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 Some of versions and links in this page may be outdated.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

8/30/99 (Mon)

Arkanoid-type Breakout Arcade "Sphaera"

Shawn Henry has released Sphaera. Sphaera is an Arkanoid-type Breakout arcade game featuring fast-paced game play, a variety of levels, various power-up items, animation/sound effects of lightning and explosion. File size is 912 KB (more info). Requires PowerPC, 640 x 480/256 colors or better, DrawSprocket 1.1.2 or later. Freeware.
Followup: As of September 2, Sphaera has been updated to version 1.0.1.

Networkable MineSweeper Game "BombHunter" Public Beta Posted

SpectroGrafx Productions has posted the public beta version of BombHunter. BombHunter is a networkable MineSweeper board game where player searches mines with numbers on grids. It features 2-player game via network with chat. File size is 1.1 MB. Beta shareware $7.50. (Source: Version Tracker)

Pipe Puzzle Game "Chokkakko"

RedShirt Studio has released Chokkakko*. Chokkakko is a unique pipe puzzle game where player connects two goal points using pipes. The pipes consists of 3 kinds; Straight, Elbow, and Cross, and player must use these as indicated numbers on each row and column. The game has many stages for both novice and experienced players. File size is 261 KB*. Requires 800 x 600/256 colors. Shareware $5 or ¥800. Japanese software.

2-Player Multiball Breakout Arcade "ANNDOROIDO"

Ikeda Production* has released ANNDOROIDO*. ANNDOROIDO is a unique multiball version of Breakout arcade game only for 2 players where players control paddles and hit all balls to smash blocks. It features exiting and strategic multiball game play and beautiful background arts. File size is 1,013 KB*. MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Freeware. Japanese software.

Japanese Popular Flag Game "THE HATAAGE"

Takashi Okamoto* has released THE HATAAGE*. THE HATAAGE is Japanese Popular flag game where player takes up or down 2-colored flags according to the indication. Also, the high score ranking* is running on the site. File size is 455 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

Ambrosia Software has Released Cythera

Ambrosia Software has released Cythera. Cythera is a full-scaled 2D fantasy role playing game where player, as a summoned savior, explores the world of Cythera to save the land sliding toward chaos and tragedy. The game has an advanced engine called Delver which features rich ambient sounds, full-time animations, sophisticated Mac OS-like user interface with multi windows and drag and drop, various option settings that supports both low-end and high-end machine users, and scriptable fighting AI. The scenario consists of an epic story with incidents of philosophical self-questioning and adrenaline-pumping suspense. Although it is a very complicated game for hard-core players, the advanced features, such as To Do list, a conversation journal, text parser, and in-game tutorials, support smooth game play. File size is 6.7 MB (more info). 68040 or better is recommended. Requires Mac OS 7.6.1 or later, 640 x 480/256 colors or better, QuickTime for sound tracks. Shareware $25.
Followup: As of September 1, Cythera has been updated to version 1.0.1. Some bugs such as slow down due to frequent HD access were reported on the previous version. (Reference: MGL Gaming Resource: Cythera Issues)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- HoverDuel 2.4 (Iguana Software): Simple hovercraft battle arcade game for two players. Version 2.4 adds a computer opponent to allow single player game, adds an option to disable background process, and fixes bugs. File size is 179 KB. Freeware.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Color Crown - Pazzle Game 0.0.4* (Tsuyano Shoda*): Othello/Checker-type unique board game. Version 0.0.4 allows to customize token design and changes the end game condition. File size is 417 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Ratsel 2.0.2* (Zauberkraft Software*): 2D puzzle arcade game like Lode Runner or Sokoban. Version 2.0.2 fixes fixes a bug on screen redrawing. File size is 1.5 MB*. Voluntary shareware* ¥1,000. Japanese software. Also, Ratsel StageEditor* has been updated to version 2.0.2 with file size 673 KB*.

-- Hampuku Yokotobi 2.0* (SCAI Software*): Compact sidestepping arcade game stack where player steps between lines using mouse clicks. Version 2.0 fixes bugs and adds a secret setting. File size is 14 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

8/27/99 (Fri)

Low-priced Game Series "Shitteru!?"

