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 Some of versions and links in this page may be outdated.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 February, 1999

2/25/99 (Thu)

Game Demos: -- 3-D Ultra NASCAR Pinball (Sierra Attractions): Variety Pinball game inspired by NASCAR racing.@Demo file size is 17.8 MB (more info). (Source: Mach One*)
Game Updates: -- Myth II: Soulblighter 1.2 (Bungie Software Products): The sequel to the popular 3D fantasy strategy simulation game. Version 1.2 fixes many bugs related to the hardware, the game play, and the net play. Updater file size is 1.3 MB (more info).

-- Realmz 6.0.0 Beta (Fantasoft): 2D top view & 3D maze view fantasy role playing game. Version 6.0 supports Divinity scenario and wide variety of music file format. Also improves battle play. File size is 12.5 MB (more info). Public beta version.

2/24/99 (Wed)

Factor Software Moved the Site

Factor Software has moved their site from the old http://www.factorsoftware.com/ to the new http://www.factor-software.com/. They also updated BOOM to 1.1.4r2 and MacPipes to 2.2.7 with URL on documents and messages changed. It requires StuffIt Expander version 5.0 or later to extract the new archives. (Thanks: Tadataka Goh)

Westlake Interactive Announced Unreal Tournament

Westlake Interactive announced the port of Unreal Tournament. Developed by Epic Games, Published by MacSoft, Unreal Tournament is a netplay-oriented 3D first person shooting action game based on Unreal engine with a variety of over 30 levels and powerful bots for single play. No release date has been given but expected to be released simultaneously as the PC version or around. (Source: MacGaming.com, Mac 3D dot com, and other sources)

Ball Juggling Arcade Game "Juggler"

Jim DeVona has released Juggler. Juggler is a ball juggling arcade game where player tosses the balls to keep them in the air. It features simple but skillful game play, many option such as the number of ball and ball speed, and customizable ball graphics. File size is 129 KB. Requires PowerPC. 32,000 colors or better recommended. Maybe freeware.

Puyo Puyo 2 LOW COST Version Recalled Due to Installer Bug

Bothtec* has recalled recently released LOW COST version of Puyo Puyo 2* due to the installer bug. The problem occurs at installing the mono sound. No problem will occur when installing stereo sound. Bothtec will ship fixed version on February 26 or later. One who has already purchased non-fixed version should contact to the user support to get the fixed CD-ROM.

2/24/99 (Wed)

Game Updates: -- Wadtool 1.1 (Phaedrus Qtensilius): Texture managing tool for Quake. Version 1.1 features new painting tools, improved zoom controls, list sorting, and other improvements and fixes. File size is 378 KB. Shareware $10.

-- Cloudz 1.0.3 (Judah Software): New type 3D action arcade game where player bounce around on blocks floating in the sky to reach the exit. Full version file size is 5.7 MB, updater size is 125 KB. Shareware $25.
Followup: As of March 10, Cloudz has been updated to 1.0.9.

-- Heretic for the Macintosh 0.9.2 (Brad Oliver): Unofficial built version of the first installment of Heretic/Hexen 3D action adventure series. Version 0.9.1 features high detailed mode, improved key control, improved sound, and other improvements and fixes. Version 0.9.2 also fixes a bug that crashes when the Help menu turned off, supports add-on WAD files, and improves control-related issues. Application file size is 239 KB. Freeware.

-- X-Plane 4.64 (Laminar Research): Full-featured flight simulator with beautiful texture graphics using Conix OpenGL. Version 4.64 features improved plane modeling and other improvements and fixes. Demo/Upgrade file size is 30.2 MB, updater from version 4.62 or later is 851 KB (more info).
Followup: As of March 10, X-Plane has been updated to 4.67.

2/22/99 (Mon)

Game Updates: -- Clan Lord v64 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game. File size is 18.1 MB, updater is 1.8 MB. Beta version. Full retail version coming soon.
Followup: As of March 11, Clan Lord has been updated to v67.

-- Mac Descent 3Dfx 1.1.0 (Duane Johnson): Unofficial Descent updater that supports 3Dfx. Version 1.0.8 supports third party add-on levels and includes other improvements and fixes. Version 1.1.0 improves control settings and other features. Also Descent 1 Demo beta and Descent 2 alpha are available and version 1.1.0 for Descent 2 also features many game-related improvements. File size is 1.5 MB, Descent 1 Demo version is 1.6 MB, Descent 2 version is 1.6 MB. Freeware but users must support the anti-car cause (causeware).
Followup: As of March 11, Mac Descent 3Dfx has been updated to 1.13.

