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 Some of versions and links in this page may be outdated.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

7/30/99 (Fri)

iMacinfish Re-released in Stores

OPeNBooK 9003* has re-released iMacinfish* in stores. iMacinfish is add-on packs AQUAZONE, a popular tropical fish breeding simulation software, that contains unusual fancy fish resemble iMacs. 6 packages of iMac colors is available at retail stores in Japan. Japanese software.

Also, updater for the Expo version of iMacinfish is available. The updater consists of 4 files with total size 21.6 MB or 26.4 MB (more info*).

Train Simulator "Unten Douraku 2: Kansai Kuko-sen"

JR West Communications and JR WEST TRADING* has released "Unten Douraku 2: Kansai Kuko-sen*." It is a train simulator using QuickTime movie where player drives express trains on Kansai Airport-line. Requires PowerPC 603/250 MHz, 604/132 MHz or better (G3 recommended), Mac OS 7.6.1 or better, free memory 32 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 8x or faster, QuickTime 3.0 or later. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan. Japanese software.

Color Vision and Reflex Test Board Game "Utopia"

Gilles Esposito-Farese and Nicolas Graner have released Utopia. Utopia is a unique board game like a color vision and reflex test. The player finds out the only unpaired tile in the colored grid as quick as possible. It features many options to change board size, grid size, difficulty, and other game modes. It also supports pattern recognition games, keyboard control, and 2 player game. File size is 66 KB. Freeware.

Crescent Vision Interactive Released 3 Shareware Casino Games

Crescent Vision Interactive, known as developer of MacSoft's table games such as Play to Win Casino, has released three casino games with unique screen themes and animations:

-- Quick Draw Poker: Jacks or Better video poker game with old western flavor. File size is 3.7 MB (more info). Requires PowerPC, System 7.5 or later, free memory 6 MB or larger 640 x 480/256 colors or better (800 x 600/32,000 colors or better recommended). Shareware $15.

-- Deuces Wild: Video poker game with theme of deserted tropical island. File size is 3.8 MB (more info). Requires PowerPC, System 7.5 or later, free memory 12 MB or larger 640 x 480/256 colors or better (800 x 600/32,000 colors or better recommended). Shareware $15.

-- Power Keno: Video Keno game with animated machine. File size is 3.0 MB (more info). Requires PowerPC, System 7.5 or later, free memory 6 MB or larger 800 x 600/256 colors or better (32,000 colors or better recommended). Shareware $15.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Clan Lord v87 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game. Full version size is 19.2 MB, updater for CD-ROM users is 1.9 MB, updater from v85 is 808 KB (more info).

-- Killer Dice 1.5.1 (Gypsy King Software): Poker Dice game. Version 1.5.1 fixes bugs and reduces the program size. File size is 676 KB. Shareware $10.

-- Maximum Space 0.34b (Alchemist Consultant): 3D RAVE space shooting game set around Neptune featuring fast and beautiful graphics. Version 0.34b features G3 Macs and 3Dfx support, InputSprocket support, and graphics/game improvements. File size is 2.2 MB. Beta shareware $20.

7/29/99 (Thu)

Fighting Arcade "Brutal Impact" Beta Version Posted

Chris Comeau posted a beta version of Brutal Impact. Brutal Impact is a 2D fighting arcade game featuring various special moves. Also, the final version will support network play. File size is 5.8 MB. InputSprocket supported. (Source: MacWarrior)
Followup: As of August 6, Brutal Impact has been updated to version 1.0b3.

Fantasy Fighting Arcade "Dragon Clash"

Dragon Software has released Dragon Clash. Dragon Clash is a fighting arcade game featuring fantasy characters such as a warrior and a wizard. It features 12 characters with unique fighting styles and special moves, 12 parallax scrolling stages, and plenty of animation and effects. File size is 6.5 MB (more info). PowerPC recommended. Requires System 7.5 or later, free memory 16 MB or larger, free HD 13.5 MB or larger. Shareware $20.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Gridz 1.3.1 (Green Dragon Creations): Simple and exiting networkable cyber strategy game. Version 1.3.1 improves the network performance and fixes bugs on the damage system. Updater size is 1.5 MB (more info). Also, demo version is updated with file size 5.3 MB (more info).