Inner Brain* has released games of "Shitteru!?" series. "Shitteru!?" series is a series of low-priced classic board games. They has released following 2 titles:

-- DOUBLE POKER: Collection of Poker games including Draw Poker, Video Poker, and Indian Poker.
-- IQ PEG SOLITAIRE: Traditional board game including 30 levels.

Requires PowerPC 601 or better, Japanese System 7.5 or later, free memory 10 MB or larger, CD-ROM 6x or faster. Available as hybrid CD-ROMs at retail stores in Japan. Japanese softwares.

Also, they has re-released Project X: Mystery Adventure, a simple interactive novel-style mystery adventure game.

MicreMouse Released "Arcade Game MAC"

MicroMouse* has released Arcade Game MAC*. It is a bundle pack includes Japanese version of following 2 old arcade game titles:

-- DIAMONDS 3D (developer: Varcon Systems, original publisher: MacSoft): 3D Breakout-type arcade game.
-- Fantasy (developer: Dongleware): Unique Breakout-type arcade game featuring various gimmicks.

Requires 68020 or better (iMac supported), Japanese System 7.1 or later, RAM 4 MB or larger, free memory 2.3 MB or larger, CD-ROM 2x or faster. Available at retail stores in Japan.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- GameRanger 1.0b5 (Scott Kevill): Client software for the chat and server tracking service for net games. Version 1.0b5 allows to find players by nickname and supports special chat rooms with moderation features. File size is 542 KB (more info). Public beta version.

-- Meat Gone Bad II 1.0.6 (Purple Hippo Software): Unique invader arcade game where player fights against meat threat. Version 1.0.6 fixes bugs and updates some sounds. File size is 726 KB. Shareware $15.

8/25/99 (Wed)

Simple Tile-flipping Puzzle Game "Uragaeshi Game"

Makoto Kawano* has released Uragaeshi Game*. Uragaeshi Game is a simple tile-flipping puzzle game where player flips groups of tiles to turn all tiles to blue. The game includes 10 levels with easy and hard difficulty. File size is 298 KB*. Maybe freeware. Also included is REALBasic source code. Japanese software. (Source: MacWIRE Express*)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Civilization II Multiplayer Gold Edition 1.1b1 (MacSoft): Multiplayer version of Civilization II bundled with add-on scenarios. Version 1.1b1 features improvements and fixes as PC version 1.3 has done, and fixes many bugs with file I/O and dialogs. Updater size is 1.2 MB (more info). Beta updater.

-- Unreal 2.2.4 Beta 7 (Westlake Interactive): High quality 3D first person shooting adventure game. Version 2.2.4 Beta 7 fixes crashing at startup on Beta 6 and is not necessary for those without the trouble. The size of updater from 2.2.4 Beta 1 or later is 1.1 MB (more info). Beta updater.

8/24/99 (Tue)

Mobster Strategy Board Game "Deathground"

Freeverse Software has released Deathground. Deathground is a RISK-type turn-based humorous mobster strategy board game set in the Prohibition Law era where player places new guys, attacks enemy hoods, and repositions troops to take enemy hoods. It features up to 7 players game including computer players, detailed and animated maps of New York/USA/the World, unique interface with old flavor, and dynamic game screen with automatic scrolling and zooming. Requires Mac OS 7.6 or later, free memory 20 MB or larger. Available directly for $29.95. Also, demo version is available with size 19.4 MB (more info). (Source: MacGaming.com, MGL, IMG, Version Tracker, Macdownload.com, and other source)

8/23/99 (Mon)

Auditory Training Game "Zettai Onkan?"

M-WAY'S* has released Zettai Onkan?*. Zettai Onkan? is a simple Auditory training game where player distinguishes notes. The game consists of 3 modes; Beginner Mode to answer a single note, Intermediate Mode to answer a sequence of random notes, Expert Made to answer a sequence of 8 random notes with time limit. File size is 477 KB*. Requires Japanese System 7.5 or later, 32,000 colors or better, free memory 8 MB or larger recommended. Shareware* ¥500. Japanese software.