-- WallRunners 2.0 (Cinnamon GameSoft): Simple snake arcade game known as the old name "SuperBike". Version 2.0 improves interface and AI. Also adds control setting. File size is 69 KB. Shareware $5.

-- Solitaire Till Dawn 3.4 (Semicolon Software): Collection of solitaire card games including 34 games. Version 3.4 adds the game "Mount Sunflower" and new auto save feature. File size is 1.1 MB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- Lode Runner 2 1.2 (MacSoft): New 3D action puzzle arcade game based on Lode Runner. Version 1.2 fixes sound- and file-related bugs. Updater size is 111 KB (more info).

2/18/99 (Thu)

MACWORLD Expo Tokyo Opened: MACWORLD Expo Tokyo '99* is held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan from today February 18 through 20. It is the world largest Mac exposition with over 170,000 visitors expected. Also, there may be many game-related exhibitors and announcements. We have the MACWORLD Expo Tokyo Game Joho page contains a list of game/entertainment-related exhibitors and the Expo news.

2/17/99 (Wed)

Heretic for the Macintosh Released: Brad Oliver has released Heretic for the Macintosh 0.9. Heretic for the Macintosh is an unofficial built version of the first installment of Heretic/Hexen 3D action adventure series ported using PC public source code from Raven Software. It is in-development version so that net play, high resolution mode, and other key features are not implemented. File size of the game engine is 229 KB, WAD file of demo version is 2.4 MB, music file is 85 KB. PC retail version of Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders is needed for playing the full version. Requires PowerPC, System 7.1 or later, QuickTime 2.5 or later. Freeware. (Source: Version Tracker)
Eastern Dice Casino "Big and Small": Candy House* has released Big and Small. Big and Small is an eastern dice casino game playing in Macao, Australia, and other East-Asian regions. The player guesses the total or the combination of the three dice rolled in a dice box and bets the chips on the roulette-like game table with various sections. It features the accurate Macao-style rule, rate, and table design, as well as the simple user interface. File size is 179 KB. Shareware ¥1,000. Japanese software. (Source: Macintosh WIRE*)
Game Updates: -- Quiver 1.2 (Scott Kevill): Full-featured CAD-class Quake map editor. Version 1.2 features many improvements such as better performance. File size is 750 KB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- David's Backgammon 2.7.6 (David Byrum): Backgammon game with many features such as various help functions and rule options. Version 2.7.6 features larger screen support, the same dice replay, changed board design, and other improvements and fixes. File size is 262 KB. Shareware $20.

-- X-Plane 4.63 (Laminar Research): Full-featured flight simulator with beautiful texture graphics using Conix OpenGL. Version 4.63 supports 640 x 480 mode that allows run with only 4 MB of VRAM. Also features improved frame rate, new online help, and other improvements and fixes. Demo/Upgrade file size is 30.4 MB, updater from version 4.62 is 765 KB (more info).
Followup: As of March 10, X-Plane has been updated to 4.67.

2/16/99 (Tue)

Game Updates: -- Blobs 2.2.0 (Lost Minds): Puzzle arcade game using chemical bond theory. Version 2.2.0 features improved graphics speed, improved timer routines for slower machines, new steel blocks, and other tune-ups. File size is 809 KB. Shareware $10.

-- TRON-ish 1.7 (Lost Minds): Scrolling snake arcade game with various power-ups. Version 1.7 features one player mode, improved graphics engine, new music, key configuration. File size is 472 KB. Shareware $5.

-- Sim Cinema Deluxe 2.5 (Shannon Schroeder): Film business simulation game. Version 2.5 features Box Office Top Ten List, test screen, and other improvements of the game play and the interface. File size is 1.4 MB. Shareware $10.
Puzzle Game "Chocoletters": Pierre Durand has released Chocoletters. Chocoletters is a puzzle game where player put 36 letters on 6 x 6 grid using hints about paths between selected two letters. Although it is a difficult game requires in-depth thinking, the easy mode also available. File size is 493 KB. Requires 68020 or better, display 640 x 480. Shareware $10.
Arcade-Style Quiz Game "COLORFUL": UnderGround* has released COLORFUL*. COLORFUL is a story-oriented quiz game with Tetris-like arcade style. It features a variety of special attacks, beautiful scene graphics, and the open architecture to make new questions easily. File size is 1.9 MB*. Requires Japanese System 7.1 or later, free memory 5 MB or larger, 256 colors or better (32,000 colors or better recommended), QuickTime 2.5 or later. Shareware ¥1,000 but playable as a freeware through stage 3. (Source: Macintosh WIRE*)
Followup: As of March 3, COLORFUL has been updated to version 1.0.2.

