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 Some of versions and links in this page may be outdated.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, 2000

8/31/00 (Thu)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- David's Backgammon 3.9 (David Byrum): Backgammon game with many features and options. Version 3.9 improves the AI and the interface. File size is 401 KB. Shareware $20 ($22 for online registration).

-- Harpoon3 3.2.9 (Advanced Gaming Systems): The newest version of popular modern naval war simulation game. Version 3.2.8 fixes freezes at changing the volume. Updater from version 3.1.x or earlier is 1.7 MB, updater from version 3.2.0 or later is 1.7 MB, updater from version 3.2.8 is 1.4 MB (more info). Also, the demo version has been updated with file size 13.0 MB, updater from older demo is 1.7 MB (more info).

-- X-Plane 5.34 (Laminar Research): Full-featured general flight simulator with high-quality texture graphics. Version 5.34 adds Quick-Flight option, support new generation avionics system HITS, and includes other fine improvements. Demo/upgrade file size is 61.6 MB (more info), updater from version 5.33 is 2.7 MB (more info).
Followup: As of September 7, X-Plane has been updated to version 5.36.

8/29/00 (Tue)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord 1.05 (Battlefront.com): Squad Leader-type WWII realistic turn-based tactical war simulation game featuring full 3D view. Version 1.05 includes many improvements/fixes with the tactical conditions and the AI. Updater size is 1.6 MB.

-- DopeWars 3.0 (Likely Software): Data-oriented simulation game of illegal drug trading. Version 3.0 adds days options at startup, improves auto-update feature, and others. File size is 1.1 MB. Shareware $5.

-- GameSprockets 1.7.5 (Apple Computer): End user packege of standard game library set. Version 1.7.5 updates DrawSprocket to version 1.7.5. File size is 878 KB. US version Mac OS is needed to install. Freeware.

-- MacBrickout 4.1 (Leapfrog Software): Enhanced Breakout-type arcade game. Version 4.1 supports 5 languages, adds several items, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 2.2 MB (more info). Shareware $25.

-- Planetary Conquest Beta 1 (AvisNocturna): Turn-based sci-fi full 3D strategy game. File size is 2.9 MB (more info). Public beta version.
Followup: As of September 5, Planetary Conquest has been updated to version Beta 2.

-- Short Dungeon 1.0 (Mac Gorilla): Final version of the simple text selecting adventure game to explores a dungeon. File size is 839 KB (more info). Freeware.

-- Steel Fighters 1.3 (ColdSteel Software): Lunar Rescue-type 2D head-to-head shooting arcade game. Version 1.3 improves the graphics, adds new ships, weapons, levels, and game options, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 2.0 MB. Shareware 50 mk, 10 Euro, or $15 for online registration.

-- Ultris .95 Beta (Joseph Weagel): Tetris puzzle arcade game. File size is 231 KB. Public beta version but the author accept a donation (donationware).
Followup: As of September 4, the final version of Ultris has been released.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Over Cast 0.2* (T-soft*): Near-future sci-fi role playing adventure game stack. File size is 162 KB* (more info*). Development version but users must send a mail to the author (mailware). Japanese software.

-- THE KING OF GALAXY 2000* (Yasuyuki Muradate*): Sequel to the fighting arcade game stack with a unique story. File size is 2.1 MB* (more info*). MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Tamanegi RPG 1.1* (T-soft*): Role playing adventure stack featuring humorous characters. Version 1.1 improves the ending scene. File size is 842 KB*. Freeware but users must send a mail to the author. Japanese software.

-- ButaPuzzle 2* (Buta Kobo*): Second installment of the arcade-style puzzle game series where player control a little pig to carry the red ball to the goal. The sequel contains new larger 200 stages and includes other improvements. File size is 826 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Sosakan Yuko Azusa 1.02 beta* (Yasu*): Simple detective adventure game where player solves a murder case. Version 1.02 beta fixes bugs. File size is 1.2 MB* (more info*). Public beta version. Japanese software.

