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 * lead to Japanese pages. Some of versions and links in this page may be outdated.

News of January, 1999

1/31/99 (Sun)

Interactive Adventure "Dimension Q" Japanese Version Released

ASK* has released Dimension Q Japanese Version* (original title: Iz & Auggie Escape from Dimension Q). Developed by Headbone Interactive, Dimension Q is an interactive adventure game for whole family featuring the unique story line and a variety of puzzles to solve. In the game, a musician girl Iz and a maid robot Auggie explore the wonder world called Dimension Q. Requires 68040/33 MHz or better, Japanese System 7.5 or later, free memory 5 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan.

Myth II: Soulblighter Japanese Version Released

G.A.T.E* has released Myth II: Soulblighter Japanese Version*. It is, developed by Bungie Software Products, 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. Also features high quality cut scenes by AIC, a popular Japanese anime studio known for "Tenchi Muyo". Requires PowerPC/100 MHz or faster (604 or better recommended), Japanese Mac OS 7.6.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger, CD-ROM 4x or faster, modem 28.8 kbps or faster for net play. Supports 3Dfx or ATI 3D accelerators but some problems on RAGE 128 are reported. Available at retail stores in Japan.

1/29/99 (Fri)

Game Updates

-- Dasshutsu Kikai 2.61J* (Rin Brand Entertainment*): Arcade puzzle game where player controls a robot and lead it to the exit. Version 2.61J adds key configuration setting and changes the behavior of the game engine. File Size is 375 KB*. Freeware but users must register to play the full version. Japanese software.

-- aGORA 1.4 (Knowble Design): Networkable 3D fantasy strategy action-style role playing game. Version 1.4 features new graphic effects, 3D RAVE-enhanced maps, improved networking and game play, and other improvements. Updater size is 6.9 MB (more info).

Japan Central Also Offeres Game Wizard for iMac

Japan Central* (Pacific Software Publishing) announced that they distribute Game Wizard for iMac (8 MB)* for Japanese Market in limited amount. Preorder is available for $199 (+$16 shipping). Expected to be shipped in mid-February.

GameStorm Started Air Warrior

Online game provider GameStorm has started the service of Air Warrior. Developed by Kesmai Studios, Air Warrior is an online dogfight simulator featuring aircrafts of various generation such as WWI, WWI, and Korean War. File size of the client software is 9.0 MB. A membership is required to download. The system requirements are not so severe thanks to the rather-old game engine: requires Macintosh LC 475 or better (PowerPC recommended), System 7.1.2 or later, RAM 8 MB or larger (16 MB with free memory 4.5 MB or larger recommended), free HD 27 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better, modem 14.4 kbps or faster, joystick recommended.

1/28/99 (Thu)

Japan Central Shipped Game Wizard 12 MB for Japanese Market

Japan Central* (Pacific Software Publishing) has shipped Game Wizard 12 MB* PCI Voodoo2 card for Japanese market. Japan Central is an interim distributor of Game Wizard and only ships in limited amount for $199, average street price in USA. They has already sold out the initial lot and is ordering additional lot.

1/27/99 (Wed)

Game Updates

-- Bob the Fish 1.5 (Monkey Farm Software): 2D scrolling arcade game with as many as 50 unique levels. Full version file size is 5.9 MB (more info). Shareware $10.

-- GameMaker 2.62 (Al Staffieri Jr.): Card based graphic adventure creation tool. Updater from 2.x is 209 KB (more info).

-- Clan Lord v60 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game. File size is 15.6 MB, updater is 710 KB. Beta version.
Followup: As of February 4, Clan Lord has been updated to v62.

-- X-Plane 4.61 (Laminar Research): Full-featured flight simulator with beautiful texture graphics using Conix OpenGL. Demo/Upgrade file size is 30.8 MB, updater from version 4.6 is 768 KB. {more info)

-- Pac the Man 3.01 (Sebastian Wegner): Packman arcade game. Version 3.01 fixes a bug at getting a fruit. File size of full version with music is 3.9 MB, minimal version without music is 483 KB. Freeware.

Logicware Officially Announced Upcoming Games

Logicware has officially announced the following titles to be released in this year:

-- Heretic II: Latest installment of Heretic/Hexen 3D action adventure series featuring detailed graphics using OpenGL and Quake II engine. The player explores vast world to find a cure to a evil plague. Expected in this summer.