Whack-a-Mole/Packman-type 2D Arcade Game "ONANABATAKE"

Yu Ito* has released OHANABATAKE*. OHANABATAKE is a arcade game like the combination of Whack-a-Mole and Packman where player controls a character to get flowers. It features humorous characters with amazing animation and head-to-head style unique game play. It can be played by 1 player against computer or 2 players. Requires PowerPC, Japanese System 7.5 or later, 256 colors or better. File size is 91 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Dirt Bike 3D 1.6 (Brad Quick): 3D version of popular off-road motorcycle racing arcade game. Version 1.6 supports OpenGL. File size is 1.1 MB. This version requires OpenGL and for those WITHOUT OpenGL, use version 1.5 (file size 1.1 MB). Shareware $15.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Ajisai 2.0.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Puzzle game to solve by rotating pieces. Version 2.0.0 rebuilds the program. File size is 618 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Mogura 2.0.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Simple Whack-a-Mole arcade game. Version 2.0.0 rebuilds the program. File size is 634 KB* (more info*) Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Netto Ozumo 1.4b* (KIMCO*): Sumo simulation game stack featuring real world ozumo wrestlers. Version 1.4b updates the wrestlers data and improves the game performance and interface. File size is 891 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

8/19/99 (Thu)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- GameRanger 1.0b4 (Scott Kevill): Client software for the chat and server tracking service for net games. Version 1.0b4 features contextual menus, other improvements, and many fixes. Also supports seven new games; Age of Empires, Battle for the Universe, Deadlock, Heroes of Might & Magic II, Lode Runner 2, Master of Orion II, Railroad Tycoon 2: The Second Century. File size is 534 KB (more info). Public beta version.
Followup: As of August 27, GameRanger has been updated to version 1.0b5.

-- Unreal 2.2.4 Beta 6 (Westlake Interactive): High quality 3D first person shooting adventure game. Version 2.2.4 Beta 6 fixes crashing bugs in RAVE, improves right click support, and supports 1024 x 768 or larger for Voodoo3/Voodoo2 SLI. Also fixes a mouse control bug in 2.2.4 Beta 5. The size of updater from 2.2.4 Beta 1 or later is 959 KB (more info).
Followup: As of August 25, Unreal has been updated to version 2.2.4 Beta 7.

8/18/99 (Wed)

WWII SkyFighters 2000 Pre-Release Shipped

Bullseye Software has shipped WWII SkyFighters 2000 Pre-Release. WWII SkyFighters 2000 is an enhanced version of popular networkable WWII flight simulator featuring high quality scenery graphics with textures, dynamic lighting effects, and shading using 3D RAVE. It also features mission-oriented single/multi play support by computer AI, air-versus-ground battle with bombing and base defenses, 8 aircraft types such as Mustang and Zero, and USB joystick support by InputSprocket. The Pre-Release version only contains a part of missions and aircrafts and users are eligible to get full retail version CD-ROM when released. Requires PowerPC 603/180 MHz or better (G3 recommended, iMac compatible, certain PowerBooks NOT compatible), free HD 12 MB if installed on an HD, CD-ROM, 3D RAVE card, VRAM 4 MB or larger. Available directly for $39.95.

Game Updates

-- Age of Empires 1.2 (MacSoft): Realtime strategy game where player construct one of ancient civilizations. Version 1.2 supports GameRanger and fixes many bugs. Updater size is 1.1 MB (more info).

-- Enigmatic Movement 1.6 (SwordLord): Rubik's Cube-style puzzle game where player matches the colored tiles by sliding row or column of grids. Version 1.6 improves the screen layout and others. File size is 775 KB (more info). Shareware $15.

-- Jazz Jackrabbit 2 1.2.6 (Logicware): SONIC-type 2D high-paced action arcade game staring Jazz the humorous rabbit. Version 1.2.6 supports InputSprocket, adds net play, improves the game speed, fixes bugs, and supports upcoming GameRanger 1.0b4. Updater file size is 160 KB (more info).