-- Meat Gone Bad II 1.0.4 (Hippotamus Software): Unique invader arcade game where player fights against meat threat. Version 1.0.4 supports automatic color mode switching. Full version size is 663 KB, updater size is 43 KB. Shareware $15.
Followup: As of August 2, Meat Gone Bad II has been updated to version 1.0.5.

-- MesaQuake2 3.1b8 (Miklos Fazekas): OpenGL compatible library for Quake II that supports 3Dfx cards. Version 3.1b8 fixes a flicker bug. File size is 732 KB (more info).

7/28/99 (Wed)

Unique 2D Arcade Game "Delta Core"

RSX Solutions has released Delta Core. Delta Core is a 2D arcade game where player controls a space ship to collect all crystals while fighting against enemies. It features unique game play using mouse control, a variety of enemy character, and power up items. File size for PPC is 2.0 MB, 68K is 2.0 MB. Shareware $10. (Source: MacGaming.com)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- David's Backgammon 2.8.9 (David Byrum): Backgammon game with many features. Version 2.8.9 adds the ability to toggle score display, fixes bugs, and adds game options. File size is 296 KB. Shareware $20.

-- Harpoon3 3.0.6 (Advanced Gaming Systems): The newest version of popular modern naval war simulation. Version 3.0.6 eliminates the missing movie error. Size of the updater from version 3.0.5 is 122 KB (more info).

-- Mac Invaders 1.11c (BoneHead Projects): High quality Invaders clone. Version 1.11c fixes several bugs. File size is 748 KB. Shareware $10.

-- Quake II 1.0.1 (Logicware): High-featured 3D first person shooting game. Version 1.0.1 features improved mouse controls and new mouse options. The updater is posted on Mac 3D Dot Com site with file size 98 KB.

-- Realmz 6.2.3 (Fantasoft): Popular 2D top view and 3D maze view epic fantasy role playing game. Full version file size is 14.4 MB, updater size is 424 KB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- Rummy Tile 1.0.1 (Black Cat Systems): Rummy-type board game for 2-4 players. File size is 237 KB. Freeware.

7/26/99 (Mon)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Bugdom 1.0.1 (Pangea Software): 3D insect action arcade game. Version 1.0.1 fixes game-related bugs, supports 2 MB VRAM, and others. Updater size is 259 KB (more info).

-- iCross 2.1 (SAK.sw Farm): Puzzle board game where player complete a picture by placing the piece. File size is 1.1 MB. Shareware $5.

-- Warbirds 2.72r1 (iMagic Entertainment Network): WWII flight simulator for net play with various aircraft. File size is 11.4 MB, updater from version 2.7 is 2.5 MB.

-- X-Plane 5.03 (Laminar Research): Full-featured civilian flight simulator with beautiful texture graphics. Version 5.03 features custom taxiways, improved graphics such as trees, mountain snow, and concrete runways, and other improvements and fixes. Demo/Upgrade file size is 41.5 MB, updater from version 5.02 is 18.5 MB (more info).

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- DonDen 1.3* (RedShirt Studio): Enhanced Tic-Tac-Toe game where player place tokens to make them in a line while moving opponent's tokens. Version 1.3 fixes display-related bugs on certain machines. File size is 221 KB*. Shareware $5 or ¥600. Japanese software.

-- Ratsel 2.0* (Zauberkraft Software*): 2D puzzle arcade game like Lode Runner or Sokoban. Version 2.0 features 100-step undo, new option such as game speed, and other improvements. File size is 1.5 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software. Also, Ratsel StageEditor* has been updated to version 2.0 with file size 673 KB*

-- Catch the Hamburger 3* (Mayasoto Stack Seisakusho*): Maze arcade game stack where player controls a character to get hamburgers. Version 3 improves performance and adds a stage. File size is 19 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Tokyu Toyoko-sen Simulator 2* (Yu Tsukui*): Simple train simulator using QuickTime movie. Version 2 improves movie and sound. File size is 8.9 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

7/23/99 (Fri)

New ¥500 Game CD-ROMs Released

SME Intermedia* has released 3 new game CD-ROMs of Shock Price 500 Series. Shock Price 500 Series is a line of low priced game CD-ROM.