-- Battlezone: Powered-up version of the classic 3D sci-fi action strategy game set in the Solar System. Expected in this summer.

-- Zork Grand Inquisitor: Latest graphic adventure based on classic Zork world. Expected in this spring.

-- Interstate 76: Car battle game set in 70's Southwestern USA. Bundle of Interstate '76 and the expansion Nitro Pack. Expected in this fall.

(Source: Logicware Press Release)

They also announced the porting of the following titles:

-- Quake II (id Software, Activision): High-featured 3D first person shooting game featuring high-quality graphics using OpenGL and fast-paced exiting net play. Expected in this spring.

-- Alien vs. Predator (Fox Interactive): 3D action game combines elements from the films "Alien" and "Predator". Expected in this summer.

According to their statements, Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is expected on February 4, Redneck Rampage is expected on February 24.

Realistic Medical Simulation Game "Emergency Room 2" Released

Legacy Interactive has released Emergency Room 2. Emergency Room 2 is a realistic medical simulation game with 100 cases of various situations where player, as a physician, does examinations, diagnosis and treatments for patients. It features photo real graphics of body parts and injuries, medically accurate databases and a variety of medical devices. Requires PowerPC/100 MHz or faster, Mac OS 7.6 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 or better, QuickTime 3.0 or later. Available directly for $29.95. (Source: IMG)

Full-Featured Networkable Mah Jong Game "AI Mah Jong"

i4* has released AI Mah Jong*. AI Mah Jong is a full-featured networkable Mah Jong game featuring strong and natural computer routine and a variety of rule settings. It includes a license-free client version that allows 4-player network play with one package. Requires PowerPC, Japanese Mac OS 7.5.3 or later (Mac OS 8.5 compatible), free memory 12 MB or larger (32 MB or larger recommended), free HD 20 MB or larger, 800 x 600/256 colors or better. Available at retail stores in Japan. Japanese software.

1/21/99 (Thu)

Game Updates

-- MacChess 5.0 (Wim van Beusekom): Chess program with quick and powerful logic routine. Version 5.0 features additional endgame knowledge, improved interface, and other improvements. File size is 523 KB (more info). Freeware.

-- GameMaker 2.61 (Al Staffieri Jr.): Card based graphic adventure creation tool. Version 2.61 fixes several bugs. Updater from 2.x is 207 KB (more info), the demo of the new version is 144 KB.
Followup: As of January 27, GameMaker has been updated to 2.61.

-- Block'n 97 1.0.0J PPC Version* (MSK Japan Soft Creaters*): Invaders-style breakout arcade game featuring cool animation and multi-ball play. The PPC Version is PowerPC native that improves performance and adds the SUPER and HYPER multi-ball mode. File size is 975 KB*, MacLHA* is required to extract the archive. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Unicycle! 1.4 (Brian Kendall): Humorous unicycle arcade game. Version 1.4 supports Mac OS 8.5. File size is 698 KB. Freeware but users must send a E-mail to the author.

-- SmallWorm 1.4 (Lauri Heikkila): Simple snake arcade game that can work even on oldest Macintosh 128K. Version 1.4 improves AI and interface, adds slowdown items, and allows to select the number of rounds. File size is 10 KB. Freeware.

-- Hyperspeed 1.1 (Yellow Lemon Software): Next generation invaders arcade game featuring a variety of enemies and power-up items. Version 1.1 fixes bugs, adds better multi-screen support, and adds an easy level. File size is 1.1 MB. Shareware $15.

-- Unreal 1.0.2 Beta 3 (Westlake Interactive): High quality 3D first person shooting adventure game. Version 1.0.2 Beta 3 optimizes for Voodoo2 and RAGE 128 as well as fixes bugs around 3D RAVE (PC version 2.20 not supported). Updater size is 1.1 MB (more info).

-- Mac Descent 3Dfx 1.0.5 (Duane Johnson): Unofficial Descent updater that supports 3Dfx. Version 1.0.5 features Voodoo2 support and other improvements. File size is 2.0 MB. Freeware but users must support the anti-car cause (causeware).