-- Taikyoku Shogi KFEnd 1.10* (Masaaki Arioka*): Shogi program with 6-level unique computer routine. Version 1.10 improves AI routine, adds some AI options, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 388 KB* (more info*). Shareware* ¥1,000. Japanese software.

-- Netto Ozumo 1.9b1* (KIMCO*): Sumo simulation game stack featuring real world ozumo wrestlers. Version 1.9b1 adds new data through July tournament of this year and fixes several bugs. File size is 1.1 MB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

8/25/00 (Fri)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- MacFIBS 4.2 (Paul Ferguson): Macintosh client for online Backgammon system FIBS. Version 4.2 improves interface and fixes many bugs such as crashes. File size is 3.0 MB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- Short Dungeon 1.0b2 (Mac Gorilla): Simple text selecting adventure game to explores a dungeon. Version 1.0b2 adds an About dialog, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 839 KB (more info). Public beta version.
Followup: As of August 29, the final version of Short Dungeon has been released.

-- Virtual Wings Professional 1.6 (CAT III Systems): Realistic flight simulator/trainer for professional use. Updater size is 10.9 MB (more info). Also, the demo version has been updated with file size 10.2 MB (more info).

8/24/00 (Thu)

Unique Role Playing Adventure Game "Samurai"

Takeshi Sakai* has released Samurai*. Samurai is a simple role playing adventure game where player, as a traveling Samurai, explores a town and makes it more abundant. It features unique graphics resembles old Japanese films, nonviolent game play with much of freedom, various conversation, and a lot of hidden events. File size is 2.5 MB. Freeware or voluntary shareware.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Fly! SDK 1.01.88 (Terminal Reality): Software development kit (SDK) to develop Fly! add-on files and Fly! 1.01.88 Updater. The Fly! 1.01.88 Updater updates current version of Fly! 1.01.87 to the special version that includes new features and bug fixes to support these third party add-ons. File size of the development kit is 3.4 MB, Fly! 1.01.88 updater for users is 2.9 MB. The updater is to include in add-on files and not the latest official updater for Fly!. (Source: Mach One's Scenery Editor Information*)

-- Clan Lord v143 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Full version size is 25.4 MB, updater from CD-ROM version is 10.7 MB, updater from version v141 is 509 KB.

8/23/00 (Wed)

Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions Released

Sierra Attractions has released Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions. It is a new enhanced version of popular the apparatus construction puzzle game where player construct humorous and tricky apparatus to solve various puzzles. The newest version features refined graphics and interface, 200 unique puzzles, head-to-head puzzles for 2 players, voice guidance, tutorials, and plenty of hints. Also, built-in puzzle editor is included that allows to construct custom puzzles of various types. Requires PowerPC/120 MHz or faster, Mac OS 8.5.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger, free HD 50 MB or larger, 800 x 600/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95. Also, a demo version is available with file size 14.3 MB (more info).

Peg Solitaire Released

Mark Pazolli Software has released the final version of Peg Solitaire*. Peg Solitaire is a simple ancient solitaire board puzzle game where player removes all pegs from the board in a checker-like rule. File size is 172 KB* (more info*). Also, Carbon Solitaire, an updater to support Mac OS X, is available with file size 34 KB*. Freeware or voluntary shareware. (Source: Version Tracker)

Variety Tetris Puzzle Arcade Game "Multris"

Bjorn Carlin and Monkey Byte Development has released Multris. Multris is a Tetris puzzle arcade game played with square, triangular, or hexagonal blacks. It features a variety of game options includes difficulty levels, color sets, piece sets. Also included is a built in editor to customize color set and piece set. File size is 209 KB. Requires PowerPC, System 7.5.3 or later. Shareware $12. (Source: Download.com)

3-D Ultra Pinball: Thrillride Released

Sierra Attractions has released 3-D Ultra Pinball: Thrillride. It is the fifth installment of the popular 3D variety pinball series. This series features a variety of amazing events and tricks, realistic ball action with speed and thrill, easy game play where beginner player can enjoy enough. The latest installment Thrillride features various attractions from HERSHEYPARK in USA and contains amusing 15 rides, the colorful main table with evolving Thrill Zone and Nighttime Fantasy, special tables such as Virtual Coaster and River Rapids. Requires PowerPC/233 MHz or faster, Mac OS 8.5.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger, free HD 95 MB or larger, 800 x 600/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA. Also, a demo version is available with file size 22.3 MB (more info).