-- Shanghai Classic*: Low-price remade version of original Shanghai II.
-- DIGIGAME*: Icon making tool for Macigame, a popular Japanese puzzle game.
-- The Room*: Puzzle game where player changes the color of tiles to match all tiles.

Also, TYPING TRIP*, a typing tutorial software, has been released along with these game titles. Available as hybrid CD-ROMs at retail stores in Japan for ¥500 each.

AI Shogi 2000 and AI Igo 2000 Released

i4* has released AI Shogi 2000* and AI Igo 2000*. AI Shogi 2000 is the newest version of AI Shogi series, a shogi (a Japanese popular chess-like game) program featuring the strongest computer algorithm and network play via Internet. The latest version also features enhanced computer algorithm to make more strategic hands at middle game. Requires PowerPC (iMac supported), Japanese System 7.5.5 or later (Mac OS 8.6 supported), free memory 24 MB or larger (32 MB or larger recommended), free HD 80 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. AI Igo is the newest version of AI Go series, a go program featuring David Fotland's Many Faces of Go that is the winner of 1998 Ing Cup. Requires PowerPC (iMac supported), Japanese System 7.5.5 or later (Mac OS 8.6 supported), free memory 24 MB or larger (32 MB or larger recommended), free HD 15 MB or larger. Available at retail stores in Japan. Japanese softwares.

Mac 3D Dot Com Offers Gaming Championship Webcast

Mac 3D Dot Com, a Macintosh gaming site, is offering QuickTime 4 webcast of The National Macintosh Gaming Championship held at the Expo/New York. The webcast page will offers live streaming of the tournaments as well as interviews and video of some booths at the Expo. Also, they post the results of the tournaments.

7/22/99 (Thu)

Bungie Announced Halo at Expo Keynote Session

Bungie Software Products has announced and demonstrated Halo at the Expo's keynote session. Halo is an epic 3D sci-fi survival action game in development where player, as a military recon unit, fights against enemy aliens using various weapons and vehicles in a vast world including ground, air, and sea. It features realistic playing environment of outdoor and indoor. It also features the seamless map with no levels, realistic physical models, highest-end graphic/sound technologies, sophisticated enemy AI that operates simultaneously on both individual and squad levels. As well as epic single-player game, multiplayer game allows a role-based, cooperative team play where each player takes the roles of driver or gunner. Expected to be released in 2000.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- MesaQuake2 3.1b7 (Miklos Fazekas): OpenGL compatible library for Quake II that supports 3Dfx cards. Version 3.1b7 features speed up and bug fixes. File size is 732 KB (more info).
Followup: As of July 29, MesaQuake2 has been updated to varsion 3.1b8.

7/21/99 (Wed)

MACWORLD Expo/New York Game Exhibitors

MACWORLD Expo is held in New York, USA from July 21 through 23 with a lot of game-related exhibits and announcements. Following exhibitors expected to exhibit or announce new game titles:

-- IXMICRO (Booth 331): Game Rocket, a Voodoo Banshee card

-- Logicware (Booth 1663): Zork Grand Inquisitor, the newest graphic adventure based on classic Zork world; Alien vs. Predator, a 3D action game combines elements from the films "Alien" and "Predator;" Half-Life, a story-oriented first-person shooting adventure game featuring seamless levels.

-- Aspyr Media (Booth 1669): Madden NFL 2000, Realistic 3D American football simulation game; Alpha Centauri, Sid Meier's turn-based sci-fi strategy game set in alien planet.