-- Deadlock 1.1b3 (MacSoft): Networkable space conquest simulation game. Version 1.1b3 fixes bugs including a crashing and increases the maximum number of objects in a map. Updater size is 1.5 MB (more info).

-- Warbirds 2.5r3 (iMagic Online): WWII flight simulator for net play with various aircraft. Version 2.5r3 supports DrawSprocket and fixes several bugs. File size is 9.3 MB, updater from 2.5r2 is 820 KB (more info).

Klingon Honor Guard Shipped

MacSoft has finally shipped STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION Klingon Honor Guard. Klingon Honor Guard (PC publisher: MicroProse, porting: Westlake Interactive) is a 3D first person perspective shooting game set in the STAR TREK world where player, as a Klingon guard, fights to save the Empire and Gowron. Using Unreal engine, it features unique and detailed 3D world at enough quality to walk through. The game contains more than 20 levels including space stations/starships/alien cities, and ten powerful weapons. Requires PowerPC 603e/180 MHz, PowerPC 604e/150 MHz, or faster, Mac OS 7.6 or later (8.0 or later recommended), RAM 32 MB or larger (64 MB or larger recommended), free HD 250 MB or larger, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Available at retail store in USA or directly for $49.99 (for USA and Canada only).

Plug-In-Type Memory Game "Memo+"

Sephane ARNAUD has released Memo+. Memo+ is a memory game using various pictured cards. It supports plug-ins to customize the card set. The software contains several plug-ins and SDK to make new plug-ins. File size is 912 KB. Shareware $10. Supports both English and French by an option. (Source: Info-Mac)

Enhanced Tic-Tac-Toe Game "DonDen" English Version

RedShirt Studio has released DonDen English Version. DonDen is an enhanced Tic-Tac-Toe board game where player place tokens to make them in a line while moving opponent's tokens, that requires complex strategy to win. It features very strong computer routine. File size is 230 KB. Shareware $5. (Source: Info-Mac)

1/20/99 (Wed)

Westlake Interactive Announced the Port of Railroad Tycoon II

Westlake Interactive announced the start of porting of Total Annihilation. Total Annihilation (Developer: Cavedog Entertainment, Publisher: Varcon Systems, MacSoft) is a highly featured topdown sci-fi real time strategy simulation game featuring true 3D terrain of various landscapes, high quality graphics of units and buildings, and complex strategic elements. Expected late spring but the date is subject to change. (Source: Westlake Interactive News)

Sidestepping Arcade Game "Hampuku Yokotobi"

SCAI Software* has been released Hampuku Yokotobi*. Hampuku Yokotobi is a simple arcade game stack where player steps between lines using mouse clicks. File size is 13 KB* (more info*). Requires HyperCard 2.2.1 or later. Freeware. Japanese software. (Source: Vector*)

Staging Simulation Game "Live Stage Kanzenban"

Takeshi Sakai* has been released Live Stage Kanzenban. It is a simple staging simulation game that is the sequel to Live Stage*, where player takes role of a stage director and use various stage effects to get good evaluation. File size is 951 KB* (more info*). PowerPC recommended. Requires free memory 14 MB or larger, 256 colors or better. Freeware. Japanese software. (Source: Vector*)

Whack-A-Mole Arcade "Christmas-ban Mogura Tataki"

Take the sun soft* has been released "Santa-sankara Moratta Present-o Sorewa Mo Ironna Mononi Kiotsukenagara Dorobokara Mamore Game!!" (aka. "Christmas-ban Mogura Tataki"). It is a Whack-A-Mole arcade game with the theme of Christmas. The player must distinguish the thieves from the Santas and other items and hit them quickly. File size is 624 KB* (more info*). Requires PowerPC. Freeware. Japanese software. (Source: Vector*)

Hamburger Arcade Game "BURGERMANIA"

Chris has been released BURGERMANIA*. BURGERMANIA is an arcade game where player serves hamburgers as fast as possible according to order sheets and recipes. The game play is simple but the player is required precise and speedy mouse operation. File size is 1.8 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software. (Source: Vector*)

1/18/99 (Mon)

Game Updates

-- Nanosaur 1.1 (Pangea Software): 3D dinosaur shooting action game. Version 1.1 supports InputSprocket that allows key customize and joystick control. Updater size for freeware version is 135 KB, 2 MB iMac version is 134 KB (more info).