2/14/99 (Sun)

MACWORLD Expo Tokyo Game Joho Page Opened: We opened a special coverage page for MACWORLD Expo Tokyo '99 held on February 18 through 20. This page contains a list of game/entertainment-related exhibitors and the Expo news.
Roulette Released: Tobishima Factory* has released Roulette*. It is a simple roulette game stack featuring a variety of betting method based on the official rule and help screen to explain the rule. File size is 31 KB*. Requires HyperCard. Freeware. Japanese software.
Drinking Role Playing Simulation "Itsumono Mise": Takeshi Sakai* has released "Itsumono Mise." It is an unique drinking role playing simulation game where player, as a drinker, go to an amusement street and have a good time in a bar and a pub. It features the detailed animation graphics of Japanese bar and simple conversation with people. File size is 1.1 MB* (more info*). Free memory 4 MB or larger, free HD 3 MB or larger, 256 colors or better. Freeware. Japanese software.
Game Demos: -- Jazz Jackrabbit 2 (Logicware): Sonic-type 8-layered parallax scrolling 2D high-paced action arcade game. Demo size is 14.6 MB (more info). Use Netscape if you are encountered a trouble at downloading. Available at retail stores in USA or directly from Monkey Byte Development for $29.95.
Game Updates: -- Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire 1.1 (SierraFX): Role playing adventure game featuring high-quality graphics and battle scenes with action play. Version 1.1 features many improvements and fixes in the game play and items. Updater size is 279 KB (more info).

-- Pac the Man 3.1.1 (Sebastian Wegner): Packman arcade game. Version 3.1 features PowerPC native code and appearance support, and version 3.1.1 fixes a crashing bug. File size is 394 KB. Freeware.

-- Clan Lord v63 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game. File size is 17.2 MB, updater is 532 KB. Beta version. Full retail version coming soon.
Followup: As of March 11, Clan Lord has been updated to v67.

-- Live Stage Kanzenban 1.1 (Takeshi Sakai*): Staging simulation game where player takes role of a stage director and use various stage effects to get good evaluation. Version 1.1 features faster loading. File size is 972 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

2/10/99 (Wed)

Game Updates: -- Bub & Bob 1.4 (Sebastian Wegner): 2D arcade game like Bubble Bobble. Version 1.4 features graphics/game improvements and Mac OS 8.5 support. File size is 1.9 MB. Shareware $20.

2/9/99 (Tue)

P. & A. Started Accepting Preorder of 3-D Ultra NASCAR Pinball in Japan, Fly! Japanese Version Also Planned: P. & A.* has started accepting the preorder of upcoming 3-D Ultra NASCAR Pinball with Japanese manual*. 3-D Ultra NASCAR Pinball (original publisher: Sierra Attractions) is a variety pinball game inspired by NASCAR racing. It features real NASCAR drivers/teams and tables with theme of various racing activities. Requires PowerPC (200 MHz or faster recommended), Mac OS 7.6.1 or later, RAM 16 MB or larger (32 MB or larger), 800 x 600/256 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Preorder is only available in Japan for the special introductory price ¥3,840 (through the release date). Expected to be released on March 25 as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan or directly for the standard price ¥4,800.

They also plans to release Japanese version of Fly!*, an upcoming general aviation simulator, in April.
Game Updates: -- Exobattle 1.0b2 (Matt Burch*): 3D space flight shooting game. File size is 672 KB. Beta version.

-- Baby Games 2.0.1 (Danny Stoll): English learning game for little children. Version 2.0.1 features bug fixes, on-the-fly plug-in swapping, and other improvements. File size is 4.6 MB (more info). Shareware $15.

-- the Warrior Master 1.6.2* (GARAGE 17*): Simple and humorous table-talk style fantasy role playing game. Version 1.6.2 features bug fixes and interface-related improvements. File size is 1.9 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

2/8/99 (Mon)

Expo Tokyo Exhibitor: OPeNBooK 9003 Exhibits iMacinfish, Silver Arowana for AQUAZONE: OPeNBooK 9003*, well-known as original developer of Sim Tower and Yoot Tower, has another popular series called AQUAZONE*, which is a realistic fish breeding simulation featuring a wide variety of add-on fish modules including real-world tropical fish and even fictional, fancy fish. In Japan, AQUAZONE is so popular that it inspires the ideas of Tamagotch and many other breeding simulations.

They exhibits two new add-on modules for AQUAZONE at MACWORLD Expo Tokyo* to be held from February 18 to 20. One is "iMacinfish*," an add-on pack including unusual fancy fish resemble iMacs. 6 packages of iMac colors will be available for purchase limited at the Expo or directly from their online shop*. The price for each package will be ¥1,000 (¥5,000 for all 6 colors set).