-- MacSoft (Booth 978, 1755): Asteroids, the high quality remake of the classic arcade game; Rainbow Six, Anti terrorism 3D action strategy game based on Tom Clancy's story; Unreal Tournament, a netplay-oriented 3D first person shooting action game that is enhanced version of Unreal.

-- Bungie Software Products (Booth 1855): Oni, a fighting 3D combat action game with theme of Japanese anime featuring new hybrid action and beautiful urban graphics.

-- Green Dragon Creations (Booth 1861): The Trouble with ToolBots, an enhanced version of cyber strategy game Gridz.

-- LucasArts Entertainment (Booth 1867): Star Wars: Episode I Racer, a sci-fi racing arcade game based on the Podracing sequence of Star Wars: Episode I.

-- Ambrosia Software (Booth 1901): Ferazel's Wand, a 2D action arcade game of wizardry featuring high quality graphic effects; Pop-Pop, a new puzzle arcade game; Cythera, a fantasy role playing game featuring the sophisticated interface.

-- Electronic Arts (Booth 1937): Skydive!, a 3D skydiving simulator.

-- Impressions Software (Booth 1937): Caesar III, the latest installment of ancient city management simulation game set in the Roman Empire; Pharaoh, another ancient city management simulation game set in Egypt.

-- Sierra Studios (Booth 1937): Half-Life, a story-oriented first-person shooting adventure game

-- Graphic Simulations (Booth 1955): Descent 3, an anticipated 3D shooting action game.

-- Freeverse Software (Booth 1959): Deathground, a humorous mobster strategy board game; Burning Monkey Solitaire II, an enhanced version of the theater-style solitaire card game; Classic Cribbage, an online Cribbage card game; Atlas: The Gift of Aramai, a fantasy role playing game featuring simple user interface and epic story.

-- Gathering of Developers (Booth 1963): Fly!, a general aviation simulator focused on light aircrafts; Railroad Tycoon II: Second Century, a expansion kit for the railroad management simulation game; Nocturne, a 3D horror action adventure game.

-- Blizzard Entertainment (Booth 2055): Diablo II, the sequel to the popular realtime role playing game.

-- Masque Publishing (Booth 2057)

(Listed above are preliminary and subject to be changed.)

(Source: MacGaming.com, IMG's Macworld New York '99 Page, Mac Gamer's Ledge MacWorld Expo page, and other sources)

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- polypolyX 1.1.2* (Yamagame*): Xevious-like vertical scrolling shooting arcade game supporting QuickDraw 3D. Version 1.1.2 fixes a bug with enemy weapons. File size is 278 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software but well-playable on a English system.

-- Orebuster 2 1.0.4* (Yamagame*): Simple real time fantasy role playing game. Verison 1.1.2 fixes bugs and improves the game scenario. File size of QuickDraw version is 634 KB*, DrawSprocket version is 638 KB*. Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Tracktor Beam 1.2.1 (Tri-Bar Software): Addictive sci-fi arcade game where player carries a crate using the tractor beam. Version 1.2.1 fixes a bug on certain machines. Size of the full version is 1.2 MB, the updater from version 1.2 is 447 KB. Shareware $10.

-- Ultimate Blackjack 2.2 (KT Enterprises): Blackjack game with simulation mode to make strategy. Version 2.2 fixes minor bugs. File size is 558 KB. Shareware $10.

7/20/99 (Tue)

3Dfx Voodoo2 Generic Driver Beta Posted

3dfx Interactive posted a beta version of Voodoo2 Macintosh MacOS 8.x Reference Drivers. It is a generic driver for 3Dfx Voodoo2 chipset that supports any Voodoo2 graphic cards including ones for PC. The package contains Glide drivers and RAVE driver. File size is 336 KB (more info). Requires PowerPC, Mac OS 8.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger. (Source: IMG, Mac 3D dot com, Version Tracker)

7/19/99 (Mon)

Game Demos

-- Age of Empires (MacSoft): Realtime strategy game where player construct one of ancient civilizations. File size is 16.6 MB (more info). Full retail version is available at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.99. The demo file is also available at MacUser Software Central with file size 26.5 MB.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- GameRanger 1.0b2 (Scott Kevill): Client software for the chat and server tracking service for net games. Version 1.0b2 fixes bugs such as crushes. File size is 512 KB (more info). Public beta version.