-- X-Plane 4.6 (Laminar Research): Full-featured flight simulator with beautiful texture graphics using Conix OpenGL. Demo/Upgrade file size is 30.8 MB. (more info)
Followup: As of February 27, X-Plane has been updated to 4.61.

-- Crossword Express 3.4 (AUS-PC-SOFT): Crossword puzzle making tool. Full version file size is 859 KB, updater is 216 KB (more info). Shareware $35.

-- David's Backgammon 2.7.4 (David Byrum): Backgammon game with many features such as various help functions and rule options. Version 2.7.4 improves statistics and fixes several bugs. File size is 262 KB. Shareware $20.

-- Wadtool 1.0.3 (Phaedrus Qtensilius): Texture managing tool for Quake. Version 1.0.3 fixes a Type 2 error at importing new textures. File size is 261 KB. Shareware $10.

Pangea Software Opens Bugdom Page

Pangea Software, well-known for Nanosaur, opens a product page of their upcoming game code-named Bugdom. Bugdom is a 3D action arcade game set in a insect world featuring unique game feeling in a colorful world and beautiful 3D graphics using various effects. On the new page are several screenshots of the upcoming game.

Dirt Bike 3D Finally Released

Brad Quick has released the final version of Dirt Bike 3D. Dirt Bike 3D is the 3D version of popular off-road motorcycle racing game with 3D courses and real time rendering graphics. The new version has several 3D-specific features such as camera control and texture setting, as well as the unique mouse operation, a variety of play modes including the net play, and a built-in course editor. The final version also features Helmet Cam mode and many additional courses. File size is 1,018 KB. Shareware $15. Registered users of the previous 2D version can use the same registration code for the new 3D version.

The Tower II Add-on "The Statue of Liberty" Released

OPeNBooK 9003* has released "Towerkit CD-ROM: The Statue of Liberty*". It is an add-on kit for The Tower II*, the original Japanese version of Yoot Tower, where player redevelops The Statue of Liberty into a resort hotel while takes a role of a boss of two employees. It features role playing-like scenario based on a comical love story and new items such as jazz club and Christmas shop. Requires Japanese version of The Tower II, additional free HD 10 MB or larger (90 MB or larger recommended). Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan.

1/13/99 (Wed)

Ares Now Available for Download Purchase

Changeling Software has re-released Ares as a downloadable product at BuyDirect. Developed by Bigger Planet, Ares is a networkable space strategy and Asteroids-type 2D shooting game where player carries out a variety of missions through strategic operation and high pace shooting action. It features the wide maps with scalability, seamlessly integrated strategy and shooting thanks to dynamically zooming, and the step-by-step tutorial mission to learn the ritch-featured game. The price for download is $30, file size is 12.2 MB (more info). Requires 68040 or better, System 7.5 or later, free memory 3.1 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better, supports large display up to 1000 x 800 (free memory 6 MB required), CD-ROM 2x or faster, QuickTime 2.5 or later. Demo version also available (3.4 MB, more info). The retail version of Ares has been already shipped via limited order.

Shareware Train Simulator "Inokashira-sen Simulator"

Yu Tsukui* has released Inokashira-sen Simulator*. It is a simple train simulator where player drive real-world train running on local section in Tokyo. It contains only short section to play, but features realistic scenery using QuickTime movie. File size is 7.7 MB*. Requires PowerPC, Japanese System 7.1 or later, free memory 10 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better, QuickTime 2.0 or later. Shareware ¥1,200.

2D Puzzle Arcade Game "Escape Beyond 2001"

Foxchange Productions has released Escape Beyond 2001. Escape Beyond 2001 is a new 2D maze and puzzle arcade game of puzzle arcade series such as Crystal Rock and Cave Fox 2001. Player explores 75 level of the tricky cave with a variety of items, enemies, and colored keys. It also features a built-in level editor, an auto solving, items to refer help. File size is 1.3 MB. Requires System 7.0 or later (Mac OS 8.5 supported), RAM 4 MB or larger, free HD 4 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. Shareware $10 (set price for Mr. Cat's Quest, Cave Dig, Crystal Rock, Cave Fox 2001 and Escape Beyond 2001 all together).

