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 Some of versions and links in this page may be outdated.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

9/29/00 (Fri)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- David's Backgammon 3.9.1 (David Byrum): Backgammon game with many features and options. Version 3.9.1 adds Concede/Resign Game command and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 401 KB, David's Backgammon 3.7.4 is 530 KB. Shareware $20 ($22 for online registration).

-- Hearts 3.0 (David Skelly): Simple Hearts card game played against computer featuring various rule customization. Version 3.0 adds options of rules, interface, graphics, and others, and includes many other enhancements and new features. File size is 438 KB. Shareware $14.95.

-- Terminus 1.81 (Vicarious Visions): Realistic space combat simulator and epic sci-fi role playing game set in the Solar System. Version 1.81 adds self destruction timer to spy probes and fixes minor bugs with key control, networking, and others. Updater from full retail version is 1.8 MB, updater from version 1.8 is 970 KB (more info).

9/28/00 (Thu)

Java Applet R/C Plane Simulator "JVRRC"

Koji Yamamoto* has released JVRRC*. JVRRC is a simple 3D R/C plane simulator Java applet where player controls a R/C plane in a 3D plain polygon world. It features 3 view modes including ground view and spot view, smoke flight, customizable parameters, and editable 3D data of the plane and the terrain. File size is 35 KB*. Requires MRJ or Web browser supporting Java. Freeware. English software with Japanese manual.

Game Demos (World-Wide)

-- Bugdom 1.1.4 (Pangea Software): New version demo of 3D insect action game featuring humorous characters and a variety of levels to explore. Version 1.1.4 fixes a memory trashing bug and some internal problems. Demo size is 5.4 MB (more info).

9/27/00 (Wed)

Unique Column-style Kanji Puzzle Arcade Game Stack "Doboku"

Yusuke Takasaki* has released Doboku*. Doboku is a unique column-style puzzle arcade game where player controls dropping pieces of Japanese Kanji characters to make combinations of new Kanji characters. It features a variety of combos using 3 or more pieces. File size is 8 KB*. Requires HyperCard. Freeware. Japanese software.

Unique Tile-removing Puzzle Game "Hakoyajirushi"

Takapon* has released Hakoyajirushi*. Hakoyajirushi is a unique puzzle game where player removes tiles with chain of arrows from 20 x 15 board. It includes 5 different tile sets and several help features. File size is 554 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

Simple Explosive Strategy Game Stack "Mission-B"

Aikawa* has released Mission-B*. Mission-B is a explosive strategy game stack where player defeats hidden enemy by placing a bomb. It is a simple game of luck but requires some strategy to deliver effective explosion with full use of the inflammable and the room layout. It includes 20 stages of different room layout. File size is 27 KB* (more info*). Requires HyperCard 2.3 or later. Freeware. Japanese software.

Tarot Card Software "Golden Tarot" Featuring 10 Method of Fortunetelling

Candy House has released Golden Tarot. Golden Tarot is a Tarot card software featuring unique card design starring a hamster, 10 methods of fortunetelling, realistic shuffling, and result screen with card descriptions. File size is 539 KB. Shareware ¥1,000. Japanese software.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- MedalMania (F) 1.0.1 (Candy House): Simple pusher-type arcade medal game where player drops medals from the stage. Version 1.0.1 improves movement of the pusher. File size is 321 KB. Freeware. Japanese software.

9/26/00 (Tue)

Game Demos (World-Wide)

-- TakeAway! 1.6 (HowleWere): Shanghai-type tile matching puzzle game. Version 1.6 adds 4-direction mode for removing tiles, adds simple Memory game, supports custom background, adds a notification at dead end, and includes several other improvements and fixes. Demo size of PowerPC version is 2.3 MB, 68K version is 2.3 MB. Full version is available directly for $18.

-- Tanks of Terror Demo Test (Klink! Software): Public test version of the OpenGL 3D tank battle racing arcade game. Demo size is 5.6 MB (more info).

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Bugdom 1.1.4 (Pangea Software): 3D insect action game featuring humorous characters and a variety of levels to explore. Version 1.1.4 fixes a memory trashing bug and some internal problems. Updater size is 270 KB (more info).

-- Diablo II 1.03c (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 1.03c fixes problems with RAVE and OpenGL modes and improves Japanese and Korean system support. Updater size is 3.7 MB (more info).

-- F/A-18 Korea 1.1.1 (Graphic Simulations): Mission-oriented modern multipurpose fighter simulator. Version 1.1.1 fixes a bug with the net play. Updater from version 1.1 or F/A-18 Korea Gold is 674 KB (more info). Users of the original F/A-18 Korea must be update to version 1.1 first with an updater 2.9 MB (more info).

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- RAIN 0.4* (T-soft*): Dark fantasy role playing adventure game stack. File size is 590 KB* (more info*). Development version but users must send a mail to the author (mailware). Japanese software.

9/22/00 (Fri)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- 4x4 Evolution 1.0 Public Beta 2 (Terminal Reality): Public test version of the upcoming realistic off-road racing simulator featuring 4x4 vehicles. 1.0 Public Beta 2 adds a new course and a new vehicle, improves AI, sound, collision detection, and net play, and fixes chat room bugs. File size is 32.7 MB (more info). Also small version without system extensions is 27.0 MB. (Source: MacGameFiles.com)

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Tenka Fubu 1.08* (Yoshihiro Tanaka*): Simple conquest simulation game set in the age of Japanes Civil Wars where player conquers western Japan. Version 1.08 fixes a bug with the game map. File size is 2.8 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

9/21/00 (Thu)

Game Demos (World-Wide)

Shogo: Mobile Armor Division 1.01 (Titan Computer): New version demo of the 3D first person mech shooting action game inspired by Japanese sci-fi anime. Version 1.01 improves the performance, fixes incompatibility with some control panels, and fixes bugs with sound, mouse control and others. Demo size is 41.4 MB (more info), updater from the old version demo is 1.9 MB (more info). (Source: MacGameFiles.com)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Clan Lord v147 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Full version size is 25.6 MB, updater from CD-ROM version is 10.9 MB, updater from version v145 is 500 KB.