-- Meat Gone Bad II 1.0.2 (Purple Hippo Software): Unique invader arcade game where player fights against meat threat. Version 1.0.2 fixes bugs. File size is 670 KB. Shareware $15.
Followup: As of July 29, Meat Gone Bad II has been updated to version 1.0.4.

-- Native Assault 1.2.5 (Adrenaline Entertainment): Missile Command-type 2D arcade game. Version 1.2.5 fixes input-related bugs. File size is 3.0 MB. Shareware $20.

-- Solitaire Till Dawn 3.4.2 (Semicolon Software): Collection of solitaire card games including 34 games. Version 3.4.2 fixes bugs with the auto save. File size is 1.2 MB (more info). Shareware $20.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Ace 1.0.1 (Candy House): Card game collection including 22 solitaire games and 22 games played against computer. File size is 1.2 MB. Shareware ¥2,000. Japanese software.

7/16/99 (Fri)

Racing Horse Breeding Simulation "Winning Post 4"

Koei* has released Winning Post 4. Winning Post 4 is the newest installment of popular horse racing simulation game where player, as a horse owner, breeds racing horse to win various races. It features jockeys and races of real world including international races. Requires PowerPC (604e/200 MHz or better recommended), Mac OS 7.6 or later, free memory 20 MB or larger, free HD 135 MB or larger, 800 x 600/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 2x or faster, QuickTime 2.5 or later. Available at retail stores in Japan. Japanese software.

Fishing Simulation Game "Uki Uki Tsuri Tengoku: Bohateino Tsurijiman"

Teichiku* has released "Uki Uki Tsuri Tengoku: Bohateino Tsurijiman*." It is the newest installment of the popular fishing simulation series where player challenges port fishing in various locations. It features as many as 75 fishes whose behaviors are accurately simulated. Also, it supports ranking system using network. PowerPC recommended, Japanese System 7.5 or later (Mac OS 8.6 supported), RAM 32 MB or larger recommended, free HD 50 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Available at retail stores in Japan. Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Age of Empires 1.1 (MacSoft): Realtime strategy game where player construct one of ancient civilizations. Version 1.1 fixes many bugs related to memory handling and screen updating, and improves interface. Updater size is 1.1 MB (more info).

-- Hang2000 1.5 (Space-Time Associates): Newest version of popular word game Hangman. Version 1.5 adds preference options, fixed a spelling error, and updated help text. File size is 427 KB. Shareware $20.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- CandyBowl 1.0.9 (Candy House): Bowling game. Version 1.0.9 fixes a bug at displaying the score report. File size is 651 KB. Shareware* ¥1,000. Japanese software.

7/15/99 (Thu)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- MesaQuake2 3.1b6 (Miklos Fazekas): OpenGL compatible library for Quake II that supports 3Dfx cards. Version 3.1b6 optimizes for Quake II and fixes bugs. File size is 732 KB (more info).
Followup: As of July 22, MesaQuake2 has been updated to varsion 3.1b7.

-- Myth II: Soulblighter 1.3 (Bungie Software Products): The latest installment of the 3D fantasy strategy simulation game. Version 1.3 features improvements in chat, option screen, and more. Also adds new map features for map makers. Updater file size is 2.2 MB (more info).
Followup: As of July 15, it is temporarily difficult to download the updater due to the high traffic.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Myth II: Soulblighter Japanese Version 1.3 (Bungie Software Products): The latest installment of the 3D fantasy strategy simulation game. Version 1.3 features improvements in chat, option screen, and more. Also adds new map features for map makers. Updater file size is 2.2 MB* (more info*).
Followup: As of July 15, it is temporarily difficult to download the updater due to the high traffic.