1/12/99 (Tue)

Game Updates

-- PPC Gallery 2.1 English Version (Toro's Factory): Shooting gallery arcade game to defeat evil Teddy Bears. Version 2.1 adds new stages. File size is 3.5 MB. Sharewere $3.

-- Cyberopoly 3.0 (John Mauro Software): Monopoly-parody board game where player take over computer companies to conquer the computing industry. File size is 2.7 MB. Shareware $15.

-- David's Backgammon 2.7.2 (David Byrum): Backgammon game with many features such as various help functions and rule options. Version 2.7.2 fixes a crushing bug. File size is 260 KB. Shareware $20.
Followup: As of January 18, David's Backgammon has been updated to 2.7.4.

-- Clan Lord v58 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game. File size is 13.6 MB, updater is 394 KB. Beta version.
Followup: As of February 4, Clan Lord has been updated to v62.

1/10/99 (Sun)

Aspyr Media Exhibited Tomb Raider Gold. Pacific Software Publishing to Release Tomb Raider Gold for Japanese Market in February

Aspyr Media has exhibited Tomb Raider Gold at Expo SF. Tomb Raider Gold (Developer: Core Design, PC Publisher: Eidos Interactive, Porting: Westlake Interactive) is the first installment of popular 3D exploration action game series along with new additional levels where player controls Lara Croft to explore ruins. They also announced Tomb Raider III.

In Japan, Japan Central* (Pacific Software Publishing) releases Tomb Raider Gold with Japanese Manual* in February. Japan Central also plans to localize other new titles announced at the Expo.

Myth II: Soulblighter Released

According to retail stores such as Cyberian Outpost and Interact! CD, Bungie Software Products has released 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. Also features high quality cut scenes by AIC*, a popular Japanese anime studio known for "Tenchi Muyo" and " Bubblegum Crisis". Requires PowerPC/120 MHz or faster, System 7.5 or later, RAM 16 MB or larger, CD-ROM 2x or faster.

The Japanese version is expected to be released in late-January from G.A.T.E* (more info*).

America's Greatest Solitaire Released

MacSoft has released America's Greatest Solitaire. It is a solitaire card game collection with best 37 games as well as rich features such as auto play, keyboard shortcuts, on-line help, and others. It supports a variety of machines from black and white Macs. Requires System 7.0 or later, RAM 4 MB or larger, CD-ROM. Available retail stores in USA or directly for $19.99.

1/8/99 (Fri)

Westlake Interactive Announced the Port of Railroad Tycoon II

Westlake Interactive announced the start of porting of Railroad Tycoon II. Railroad Tycoon II (Developer: Poptop Software, Publisher: Gathering of Developers) is a railroad management simulation game that is the sequel of popular Railroad Tycoon with many enhanced features. Expected around May but the date is subject to change. (Source: Westlake Interactive News)

1/7/99 (Thu)

Game Demos

Elite Darts (Patch Products): Darts game featuring natural play feeling using mouse. Demo file size is 14.8 MB (more info). Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $19.95.

Game Updates

-- Overload 1.0.2 (TechnoGeeks software): Mission-oriented MasterMind-type board game with the theme of bomb defusing. Version 1.0.2 fixes several bugs. File size is 1.1 MB, updater is 74 KB (more info). Shareware $5.

-- Exile: Escape from the Pit 2.0.1 (SpiderWeb Software): First installment of the popular role playing game series. Version 2.0.1 fixes minor bugs. File size is 1.7 MB. Shareware $25.

Freeverse Software Debuted Deathground

Freeverse Software (Booth 3409) debuted Deathground at Expo SF. Deathground is a board-style mobster strategy simulation set in New York of the Prohibition Law era. It features humorous game play and customizable game engine. Expected in February.
(Source: MacGaming.com)

Also, they are developing following titles.

-- Blaze of Glory: Networkable turn-based strategy war game by Matt Burch of Escape Velocity. Expected in 1999.
-- Classic Cribbage: Online Cribbage card game. Expected in 1999.
-- Classic Gin Rummy: Online Gin Rummy card game. Expected in 1999.

Expo Exhibitor: MacSoft

MacSoft (Booth 3618) has debuted following titles.