Artillery Simulation Game "Hogeki"

Studio J* has released Hogeki*. Hogeki is an artillery simulation game where player shoot the target by determining angle and strength of the cannon. The game contains head-to-head mode played by 2 players or single player against computer, and mission mode to destroy all designated targets in 8 stages. File size is 1.1 MB* (more info*). Requires PowerPC (G3 or better recommended), Mac OS 8 or later, 800 x 600/256 colors or better, QuickTime 2.5 or later. Shareware* ¥500.

Humorous Role Playing Adventure Stack "Tamanegi RPG"

T-soft* has released the final version of Tamanegi RPG*. Tamanegi RPG is a simple role playing adventure game stack where an onion character explores towns and dungeons to get to his house. It features humorous story and characters, unique illustration of black/white graphics, and various mini game events. File size is 845 KB* (more info*). Requires Japanese HyperCard. Freeware but users must send a mail to the author (mailware). Japanese software.
Followup: As of August 29, Tamanegi RPG has been updated to version 1.1.

Unique Sushi-bar Puzzle Arcade "Kuru Kuru Sushi Ogui Battle"

Candy House has released Kuru Kuru Sushi Ogui Battle. It is a unique puzzle arcade game with theme of a round sushi bar where player takes as many piece of sushi as possible and lines up 4 pieces of same topping vertically to get bonus points. It features simple and quick game play and wide variation of sushi toppings to add difficulty along with the game progress. File size is 396 KB. Shareware ¥1,000 or $10.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- DopeWars 2.5 (Likely Software): Data-oriented simulation game of illegal drug trading. Version 2.5 adds MP3 playlist, adds new version downloader, and fixes many bugs. File size is 1.1 MB. Shareware $5.
Followup: As of August 29, DopeWars has been updated to version 3.0.

-- Mega Minesweeper 1.2 (Carrot Software): Minesweeper game featuring up to 32,767 x 32,767 play field and various theme plug-ins. Version 1.2 is now PowerPC native only, improves multitasking and others, and fixes several bugs. File size is 920 KB. Freeware. Also, previous version of Mega Minesweeper 1.1 for 68K is available with file size 626 KB.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Puzzle Land 1.0* (Flowlen*): Arcade-style puzzle game stack where player goes through mazes by moving some blocks (former title: Jack's Pazzle Land). Puzzle Land 1.0 adds new characters. File size is 193 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

8/21/00 (Mon)

Game Demos (World-Wide)

-- Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions (Sierra Attractions): Newest version of popular apparatus construction puzzle game. Demo size is 14.3 MB (more info). Full retail version is available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord 1.04 (Battlefront.com): Squad Leader-type WWII realistic turn-based tactical war simulation game featuring full 3D view. Version 1.04 corrects several game conditions, improves AI, and includes many other improvements and fixes. The play-by-email format and the scenario files are not compatible with those of previous versions. Updater size is 1.6 MB.
Followup: As of August 29, Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord has been updated to version 1.05.

-- Diablo II 1.03b (Blizzard Entertainment): Sequel to the popular realtime dark fantasy role playing adventure game featuring five new character classes and vast world with 4 towns and a lot of dungeons. Updater size is 3.6 MB (more info).

-- Macintosh Football Manager 2.2a (TigaByte Software): Soccer management simulation game where player manages a team to let them win the Premier Championship and the FA Cup. Version 2.2a changes the documentation including the new URL. File size is 786 KB (more info). Freeware.