Also, to be announced is another new AQUAZONE add-on disk* featuring Silver Arowana. More information will be available at the Expo.
Fly! Web Site Opened: Gathering of Developers opened the Fly! Web Site. Fly! is an upcoming general aviation simulator focused on light aircrafts developed by Terminal Reality. It features the realistic global scenery graphics using Landsat photographic data, the detailed interior graphics with fully accurate instruments and equipment, and the Worldwide Flight Planner to make a flight plan easily. In the new web site are posted new screen shots and a movie as well as the game details. The game expected to be released in this spring.
Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Released: Logicware has released Jazz Jackrabbit 2. Developed by Epic Games, PC version published by Gathering of Developers, Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is a parallax scrolling 2D action arcade game where player, as rabbit Jazz and/or Spaz, explores the tricky world using a variety of weapons. It features high-paced action as well as the fascinating, colorful game world scrolling dynamically, and strategic game play with various puzzles. Requires PowerPC/100 MHz or faster, System 7.5.3 or later, free memory 16 MB or larger, free HD 60 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Available at retail store in USA or directly from Monkey Byte Development for $29.95.
Game Updates: -- MacHunt 1.3* (Tatsuya Osabe*): 2D maze-type networkable shooting arcade game. Version 1.3 features improved performance, new night mode, and other improvements. File size is 1.4 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Overload 1.0.3 (TechnoGeeks software): Mission-oriented MasterMind-type board game with the theme of bomb defusing. Version 1.0.3 fixes several interface-related bugs. File size is 1.1 MB (more info). Shareware $5.

-- Book of Changes 2.0 (CompleatMac Software): Fortunetelling software based on old Chinese "I Ching". Version 2.0 features some improvements such as added BGM and saving hexagram. File size is 1,000 KB. Shareware $15.

-- X-Plane 4.62 (Laminar Research): Full-featured flight simulator with beautiful texture graphics using Conix OpenGL. Version 4.62 features InputSprocket support, replay movie, and many more improvements. Demo/Upgrade file size is 30.4 MB, updater from version 4.6x is 11.9 MB (more info).
Followup: As of March 10, X-Plane has been updated to 4.67.

-- Mac Descent 3Dfx 1.0.9 (Duane Johnson): Unofficial Descent updater that supports 3Dfx. Version 1.0.8 supports third party add-on levels and includes other improvements and fixes. Version 1.0.9 improves the CD audio/display-related settings. Also Descent 1 Demo beta and Descent 2 alpha are available. File size is 1.4 MB, Descent 1 Demo version is 1.5 MB, Descent 2 version is 1.5 MB. Freeware but users must support the anti-car cause (causeware).
Followup: As of March 11, Mac Descent 3Dfx has been updated to 1.13.

-- Dome Wars 1.5.1 (Nathan Sturtevant): Cannon shooting simulation game featuring various power-up weapons and up to 10 player game. Version 1.5.1 improves the graphics and AI, and fixes bugs. File size is 2.6 MB. Also networkable version 1.2b1 is available. Users must send a postcard to the author (Postcardware).

2/4/99 (Thu)

Emergency Room 2 Not Compatible with Japanese Mac OS: Problems are reported on Emergency Room 2, a realistic medical simulation game recently released from Legacy Interactive, running on Japanese Mac OS. The only workarounds are running it on English Mac OS or running it on Mac OS 8.5.x setting the system date format to "U.S." at the "Date & Time" control panel. (Thanks: MGJ reader Takahiro Maeda)
Westlake Also Ports Deer Avenger: Westlake Interactive announced the porting of Deer Avenger. Deer Avenger (Developer: Hypnotix, Publisher: Simon & Schuster Interactive) is a parody game of Deer Hunter where player fights against the hunters to save deer. They expects to finish it in this month or so.
Japan Central Started Preorder of Tomb Raider Gold for Japanese Market: Japan Central* (Pacific Software Publishing) started the preorder of upcoming Tomb Raider Gold* for Japanese market. Tomb Raider Gold (Developer: Core Design, PC Publisher: Eidos Interactive, Porting: Westlake Interactive, USA Publisher: Aspyr Media) is the first installment of popular 3D exploration action game series along with new additional levels where player controls Lara Croft to explore ruins. The product contains the English version software and Japanese manual and support. The price is $29. Expected in late February or early March.
Cascade Mountain Starts Online Distribution of their Text Adventures: Cascade Mountain Publishing started the online distribution of 2 text adventure titles:

-- Once and Future: Brand-new, full-length text adventure game set in the Vietnam War. $22.