7/13/99 (Tue)

Scott Kevill Starts Beta Service of GameRanger

Scott Kevill started offering beta service of GameRanger. GameRanger is a Mac-friendly online service for networkable games providing chat rooms, voice chat, server tracking, and other services supporting gamers. Currently, it supports Civilization II Gold, Dark Vengeance, Future Cop: L.A.P.D., Jazz Jackrabbit 2, Quake, Quake II, Quake 3 Test, QuakeWorld, Railroad Tycoon 2, Unreal, WarCraft II, and will support 20 more games. Freeware beta version of GameRanger 1.0b1 client software is available now although it will be a shareware at the final release. File size is 511 KB (more info). (Source: MacGaming.com, MGL, IMG, Version Tracker, and other sources)
Followup: As of July 19, GameRanger has been updated to version 1.0b2.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- ChessWorks 1.9.2 (Mike Bailey): Chess program only for head-to-head net play. Version 1.9.2 improves the notation feature. Size of the full version is 604 KB, updater is 121 KB (more info). Freeware.

7/12/99 (Mon)

Unique 2D Shooting Game "SpaceFreaks"

Pegasus Software has released SpaceFreaks. SpaceFreaks is a unique 2D shooting arcade game where player installs bombs and cannons to defeat enemies. File size is 901 KB. Requires PowerPC, RAM 3 MB or larger, free HD 1.3 MB or larger, color monitor. Freeware.

Humorous Food Invaders Game "Meat Gone Bad II"

Purple Hippo Software has released Meat Gone Bad II. Meat Gone Bad II is a new version of humorous food invaders arcade game where fights against threat of meat controlled by mysterious bacteria using relish bottles. File size is 660 KB. Requires 68040 or better, RAM 4 MB or larger, 256 colors or better. Shareware $15.
Followup: As of June 19, Meat Gone Bad II has been updated to version 1.0.2.

Puzzle Game Stack "Wagyu Yugi"

Atsushi Kojima* has released Wagyu Yugi*. Wagyu Yugi is a unique puzzle game stack inspired by Korean barbecue where player grills meat pieces avoiding to be burned. File size is 33 KB*. Requires HyperCard. Freeware but users must send a mail to the author (mailware).

Colorful Puzzle Game "Kinjito"

Kiyoshi Takeuchi* has released Kinjito*. Kinjito is a simple puzzle game where player piles colored blocks in the shape of pyramid. Both luck and strategy are required to succeed the puzzle and the game play is evaluated by scores. File size is 630 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

StarCraft: Brood War Released

Blizzard Entertainment has released StarCraft: Brood War. Brood War is an expansion set for StarCraft, a popular realtime sci-fi space strategy game. It includes three new campaigns that is the sequel to original scenarios, a variety of new weapons, 100 new multiplayer maps, and new cut scenes and music tracks. Requires PowerPC, Mac OS 7.6 or later, RAM 16 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better, CD-ROM 2x or faster (4x or faster for movies), retail version of StarCraft. Available at retail stores in USA.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- ChessWorks 1.9.1 (Mike Bailey): Chess program only for head-to-head net play. Version 1.9.1 features new sounds in the Tracker and other improvements. Size of the full version is 604 KB, updater is 125 KB (more info). Freeware.
Followup: As of July 13, ChessWorks has been updated to 1.9.2.

-- Colonisation 4.0 (Alain Paschoud): Simple strategic war game. Version 4.0 improves interface and others. File size is 413 KB (more info). Shareware $10 or 15 FRS.

-- Harpoon3 3.0.5 (Advanced Gaming Systems): The newest version of popular modern naval war simulation. Version 3.0.5 fixes bugs and improves the sound loading. Updater size is 533 KB (more info).

-- HoverDuel 2.2 (Iguana Software): Simple hovercraft battle arcade game for two players. Version 2.2 adds a key help screen. File size is 150 KB. Freeware.