-- NetTower 1.3* (The OuterCircle): Networkable jumping arcade game based on NS-TOWER. Version 1.3 fixes the network crash. File size of PowerPC version is 700 KB*, 68K version is 689 KB*. Shareware $8.

-- Powerball 1.3.6 (macnetic software): Breakout style arcade game with advanced graphics and sounds. Version 1.3.6 supports Mac OS 8.5 or later. File size is 950 KB. Freeware.

-- Realmz 7.1 (Fantasoft): Popular 2D top view and 3D maze view epic fantasy role playing game. Version 7.1 adds new scenarios "Half Truth" and "War in the Sword Lands", and fixes a few scripting errors. Full version size is 21.1 MB (more info), updater is 454 KB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- Screamer 1.0 (build 54) (William): Full-featured Chess program with variable hash table and AppleEvent support. Version 1.0 (build 54) includes a opening book from grandmaster games and supports end game tablebase. File size of PowerPC version is 1.5 MB, 68020 version is 1.4 MB. Freeware.

-- Squish 2.6.8 (Fantasoft): 2D puzzle arcade game where player places various items to conduct a character to the exit. File size is 3.8 MB. Shareware $15.

-- Terminus 1.7 (Vicarious Visions): Realistic space combat simulator and epic sci-fi role playing game set in the Solar System. Version 1.7 adds joystick calibrator, and fixes crashes and bugs with the ship equipment, AI, scenario scripts, and others. Updater from full retail version is 1.8 MB, updater from version 1.62 is 1.3 MB (more info). Updater from beta version 1.62b is NOT available.

-- Ultris .83 Beta (Joseph Weagel): Tetris puzzle arcade game. File size is 176 KB. Public beta version but the author accept a donation (donationware).
Followup: As of August 29, Ultris has been updated to version .95 Beta.

-- Unreal Tournament 425a (MacSoft): Enhancement of the popular 3D first person shooting game with a variety of net play-oriented level scenarios and powerful bots for single play. Version 425a fixes bugs. Updater from version 425 is 976 KB (more info). Also, 425 updater with file size 3.4 MB is needed to update from full retail version (more info).

-- Voodoo5 PCI 1.0.1 (3dfx Interactive): Driver for 3Dfx Voodoo5 PCI graphics card. Version 1.0.1 fixes some bugs. File size is 1.3 MB.

-- Weird Al's Great Adventure Beta 3 (F.I.D.I.M. Interactive): Top-down arcade adventure game which is a parody of "Adventure". File size is 36.3 MB. Public beta version.

-- X-Plane 5.33 (Laminar Research): Full-featured civilian flight simulator with beautiful texture graphics. Version 5.33 optimized the taxiway loading and building drawing, supports flight-director for airliners, supports thrust-vectoring for modern fighters, improves some cockpits, and includes other improvements and fixes. Demo/upgrade file size is 60.8 MB (more info), updater from version 5.32 is 4.4 MB (more info).
Followup: As of September 1, X-Plane has been updated to version 5.35b.

-- Sigma Chess 5.0 (Sigma GameWare): Professional chess program. Version 5.0 is now PowerPC native, refines the user interface, supports multitasking, improves the database feature, adds Elo rating calculator, and includes many other improvements. File size of Sigma Chess Lite is 1.9 MB (more info). The limited version of Sigma Chess Lite is freeware and upgrading to Sigma Chess Pro is available for $15. This version requires PowerPC and previous 68K version of Sigma Chess Lite 4.0.2 is available with file size 1.2 MB (more info).

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Fight of Bakki & Mu-tyan 1.2* (Toyo*): Simple fighting arcade game stack. Version 1.2 adds a computer player for single play. File size is 10 KB*. MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- MakeTens 0.9b10* (NanDeYanen Games): Strategic board game where player moves the token to take numbered tokens to make 10 in total. Version 0.9b10 fixes bugs with the pauses. File size is 40 KB*. Public beta version but users must send a mail to the author or pay ¥650*. Japanese software.

