game screen and adds 2 player mode that allows the opponent to set the depth. Full version size is 288 KB. Requires System 7.1 or later, QuickTime. Freeware.

Galactic Revolt Updated to 1.01, Fixes Key Setting Problem

Jonas Echterhoff has updated Galactic Revolt to version 1.01. Galactic Revolt is a 2D shooting arcade game featuring 360 degree rotating and scrolling landscapes, 3 scenarios with different themes/graphics/enemies, and editor for custom scenarios. Version 1.01 fixes a bug at creating the preference file and allows to set key configuration properly. One who is still troubled by the key setting problem should delete "Galactic Revolt Prefs" file before running the application. Full version size is 4.6 MB (more info). Requires PowerPC, free memory 4 MB or larger. Shareware $15.