-- Dr. Dumont's Wild P.A.R.T.I.: Revival version of the sci-fi classic text adventure game. $24.
Landing-Type Shooting Arcade Game "Save the World": NoranGam Soft has released Save the World. It is a planet landing-style vertical-scrolling shooting arcade game where player fights against alien invaders while thrusting against the gravity. It features very hard game play due to the difficult controlling and aggressive enemies. File size is 5.0 MB. Requires 68040 or better, System 7.1 or later, display 832 x 624 or better. But the game speed tightly depends on the machine performance. Shareware $10.
Game Updates: -- Unreal 1.0.2 Beta 4 (Westlake Interactive): High quality 3D first person shooting adventure game. Version 1.0.2 Beta 4 fixes Mac specific bugs (PC version 2.2x not supported). Updater size is 1.1 MB (more info).

-- Macintosh Football Manager 2.1 (Malcolm McQuoid): Soccer management simulation game. File size is 782 KB (more info). Version 2.1 is now freeware.

-- Clan Lord v62 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game. File size is 16.9 MB, updater is 1.2 MB. Beta version.
Followup: As of March 11, Clan Lord has been updated to v67.

2/3/99 (Wed)

Game Updates: -- Clan Lord v61 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game. File size is 16.3 MB, updater is 1.4 MB. Beta version.
Followup: As of March 11, Clan Lord has been updated to v67.

-- Mac Descent 3Dfx 1.0.6 (Duane Johnson): Unofficial Descent updater that supports 3Dfx. Version 1.0.6 features several improvements and fixes such as afterburner effects. File size is 1.9 MB. Freeware but users must support the anti-car cause (causeware).
Followup: As of March 11, Mac Descent 3Dfx has been updated to 1.13.

-- Hang2000 1.3 (Space-Time Associates): Newest version of popular word game Hangman. File size is 408 KB. Shareware $20.

-- Torizo 1.26J* (Rin Brand Entertainment*): Puzzle arcade game where player must take certain amount of fruits and go to the exit. Version 1.26J added stages and other improvements. File Size is 499 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Ballistik 6.2.1 (Helge Peters): Sports gun shooter simulation featuring various parameters. File size is 501 KB. Shareware $20.

-- Ashcan 1.8 (Jerry Fritschle): Submarine destroying game where player must guess the depth and timing to drop ashcans. Version 1.8 features the new random speed option and other improvements. File size is 576 KB. Freeware.

-- Sigma Chess 4.0.2 (LogiSoft): Professional chess program. Version 4.0.2 fixes bugs in StyleWriter compatibility, Mate Finder, and opening the library. Updater size is 2.7 MB.

-- SmallMines 2.5.1 (Charles Miller): Simple MineSweeper game. Version 2.5 features many improvements such as improved clock and new options. Version 2.5.1 fixes crashing bugs. File size is 54 KB. Freeware.

-- PowerCart Grand Prix 2.4* (ORION PROJECT*): 2D cart racing simulation game featuring realistic driving feeling. Version 2.4 supports Mac OS 8.5. File size is 784 KB*. Shareware* ¥500. Japanese software.

-- "Nazo" -REMIX- 1.5* (BUGYA SOFT*): 2D maze arcade game stack where player explores the ruin while solving mysteries. The REMIX version 1.5 allows continue the game and improves the game play. File size is 222 KB* (more info*). Freeware but users must register.

-- Exobattle 1.0b1 (Matt Burch*): 3D space flight shooting game. File size is 672 KB. Beta version.
Followup: As of February 9, Exobattle has been updated to 1.0b2.

2/1/99 (Mon)

Upcoming Japanese Games: -- Denno Quizdam* (Nine Lives*): Variety quiz game based on an anime-like story where a smart girl named Sally have a match against alien invaders in quiz. Expected on February 26.

-- Towerkit CD "Kyoto Station": Gamera 3* (OPeNBooK 9003*): Add-on scenario for The Tower II, the original Japanese version of Yoot Tower, based on Gamera 3 film featuring the final event of a monster battle and new emergency-related items. Expected on March 13.

-- Cookies Bustle: Nazono BOMBO WORLD* (Rodik*): Humorous adventure game for whole family where player explores wonder world and challenges athletic games. Expected on March 18.

-- Star Trek: The Borg Japanese Version* (DataHouse Beagle*): Interactive movie adventure based on Star Trek The Next Generation. Expected on March 19.

-- Winning Post 4* (Koei*): Enhanced version of the realistic racehorse breeding and racing simulation game. Expected on April 2.