-- Mini AQUA 2.0.1* (Sano*): Simple aquarium simulation to breed fish. Version 2.0.1 support external fish files. File size is 983 KB* (more info*). Freeware but users must send a mail to the author. Japanese software.

-- Slam Bill 1.01* (Toyo*): Simple racing arcade game stack where player drives a car to hit the icon. Version 1.01 fixes a bug File size is 10 KB *. MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Action ver.cat 1.1* (Toyo*): Maze arcade game stack where player controls a flying cat to get the goal without crashing into walls. Version 1.1 adds a high speed mode and includes other improvements. File size is 8 KB*. MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Sosakan Yuko Azusa 1.01 beta* (Yasu*): Simple detective adventure game where player solves a murder case. Version 1.01 beta improves the font display. File size is 1.2 MB* (more info*). Public beta version. Japanese software.
Followup: As of August 29, Sosakan Yuko Azusa has been updated to version 1.02 beta.

-- Tenkibu Bodo Game 3.3* (Kohei Natori*): Hilarious strategy board game stack set in a high school. File size is 362 KB* (more info*). MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Freeware. Japanese software.

8/11/00 (Fri)

Game Demos (World-Wide)

-- SkyFighters 1945 Preview 8/8/00 (Bullseye Software): WWII flight simulator played against network players or AI featuring high quality 3D graphics (former title "WWII SkyFighters 2000"). Preview 8/8/00 adds OpenGL version and includes other improvements. File size of RAVE version is 2.9 MB, OpenGL version is 2.9 MB. Pre-Release of full retail version is available directly for $39.95.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Clan Lord v141 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Full version size is 25.3 MB, updater from CD-ROM version is 10.6 MB, updater from version v139 is 730 KB.
Followup: As of August 24, Clan Lord has been updated to version v143.

-- Poor Man's Solitaire 2.1 (Mike Perry): Simple solitaire card game collection including 45 games. Version 2.1 adds 15 new games, supports unlimited undo, adds full autoplay, and includes other improvements. File size is 873 KB. Shareware $13.

-- Presidents3000 1.01 (Space-Time Associates): Variation of the popular word-guessing game Hang2000 with questions about Presidents of the USA. Version 1.01 fixes a few errors in the Presidential information. File size is 921 KB. Shareware $20.

8/10/00 (Thu)

Japanese Traditional Fair-stall Game "MacEnnichi"

Dream Garden Software* has released MacEnnichi*. MacEnnichi is a combination of the popular Japanese traditional fair-stall arcade games Kingyo Sukui, a miniature fishing game to capture goldfish from a tank by a paper scoop, and Shateki, a shooting gallery game to get various goods. Each game includes 5 difficulty levels and the higher levels can be played by finishing the current level. File size is 669 KB*. Requires PowerPC, Mac OS 7.6 or later (Mac OS 9 supported), free memory 4 MB or larger, free HD 20 MB or larger, 256 colors or larger. Freeware. (Source: MacWIRE*)

8/9/00 (Wed)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- GameRanger Scrabble Plug-in (Scott Kevill): Scrabble plug-in for the general online gaming service. The plug-in is available via auto updating. Also, a net installer for new users is available with file size 165 KB (more info). Freeware.

-- GameRanger 2.1.1 (Scott Kevill): Client software for the general online gaming service. Version 2.1.1 adds a profanity filter, adds a new contextual menu to copy chat text, and fixes various bugs. File size of the net installer is 165 KB (more info). Auto-update available. Freeware.

-- Presidents3000 1.0 (Space-Time Associates): Variation of the popular word-guessing game Hang2000. Presidents3000 includes questions about Presidents of the USA and other related persons. File size is 921 KB. Shareware $20.
Followup: As of August 11, Presidents3000 has been updated to version 1.01.

-- States3000 1.0 (Space-Time Associates): Variation of the popular word-guessing game Hang2000. States3000 includes questions about 50 States of the USA. File size is 680 KB. Shareware $20.