8/17/99 (Tue)

Goofy Golf Deluxe Released

Squeegee Software (previously B&B Software) has released Goofy Golf Deluxe. Goofy Golf Deluxe is a sequel to Gopher Golf, a popular 2D miniature golf arcade game, where player challenges a unique golf on tricky holes. The newest installment features more many tricks/gimmicks, challenging 54 holes of 3 courses, course editor, and colorful graphics using clay animation. Requires PowerPC, System 7.5.3 or later, free memory 16 MB or larger, free HD 40 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors. Available directly for $24.95. Also, demo version is available with file size 6.7 MB (more info).

Game Updates

-- Blobs 3.0 (Lost Minds): Puzzle arcade game using chemical bond theory. Version 3.0 features new interface and graphic effects, special items, improved options, sound, and music. File size is 2.2 MB. Shareware $10.

-- Macintosh Football Manager 2.2 (TigaByte Software): Soccer management simulation game. Version 2.2 fixes bugs and improves game parameters. File size is 786 KB (more info). Freeware.

8/16/99 (Mon)

Hexagonal MineSweeper Game "Kumaga Kitarite"

Kiyoshi Takeuchi* has released "Kumaga Kitarite*." Kumaga Kitarite is MineSweeper-like game played with hexagonal board. File size is 639 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

Enhanced Macigame Puzzle Game "PuSame RNG"

ED software* has released PuSame RNG*. PuSame RNG is an enhanced version of Japanese popular Macigame puzzle game featuring various token size/board size options and replay mode. It also accepts token graphics for Windows including animation tokens. File size is 642 KB*. Requires PowerPC. Freeware.

Macigame-type Puzzle Game "Ochigame"

Tsuyano Shoda* has released Ochigame*. Ochigame is a simple puzzle game like Japanese popular Macigame where player finds groups of same tiles. File size is 489 KB*. Requires Japanese System 7.5 or later, free memory 2.5 MB or larger. Freeware. Japanese software. (Source: MacWIRE Express*)

Unique Puzzle Game "N.I.N.E"

Rin Brand Entertainment* has released N.I.N.E*. N.I.N.E is a unique puzzle game where player moves blocks to fill 9 grids on them. It includes 10 standard stages as well as a variety of additional stages. Also included is N.I.N.E Editor to create new stages. File size is 496 KB*. Users must send their original stages or a ¥500 book coupon. (Source: MacWIRE Express*)

Othello/Checker-type Board Game "Color Crown - Pazzle Game"

Tsuyano Shoda* has released Color Crown - Pazzle Game*. Color Crown - Pazzle Game is Othello/Checker-type strategic board game where player turns enemy tokens by hopping. It is played against 2 to 5 computer players. It features 4 different sized board, the powerful computer routine, and active guidance. File size is 415 KB*. Requires PowerPC, Japanese System 7.5 or later, free memory 3 MB or larger. Freeware. Japanese software. (Source: MacWIRE Express*)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Battle for the Universe 1.1 (Misty Software): Asteroid-type strategic 2D space shooting game. Version 1.1 supports GameRanger and fixes several bugs. File size is 1.9 MB. Shareware $20.

-- Clan Lord v90.1 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game. Size of the full version v90 is 19.6 MB, v90 updater for CD-ROM users is 2.3 MB, v90 updater from v87 is 769 KB (more info). The v90.1 application is available with file size 334 KB that fixes a crashing bug in v90.

-- Enemy Bomber Balloons 1.3 (Alan Glenn): Simple invader-type shooting arcade game where player shoots bombing balloons. File size is 427 KB. Freeware.

-- iCross 3.0 (SAK.sw Farm): Puzzle board game where player complete a picture by placing the piece. Version 3.0 improve the game rule and fixes bugs. File size is 1.1 MB. Shareware $5.

-- Meteor Storm 1.3 (Z Square Entertainment): 2D space shooting arcade game. Version 1.3 is a complete overhaul version. Full version file size is 1.4 MB, updater size is 523 KB. Shareware $15.