-- Falcon 4.0 (PC Publisher: MicroProse, Porting: Westlake Interactive): Latest version of the flight simulator and air combat simulation of F-16 Falcon. Expected in March.
-- Civilization II Gold Edition (PC Publisher: MicroProse): Civilization II multi player version bundled with its add-ons. Expected in February. (game info)
-- Age of Empires (Developer: Ensemble Studios, PC Publisher: Microsoft): Realtime strategy game where player construct one of ancient civilizations. Expected in March. (game info)
-- America's Greatest Solitaire: Solitaire card game collection with 37 games. Available now.
(Source: MacGaming.com)

According to the press releases, MacSoft also announced following titles.

-- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (Developer: Red Storm Entertainment): Anti terrorism 3D action strategy game based on Tom Clancy's story player must combine strategic skills with pinpoint attack precision. No release date given. (game info)
-- Asteroids (Developer: Quickdraw Developments, PC Publisher: Activision): High quality remake of the classic arcade game. No release date given. (game info)
-- Civilization - Call To Power (PC Publisher: Activision): Newest installment of the empire management and strategic conquest simulation series featuring updated graphics and redesigned interface. No release date given. (game info)

The press release said that also two more Activision titles are planned to port.

1/6/99 (Wed)

Scott Kevill Announced Quiver 2

Just after Quake II and Heretic II announcement, Scott Kevill announced Quiver 2. Quiver 2 is upcoming version of full-featured Quake map editor that supports map editing of Quake II and Heretic II. No detailed information has been given yet, but it is is expected by the time Quake II is released. (Source: Mac 3D dot com)

Expo SF Game-Related Exhibitors

Following are game-related exhibitors at MACWORLD Expo San Francisco 1999 held through January 8:

-- 135 Altor Systems: Nightfall hands-on.
-- 135 Blizzard Entertainment
-- 135, 3727 Connectix: Virtual Game Station for sale.
-- 135 Gathering of Developers (Poptop Software): Railroad Tycoon II announcement.
-- 135 Gathering of Developers (Terminal Reality)
-- 135 Lucas Learning
-- 135 Mindscape
-- 135? Pacific Media WorX
-- 135 Sierra On-Line
-- 2149 BeachWare
-- 3405 Simon & Schuster Interactive
-- 3409 Freeverse Software
-- 3413 Micro Conversions: Game Wizard for iMac.
-- 3423 Bungie Software Products
-- 3612 Aspyr Media
-- 3618 MacSoft: Announcement of new titles.
-- 3700 Sega
-- 3701 Masque Publishing
-- 3713 Logicware: Announcement of new titles.
-- 3802 Graphic Simulations

Following Mac gaming sites opens their Expo pages:

-- Mac Gamer's Ledge MacWorld Expo page: News, exhibitors report
-- Mac 3D/MacWorld: News, photos, interviews, The National Macintosh Gaming Championship live image

Expo SF Flash: Apple Introdiced Many New Game Titles, New G3 Mac with RAGE 128, PlayStation Emulator

Apple Computer has introduced many new game titles at the keynote speech in Expo SF. The press release says that following titles were announced (* indicates new at the Expo):

-- Age of Empires (MacSoft)
-- Battlezone (Activision)
-- Creatures 2 (Mindscape)
-- Dark Vengeance (MacSoft)
-- Falcon 4.0 (MacSoft)
-- FLY! (Terminal Reality)
-- Heretic II (Logicware)*
-- Imperialism II (Mindscape)*
-- Interstate '76 Arsenal (Logicware)
-- Jazz Jackrabbit 2 (Logicware)
-- Myth II: Soulblighter (Bungie Software Products)
-- Quake 3: Arena (id Software)*
-- Quake II (id Software)*
-- Railroad Tycoon II (Poptop Software)*
-- Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire (SierraFX)
-- Sim City 3000 (Maxis)
-- SIN (Activision)*
-- STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION Klingon Honor Guard (MacSoft)
-- Starcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)
-- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (MacSoft)*
-- Zork Grand Inquisitor (Activision)

On the Apple's home page is shown Tomb Raider III CD-ROM, but no information has been give about its availability.

Also, Apple has given following game-related announcements:

-- ATI Rage 128 comes standard in the new Power Macintosh G3s (ERP $1,599 @ 300 MHz - $2,999 @ 400 MHz).
-- Apple officially supports OpenGL.
-- Connectix announced Connectix Virtual Game Station, a PlayStation emulator.