-- Unreal Tournament 425 (MacSoft): Enhancement of the popular 3D first person shooting game with a variety of net play-oriented level scenarios and powerful bots for single play. Version 425 includes improvements and fixes from PC version 420/425 such as network performance improvements. Updater size is 3.4 MB (more info).

-- Worlds Apart 2.1 (Suzanne Britton): Sci-fi interactive fiction text adventure set in an alternate universe. File size is 1.7 MB. Freeware.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- RAIZIN3 3.17A* (May): Epic sci-fi space conquest simulation game Java applet. File size is 5.2 MB*. Requires MGJ 2.2.2. Public alpha version. Japanese software.

-- Tag Crash! 1.2.1* (Akio Hosokawa*): Rally-X-style head-to-head 2D car chasing arcade game (former title "Tag Clash!"). Version 1.2.1 adds sound tracks, makes the display area larger, adds special items, and includes other improvements. File size is 516 KB* (more info*). MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Shareware* ¥600. Japanese software.

-- Uki Hammer 1.6 (Kentaro*): Simple arcade game like Whack-a-Mole Version 1.6 improves the program performance and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 894 KB. Mailware. Japanese software.

-- Mah Jong B-ROOM 1.1* (Yoshiro Kato*): Full-featured Mah Jong game with various options and high quality character animation. Version 1.1 adds background pictures, supports full screen mode, improves computer routine, and includes other improvements/fixes. File size is 2.1 MB* (more info*). Shareware* ¥2,000. Japanese software.

8/8/00 (Tue)

Game Demos (World-Wide)

-- Harpoon3 3.2.8 (Advanced Gaming Systems): New version demo of popular modern naval war simulation game. Demo size is 13.2 MB, updater from old version demo is 1.9 MB (more info). full retail version is available directly for $30.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Hakoiri Musume 0.21* (Hideaki-I*): Popular Japanese tile slide puzzle game. Version 0.21 adds new themes, adds new puzzles, support Mac OS 9 multi user feature, and includes other improvements. File size is 261 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

8/7/00 (Mon)

Japanese Fair-stall Game Collection "Game Fan: Hybrid Vol. 1"

AquaSystem and Tsukuda Synergy* has released Game Fan: Hybrid Vol. 1. It is a collection of 3 simple games with theme of Japanese traditional fair-stall games. Requires processor 120 MHz or faster (iMac recommended), Japanese System 7.5.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger (64 MB or larger recommended), free HD 10 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan. Japanese software.

MediaKite Re-released 5 Classic Titles for Low Price

MediaKite* has released 2 titles of ULTRA 2000 Series. ULTRA 2000 series is a product line of low-cost re-released version of old games from various publishers. Following titles has been released.

-- Puyo Puyo (original developer: Compile, publisher: Bothtec*): First installment of popular column-style puzzle arcade game series known as the origin of Skittles (game info*).
-- Ginga Eiyu Densetsu V (publisher: Bothtec*): Sci-fi strategy game based on popular Japanese space anime "Legend of the Galactic Heroes" (game info*).

Each titles are available at retail stores in Japan. Japanese softwares.

SimCity 2000 Special Edition Japanese Version Re-released

Electronic Arts Square* has re-released SimCity 2000 Special Edition Japanese Version as low-priced CD-ROM. SimCity 2000 Special Edition (developer: Maxis) is a bundle set of the previous installment of the popular city construction simulation game series and its add-ons (game info*). Requires 68040 or better (PowerPC recommended), Japanese System 7.1 or later, RAM 16 MB or larger, HD 20 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better, CD-ROM 2x or faster. Available at retail stores in Japan.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Park Quest 1.2.1 Demo (Tirrell-Sharp Productions): Preview demo of an interactive fiction text adventure with simple graphics. Version 1.2.1 Demo includes various improvements such as new mystery scenes. File size is 504 KB.