-- Psion Boy 2.01 (Doug Kavanagh): Unique 2D hypnotism role playing arcade game. Version 2.01 features 2 new levels, many bug fixes, and improved performance, size, saving system, level editor, and network play. File size is 2.6 MB (more info). Maybe freeware.

-- Realmz 6.2.6 (Fantasoft): Popular 2D top view and 3D maze view epic fantasy role playing game. Version 6.2.6 adds new Mithril Vault scenario. Full version file size is 14.8 MB, updater size is 1.8 MB (more info). Also, the scenario Trouble in the Sword Lands has been updated to version 6.2 with file size 1.9 MB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- Stratega 1.0b3 (Matthew Hershberger): Simple networkable military board game like Stratego. Version 1.0b3 fixes small bugs and supports custom boards. File size of PowerPC version is 956 KB, 68K version is 943 KB. Public beta version.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Ace 1.0.2 (Candy House): Card game collection including 22 solitaire games and 28 games played against computer. Version 1.0.2 adds 6 new games. File size is 1.2 MB. Shareware ¥2,000. Japanese software.

-- iMacNIKA 1.7* (Morisuke*): Puzzle game where player removes pairs of icons. Version 1.7 features improved Undo/Redo and a bug fix. File size is 690 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Power Rally Special Stage 2.2* (ORION PROJECT*): 2D scrolling rally racing simulation game. Version 2.2 adds the dirt race mode. File size is 2.5 MB*. Shareware* ¥500. Japanese software.

-- Ratsel 2.0.1* (Zauberkraft Software*): 2D puzzle arcade game like Lode Runner or Sokoban. Version 2.0.1 fixes a bug on redrawing a block. File size is 1.5 MB*. Voluntary shareware* ¥1,000. Japanese software. Also, Ratsel StageEditor* has been updated to version 2.0.1 with file size 673 KB*.

-- Summer Days 1.1* (Takeshi Sakai*): Simple adventure game where player walk around the summer beach. Version 1.1 fixes bugs and adds new events. File size is 2.0 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Dato Osama 1.2* (Takuya Ono*): Side scrolling 2D arcade game where player controls an airship and defeats enemy planes. Full version size is 589 KB, updater size is 38 KB. Freeware. Japanese software.

8/6/99 (Fri)

Madden NFL 2000 Preorder Started

Aspyr Media started accepting preorder of upcoming Madden NFL 2000. Madden NFL 2000 (PC version publisher: EA Sports, porting: Westlake Interactive) is the latest installment of popular PC American football simulation game where player, as a manager of real world's NFL team, plays games with 3D graphics and great player AI. Preorder is available for $49.95. Expected to be released in this fall, according to Westlake Interactive. (Source: IMG)

3Dfx Voodoo3 Generic Driver Beta Posted

3dfx Interactive posted a Voodoo3 Macintosh OS 8.x Beta Drivers. It is a generic driver for 3Dfx Voodoo3 chipset that supports PC Voodoo3 graphic cards. The package contains Glide drivers and a firmware updater. File size is 397 KB (more info). Requires PowerPC, Mac OS 8.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger. (Source: MacGaming.com, MGL, IMG, Version Tracker, and other sources)

Game Demos

-- Goofy Golf Deluxe (Squeegee Software): Sequel to Gopher Golf, a popular miniature golf arcade game, featuring tricky 54 holes and colorful graphics using clay animation. File size is 6.7 MB (more info). Preorder is available for $24.95. Expected on August 16.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Brutal Impact 1.0b3 (Chris Comeau): 2D fighting arcade game. Version 1.0b3 fixes some bugs. Full version size is 4.9 MB (more info), updater is 139 KB (more info). Public beta version.

-- Giza 2.1.6 (Squeegee Software): 3D first person perspective adventure game where player explores the dungeon in pyramid and gathers pieces of pictures. File size is 1.5 MB (more info). Shareware $15.