-- Realmz 6.2.2 (Fantasoft): Popular 2D top view and 3D maze view epic fantasy role playing game. Full version file size is 14.4 MB, updater size is 426 KB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- Unicycle! 2.0 (Brian Kendall): Humorous unicycle arcade game. Version 2.0 adds multiplayer mode, changes the window size, and features many other improvements/fixes. File size is 1.4 MB. Freeware.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- PowerCart Grand Prix 2.6* (ORION PROJECT*): 2D cart racing simulation game featuring realistic driving feeling. Version 2.6 adds corner indications. File size is 572 KB* (more info*). Shareware* ¥500. Japanese software.

-- Nankin-Mushi 2.0.2* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Puzzle game resembles MineSweeper where player finds out bugs. Version 2.0.2 fixes the mouse pointer. File size is 807 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

7/9/99 (Fri)

Train Simulator: Southern France Released

Ongakukan* and PONYCANYON* has released Train Simulator: Southern France*. Train Simulator is a popular series of realistic train driving simulators using QuickTime movies where player can drive a real-world's train of various locations. The newest installment is set in southern France and drive SNCF trains. It features a variation of game options supporting both novice and experienced players. Requires 68LCO40/33 MHz or better, Japanese Mac OS, free memory 16 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better, QuickTime 2.0 or later. Available at retail stores in Japan or directly* for ¥8,800. Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- ChessWorks 1.9 (Mike Bailey): Chess program only for head-to-head net play. Version 1.9 fixes a bug that occurs after loading games. Size of the full version is 582 KB, updater is 79 KB (more info). Freeware.
Followup: As of July 13, ChessWorks has been updated to 1.9.2.

-- Clan Lord v84 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game. File size of updater for CD-ROM users is 1.3 MB, full test version is 18.8 MB, updater for test version is 367 KB (more info).

7/8/99 (Thu)

Electronic Arts Released Skydive!

Electronic Arts has released Skydive!. Developed by Gonzo Games, Skydive! is a skydiving simulator where player can enjoy three phases of the diving: Free-Fall with various maneuvers, Target Course to pass through floating target, and Landing Accuracy to land as close as possible to ground targets. It features accurate aerodynamic simulation, beautiful 3D scenery graphics supports software rendering and 3Dfx, realistic third person diver graphics captured from a professional diver. Requires PowerPC 603e/200 MHz or better (G3/200 MHz or better recommended), Mac OS 8.1 or later, RAM 64 MB or larger, free HD 65 MB or larger. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail store in USA or directly for $19.95.

7/7/99 (Wed)

Simple Adventure Game "Summer Days"

Takeshi Sakai* has released Summer Days*. Summer Days is a simple adventure game where player walk around the summer beach and enjoys a variety of hidden events. File size is 2.0 MB*. Japanese System 7.1 or later, free memory 8 MB or larger, free HD 4 MB or larger, 256 colors or better. Freeware. Japanese software.

Age of Empires Released

MacSoft has released Age of Empires. Developed by Ensemble Studios, PC version published by Microsoft, Age of Empires is an epic realtime strategy game where player construct one of ancient civilizations and manages it for long time span. It features Over 40 various scenario, a built-in scenario editor, sophisticated AI, dynamically changing graphic elements, and a variety of game goals such as conquest of the world, exploration of the known world, and economic victory. Requires PowerPC 603/150 MHz, PowerPC 604/120 MHz or better (604/150 MHz or better recommended for net play), RAM 32 MB or larger, free HD 70 MB or larger, CD-ROM. 28.8 Kbps or faster modem is required for net play. It only supports Mac to Mac net play. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.99.
Followup: As of July 16, Age of Empires has been updated to version 1.1.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Harpoon3 3.0.4 (Advanced Gaming Systems): The newest version of popular modern naval war simulation. Version 3.0.4 fixes some movies and improves the operation to stop the movies. Updater size is 442 KB (more info).
Followup: As of July 12, Harpoon3 has been updated to 3.0.5.

7/5/99 (Mon)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- ChessWorks 1.8.9 (Mike Bailey): Chess program only for head-to-head net play. Version 1.8.9 fixes a bug with displaying pieces. Size of the full version is 582 KB, updater is 62 KB (more info). Freeware.
Followup: As of July 13, ChessWorks has been updated to 1.9.2.