-- Diablo II 1.03 (Blizzard Entertainment): Sequel to the popular realtime dark fantasy role playing adventure game featuring five new character classes and vast world with 4 towns and a lot of dungeons. Version 1.03 improves the game balance, improves net play performance, and fixes crashes and other bugs. Updater size is 3.6 MB (more info).
Followup: As of August 21, Diablo II has been updated to version 1.03b.

-- HappyGear 1.1 (AustinSoft): Utility software that allows InputSprocket divices to be used with old games. Version 1.1 is now PowerPC native, support Finder open of setting files, and fixes bugs in a setting screen. File size is 636 KB. Shareware $30.

-- X-Plane 5.32 (Laminar Research): Full-featured civilian flight simulator with beautiful texture graphics. Version 5.32 improves the frame rate, supports shuttle re-entry simulation, adds new instruments, and includes other improvements and fixes. Demo/upgrade file size is 60.3 MB (more info).
Followup: As of August 21, X-Plane has been updated to version 5.33.

8/4/00 (Fri)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Ashcan 1.9.3 (Jerry Fritschle): Submarine destroying game where player must guess the depth and timing to drop ashcans. Version 1.9.3 adds the depth finder, allows to skip the sink animation, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 898 KB. Freeware.

-- Baldur's Gate 1.0.1 beta 1 (Graphic Simulations): Role playing game based on The Forgotten Realms of AD & D. Version 1.0.1 beta 1 fixes an error at startup with Mac OS 8.1. Updater size is 2.0 MB (more info). This is beta updater and it is recommended to update only if the problem is occurred.

-- Grandeur 1.0a8r2 (Orbiter Productions): Generic role playing game engine and scenario editing tool. File size of version 1.0a8 is 6.7 MB, 1.0a8r2 updater is 97 KB. Public beta version but users must donate $15 for any charity (charityware).

8/3/00 (Thu)

MacSoft Released Scrabble

MacSoft has released Scrabble. Scrabble (PC publisher: Hasbro Interactive, porting: Westlake Interactive) is the latest computer version of the popular word board game. The new edition features new graphics and sounds, 6 levels of smart computer routines, various game modes including Mini-Games, pop-up screen menus for definitions and hint guides, and up to 4 players competition on a single computer or via the Internet, as well as Merriam Webster's Official Scrabble Player's Dictionary included (game info). The Mac version also features customizable music tracks using MP3 files. Requires PowerPC/132 MHz or faster, Mac OS 8.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger (virtual memory may be required), free HD 60 MB or larger, 800 x 600/32,000 colors or batter, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Available at retail stores in USA.

MacSoft Released Asteroids

MacSoft has released Asteroids. Asteroids (developer: Quickdraw Developments, PC publisher: Activision, porting: Metis International) is a high quality remade version of the classic omnidirectional shooting arcade game where player controls a spaceship in 360-degree to avoid and destroy asteroids floating around the space (game info). The new version features 3D-like beautiful graphics as well as special weapons such as Smart Bombs and Gun Satellites, tremendous explosive effects, a variety of game scenes set in the intergalactic hyper space, high quality cinematic scenes, and others. Requires PowerPC/200 MHz or faster, Mac OS 8.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger, free HD 60 MB or larger, CD-ROM. Available at retail stores in USA or directly only in USA and Canada for $29.99.

InputSprocket Device Compatibility Utility "HappyGear"

AustinSoft has released HappyGear. HappyGear is a utility software that allows InputSprocket devices to be used with old games. It emulates ADB control of some old flight simulators and racing games by new InputSprocket controllers such as USB joysticks and racing wheels as well as emulates key inputs and cyclic key sequences for weapon/mode selection. File size is 640 KB. Shareware $30. (Source: MGL, IMG, MacGameFiles.com, and other sources)
Followup: As of August 8, HappyGear has been updated to version 1.1.