-- GopherGolf 3.1.1 (Squeegee Software): 2D miniature golf arcade game. Version 3.1.1 allows to open courses created on a larger screen. File size is 574 KB (more info). Shareware $15.

8/5/99 (Thu)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Mesa3DfxEngine 3.1b6 (Miklos Fazekas): OpenGL compatible library for X-Plane and Quake 3 Test that supports 3Dfx cards. Version 3.1b6 fixes a fatal bug. File size is 570 KB (more info).

Game Demos

-- QuickShot Deluxe 2 (Jim Plamondon): Interactive gun shooting game. File size is 18.8 MB (more info). Full retail version is available directly for $39.

8/4/99 (Wed)

Simple Milking Game "Ushi Game"

Tracce di Corvo* has released Ushi Game*. Ushi Game is a very simple milking game where player milks a cow as fast as possible by repeating certain key strokes. File size is 102 KB*. Requires PowerPC, Japanese System 7.1 or later, Appearance Manager (or Mac OS 8.0 or later). Freeware. Japanese software.

Puzzle Arcade Game "NU-kunno Kinkai Hiroi"

NA Soft* has released NU-kunno Kinkai Hiroi 7.0*. It is a puzzle arcade game where player collects all gold pieces. It features simple game play and randomly generated stages. File size is 557 KB*. MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Requires PowerPC, Japanese System 7.5 or later. Freeware. Japanese software.

Tomb Raider III Preorder Started

Aspyr Media started accepting preorder of upcoming Tomb Raider III. Tomb Raider III (developer: Core Design, PC version publisher: Eidos Interactive, porting: Westlake Interactive) is The latest installment of popular 3D exploration action game featuring improved action and more beautiful graphics. Preorder is available for $49.95. (Source: MGL, IMG)

SimCity 3000 Released

Electronic Arts has released SimCity 3000. Developed by Maxis Software, SimCity 3000 is the newest installment of the well-known city management simulation where player, as a Mayor, build a new city from ground up by attracting residents and industries and by building various facilities. The newest installment features detailed live graphics, wide maps, and customizable terrains/buildings as well as new factors such as farms and business trades. Requires PowerPC/180 MHz or better, System 7.5.3 or later (Mac OS 8.1 or later for PowerPC G3), RAM 32 MB or larger (64 MB or larger recommended), virtual memory 128 MB or larger, free HD 260 MB or larger, CD-ROM 4x or faster, QuickTime 3.0 or later. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.95.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- GameRanger 1.0b3 (Scott Kevill): Client software for the chat and server tracking service for net games. Version 1.0b3 features several fixes, improves, and Klingon Honor Guard support. File size is 517 KB (more info). Public beta version.

-- Mesa3DfxEngine 3.1b5 (Miklos Fazekas): OpenGL compatible library for X-Plane and Quake 3 Test that supports 3Dfx cards. Version 3.1b5 features bug fixes such as screenshots, increased speed, and other improvements. File size is 614 KB (more info).
Followup: As of August 5, Mesa3DfxEngine has been updated to version 3.1b6.

-- Quake 3 Test 1.0.8 (id Software): Public test version of Quake 3: Arena, the newest installment of the high-featured 3D first person shooting. Version 1.0.8 features many fixes and improvements. Full version size is 34.2 MB (more info).
Followup: As of August 4, It is difficult to download Quake 3 Test due to the heavy traffic.

8/2/99 (Mon)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Fortune Puzzles 1.2 (Gypsy King Software): Word searching puzzle game with fortune telling. File size is 829 KB. Freeware or donation.

-- HoverDuel 2.3 (Iguana Software): Simple hovercraft battle arcade game for two players. Version 2.3 adds nuke weapon, preference saving, and sound toggle. File size is 173 KB. Freeware.

-- Meat Gone Bad II 1.0.5 (Hippotamus Software): Unique invader arcade game where player fights against meat threat. Version 1.0.5 fixes bugs and updates background artworks. File size is 655 KB. Shareware $15.

-- Pork Barrel 1.2 (Gypsy King Software): Roll and move-style board game where each player takes a role of president. File size is 2.5 MB. Shareware $15.