-- Mesa3DfxEngine 3.1b4 (Miklos Fazekas): OpenGL compatible library that supports 3Dfx cards. Version 3.1b4 fixes bugs in MesaTweaker adds support for 512x384 mode. File size is 557 KB (more info).
Followup: As of July 7, Mesa3DfxEngine has been updated to version 3.1b4a.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- WiLL 1.2* (Queens Software*): Interactive novel based on love story in a high school. Version 1.2 fixes the slowdown on Mac OS 8.6, improves CD-ROM access, and fixes other bugs. Updater size is 74 KB* (more info*). Also, demo version is updated with file size 3.0 MB* (more info*). Japanese software.

-- UCHU-JIN SHINRYAKU 1.5.2* (HEISEI GAME NAGAYA*): Simple and compact invader-type shooting arcade game. Version 1.5.2 fixes bugs. File size is 105 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Fugo630 2.0* (Atsushi Kojima*): Japanese card game stack like President. Version 2.0 improves computer routine and adds level options. File size is 22 KB* (more info*). Freeware.

7/3/99 (Sat)

Quake II Released

Logicware and Activision has released Quake II. Developed by id Software and Logicware, Quake II is the newest installment of sci-fi 3D first-person shooting action game series best-selling among PC gamers. The player, as an elite space marine, carries various special missions in the enemy planet while surviving and fighting against the alien forces. It features 19 large and complex missions, intelligent enemy characters using advanced AI, flexible and speedy action play, high quality graphics using OpenGL, and realistic sound effects. Also, the player can enjoy the world of amazing PC action game through a exiting net play and some of many total conversion sets created for PC Quake II. Requires PowerPC 603e or better (180 MHz or faster recommended), System 7.5.3 or later, RAM 48 MB or larger, free HD 60 MB or larger. ATI RAGE 128 with VRAM 4 MB or larger recommended. Available at retail stores in USA. 3Dfx users must install Mesa3DfxEngine 3.1b3 with file size 556 KB (more info).

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- ChessWorks 1.8.8 (Mike Bailey): Chess program only for head-to-head net play. Version 1.8.8 fixes a bug with castling and displaying pieces. Also improves the tracker and interface. Size of the full version is 582 KB, updater is 101 KB (more info). Freeware.
Followup: As of July 8, ChessWorks has been updated to 1.9.

-- Gridz 1.3 (Green Dragon Creations): Simple and exiting networkable cyber strategy game. Version 1.3 adds GridzNet Game Server support to find net player and adds Node Recycling to the game mode. Updater size is 1.3 MB (more info). Also, demo verison is updated with file size 5.3 MB (more info).

-- X-Plane 5.02 (Laminar Research): Full-featured civilian flight simulator with beautiful texture graphics. Version 5.02 adds new helicopters and improves ATC. Demo/Upgrade file size is 38.6 MB, updater from version 5.01 is 2.1 MB (more info).

7/2/99 (Fri)

Burning Monkey Solitaire II Released

Freeverse Software has released Burning Monkey Solitaire II: Monty Zuma's Revenge. It is an enhanced version of the popular solitaire card game featuring the unique theater-style game play and humorous jokes/performances by monkeys in the theater. The newest version includes 10 games such as newly added Golf, Calculation, Little Spider, Will O' the Wisp as well as Klondike and Freecell comes from the previous version. It also features new graphics and BGM using QuickTime music or MP3 (QuickTime 4 required). File size is 7.1 MB (more info). Shareware $14.95. (Source: MGL, MacUpdate.com, Version Tracker)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- ChessWorks 1.8.6 (Mike Bailey): Chess program only for head-to-head net play. Version 1.8.6 fixes a bug on checkmate announcements and adds game start announcement in the chat. Size of the full version is 579 KB, updater is 92 KB (more info). Freeware.
Followup: As of July 8, ChessWorks has been updated to 1.9.