Simple Haunted House Adventure Game Stack "Onroyo Yashikie Yokoso"

Hikopun has released Onroyo Yashikie Yokoso*. It is a short horror adventure game stack where player explores a haunted house to find out orbs. It features peculiar black/white graphics, simple operation by mouse click, and unique evaluation system at ending. File size is 601 KB* (more info*). Requires HyperCard. Freeware. Japanese software.

Game Demos (World-Wide)

-- Deus Ex (Aspyr Media): 3D sci-fi futuristic hard-boiled role-playing action adventure game featuring high-featured game engine and elaborated story. Demo size is 135.3 MB (more info). Full retail version is available at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.95. (Source: MacGameFiles.com)

8/2/00 (Wed)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- DopeWars 2.0 (Likely Software): Data-oriented simulation game of illegal drug trading. Version 2.0 has been remade as stand alone application, and adds graphics, sounds, improved interface, and other new game factors, as well as online high scores support. File size is 903 KB. Shareware $5.

-- PizzaRush 2.0 (Jim Mastro): 2D driving arcade game where player delivers pizzas by driving around a town. Version 2.0 adds other cars, 2 Players mode, and Race Against Clock mode, as well as fixes some bugs. File size is 288 KB. Shareware $10. (Source: TUCOWS.com)

-- The Sims 1.1.1 (Aspyr Media): Home management simulation game where player as a person to make a living by getting a job, having family, and other events. Version 1.1.1 fixes some bugs with the OpenGL version detection at startup, the volume control, the file path name limitation, and others. Updater size is 315 KB (more info).

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- AquaReversi 2* (Masao Asano*): Othello game with the theme of Aqua interface. Version 2 adds animation of flipping, changes sounds, and fixes bugs. File size is 658 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Jump or Die 1.2.2* (Inosuke*): 2D arcade game where player, as a chivalrous robber, steals blood orbs from the castle of the tyrant. Version 1.2.2 fixes severol bugs. File size is 415 KB*. MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Hampuku Yokotobi 2.2* (SCAI Software*): Compact sidestepping arcade game stack where player steps between lines using mouse clicks. Version 2.2 improves mouse response and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 12 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Tenka Fubu 1.05* (Yoshihiro Tanaka*): Simple conquest simulation game set in the age of Japanes Civil Wars where player conquers western Japan. Version 1.05 fixes several bugs with the game play. File size is 2.8 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

8/1/00 (Tue)

Baldur's Gate Released

Graphic Simulations has released Baldur's Gate. Baldur's Gate (developer: BioWare) is a networkable epic fantasy role playing game based on Forgotten Realms of Advanced Dungeons and Dragons table talk game series (AD & A) where player, as a character generated using AD & D parameters, carries out various quests starting at castle of Candlekeep (game info). The game features fully compliant AD & D rules and characters, unique characters with witty and humorous dialogues, vast world with detailed isometric map, fast-paced battle scenes with full animations, wide variety of spells with impressive visual effects. Requires PowerPC (iMac supported), RAM 32 MB or larger. Available at rattail stores in USA or directly for $49.95.
Followup: As of August 1, Baldur's Gate is temporarily out of stock at the publisher and some retail stores.

Interactive Mystery Adventure "Sunano Nazo"

Nyao April* has released Sunano Nazo*. Sunano Nazo is a simple interactive mystery adventure game where player solves the mystery of suspicious death of his friend. It contains very short story with 6 solutions and 22 bad endings. File size is 478 KB*. Maybe freeware. Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Deus Ex 1.0.1 (Aspyr Media): 3D sci-fi futuristic hard-boiled role-playing action adventure game featuring high-featured game engine and elaborated story. Version 1.0.1 adds an option to turn off voice effects (Ambient Speech) and fixes crashing bugs and others. Updater size is 328 KB (more info).

-- Manic Minefields 1.4.1 (Norbyte): Variety MineSweeper game collection including 10 games (former developer name: Addiction Interactive). Version 1.4.1 improves the timer accuracy and changes the developer name and URL. File size is 609 KB. Shareware $7.