1/5/99 (Tue)

Nightfall Released, CD-R Version Already Shipped to Preorder Customers

Altor Systems has released Nightfall. Nightfall is a 3D adventure game set in Egypt where player must escape from the ruin by solving various challenging puzzles. It features high quality 3D first person graphics, the custom 3D engine that allows excellent effects only by software, and a variety of realtime puzzles. Requires PowerPC/100 MHz or faster (150 MHz or faster recommended), System 7.5.3 or later (Mac OS 8.1 or later recommended), free memory 9 MB or larger, free HD 3 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Supports ATI Rage Pro 3D acceleration. Available directly for $30.

The release date has been delayed due to production problem but CD-R version has already sent to one who preordered.

Tricky Maze Arcade Stack "Nazo"

BUGYA SOFT* has released "Nazo"*. "Nazo" is a simple 2D maze arcade game stack where player explores the ruin while solving mysteries. In spite of the poor screen quality, it features a variety of challenging tricks and unique scoring system. File size is 161 KB*. Requires HyperCard 2.0 or later. Freeware but users must send a mail to the author.

VOYAGER JAPAN Posted Tri Peeks for ClusterWorks

VOYAGER JAPAN* posted Tri Peeks*. Tri Peeks is an add-on module for ClusterWorks, a collection of interactive digital art programs that shows fantastic screen activities of fine light dots forming various figures according to the mouse movement. The new module provides figures like three parallel pipes moving and deforming vertically. Requires retail version or demo version (288 KB*) of ClusterWorks. File size is 3 KB*. Compatible with English Mac OS.

Simple Quasi-3D Shooting Game Stack "uteute3D"

Gaijin-san* has released uteute3D*. uteute3D is a sequel to simple 2D shooting game stack "uteute". The 3D version features quasi-3D game screen and easy operation by a mouse. A high speed Macintosh is required since the game speed is depending on the machine performance. File size is 15 KB*. Requires Japanese Mac OS and HyperCard. Freeware. Japanese software.

Myth II Recalled Due to Windows Version Bug.

According to Gamer's Express (Cyberian Outpost), Bungie Software Products has recalled Myth II: Soulblighter right after it shipped in the end of December due to a bug in the Windows version. Since it is a hybrid CD-ROM, the Macintosh version also is not available right now. The fixed version 1.1 expected to be released around mid-January. The Macintosh version 1.0 of Myth II has no problem if you already have the full retail version or the demo version.

Game Updates

-- Cyberopoly 2.0 (John Mauro Software): Monopoly-parody board game where player take over computer companies to conquer the computing industry. File size is 1.3 MB. Shareware $15. Notice: System error occurs at quitting on certain configuration.

-- Digital Wipeout 4.0 (John Mauro Software): Bingo-style puzzle game using 3 dices and the four basic arithmetic operations. File size is 1.9 MB. Shareware $10.

-- Trilite 3.0 (John Mauro Software): Enhanced Tic-tac-toe game. File size is 799 KB. Shareware $5.

-- Clan Lord v57 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game. File size is 13.4 MB, v57 updater from v56 is 3.5 MB. Beta version.

-- Sigma Chess Lite 4.0.2 (LogiSoft): Limited version of Sigma Chess, a professional chess program. Version 4.0.2 fixes a problem with transposition tables and mate solving. File size is 1.2 MB. Freeware.

-- David's Backgammon 2.7.1 (David Byrum}: Backgammon game with many features such as various help functions and rule options. Version 2.7.1 includes minor charges. File size is 261 KB. Shareware $20.

-- Royal Flush 1.2.1 (Gerard Putter): Pinball simulation game based on old Royal Flush table. Version 1.2.1 fixes some bugs including the USB problem. File size is 1.4 MB. Freeware.

-- Ultimate Blackjack 2.1 (KT Enterprises): Blackjack game with simulation mode to make strategy. File size is 578 KB. Shareware $10.

-- MacCentral's Mac Trivia Challenge 3.0 (CompleatMac Software): Mac-related trivia quiz collection. Version 3.0 includes more new questions. File size is 1.9 MB. Shareware $10.

-- Cloudz 1.0.2 (Judah Software): New type 3D aerial action arcade game. Updater size is 125 KB (more info). Shareware $25.