-- X-Plane 5.40 (Laminar Research): Full-featured general flight simulator with high-quality texture graphics. Demo/upgrade file size is 62.5 MB (more info), updater from version 5.39 is 1.1 MB (more info).

-- Sigma Chess 5.1 (Sigma GameWare): Professional chess program. Version 5.1 adds full support for ExaChess 2 chess database, improves EPD file handling, and includes other improvements. File size is 1.9 MB (more info). Shareware $15.

9/20/00 (Wed)

New-type Board Puzzle Game "MakeTENs"

NanDeYanen Games has released MakeTENs*. MakeTENs is a new-type strategic board puzzle game with a unique rule. The player moves the main token with a number counting down 10 through 1 along its moves, and takes all sub tokens with fixed numbers so that the sum of the numbers on the main token and the sub token should be 10. The game has beginner mode with help feature and expert mode with unlimited levels. Also, there are bonuses for combo plays. File size is 42 KB*. Users must send a mail to the author or pay ¥650 shareware fee* (supportware).

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- HappyGear 1.2 (AustinSoft): Utility software that allows InputSprocket divices to be used with old games. Version 1.2 adds mouse movement emulation, calibration, built-in application launcher, and other new features. File size is 636 KB. Shareware $30.

-- Heretic for the Macintosh 0.9.3 (Brad Oliver): Unofficial built version of the first installment of Heretic/Hexen 3D action adventure series. Version 0.9.3 supports mouse look-up/down, fixes bugs with mouse control and screen drawing. File size of the updated application is 237 KB. Also, the demo version WAD file (2.1 MB) and the music files (120 KB) is needed to play the game. Freeware.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Ace 1.0.9 (Candy House): Card game collection including 28 solitaire games and 66 games played against computer. Version 1.0.9 adds 3 new games and fixes a drawing bug. File size is 1.6 MB. Shareware ¥2,000 (¥2,200 for online registration*). Japanese software.

-- Video Jack Pot Poker 1.0.2 (Candy House): Vegas-style Video Poker game. Version 1.0.2 adds auto deal at MAXBET. File size is 361 KB. Shareware ¥1,000. Japanese software.

9/19/00 (Tue)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- DopeWars 3.5 (Likely Software): Data-oriented simulation game of illegal drug trading. Version 3.5 changes the game, removed the music player, and fixes problems with sending high scores. File size is 835 KB. Shareware $5.

9/18/00 (Mon)

TRISTAN English Version Re-released as Shareware

LittleWing has re-released TRISTAN English Version as shareware. TRISTAN is an award winning classic pinball arcade game that is debut title of well-known LittleWing. It has relatively simple rules and table layout but features realistic instruments and various features such as multiball and bonuses, that allows to enjoy the feeling of modern pinball of real world. This is an updated version 2.5.1 supporting recent systems such as Mac OS 9. File size is 374 KB (more info). Requires PowerPC, System 7.5 or later, free memory 4 MB or larger, free HD 5 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better. The file is playable as demo version and a key code for full shareware version is available for ¥980.

High-quality 2D Violent Racing Game "Reckless Drivin'"

jonas echterhoff has released Reckless Drivin': Burning Rubber 2. Reckless Drivin' is a violence-oriented high-quality 2D vertical-scrolling racing arcade game, that is sequel to Burning Rubber, where player drives various courses while destroying other cars and objects. It features a variety courses includes highway, snow field, and even boat battle on the river, as well as high-quality graphics with smooth scrolling and dynamic zooming, realistic physics supporting skid and tire tracks, powerful weapons such as mines and missiles, and radical battle against police. File size is 5.4 MB (more info). Requires PowerPC (100 MHz or faster, or iMac recommended), Mac OS 8 or later recommended, free memory 12 MB or larger, DrawSprocket, InputSprocket. Shareware $12.

Middle-quality Flight Simulator "Aero Subaru FA-200" Featuring Japanese Light Aircraft

AquaSystem has released Aero Subaru FA-200*. Aero Subaru FA-200 is a middle-quality flight simulator of Japanese light aircraft of the same name. The simulator engine is of light-class that allows quick response on entry machines, but includes full texture terrain data all over Japan and features simple ILS and NAV system as well as replay modes. Also, it features HUD, ILS guide display, and easy modes for beginners to control easily. Requires PowerPC 200 MHz or faster (G3 or bettor recommended, iMac supported), Mac OS 8.6 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger (64 MB or larger recommended), free HD 50 MB or larger, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Joystick is supported via InputSprocket. Available at retail stores in Japan or directly* for ¥3,420 including tax. Japanese software.

3-D Ultra NASCAR Pinball Re-released as Low Price CD-ROM

MediaKite* and P. & A. has re-released 3-D Ultra NASCAR Pinball with Japanese Manual as a low-priced CD-ROM. 3-D Ultra NASCAR Pinball is the fourth installment of American popular variety pinball arcade game series includes unique 3 tables with the theme of NASCAR racing. Requires PowerPC (604e/200 MHz or better recommended), Mac OS 7.6 or later, free memory 32 MB or larger, free HD 100 MB or larger, 800 x 600/256 colors or better, QuickTime 3.0.2 or later. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Galactic Patrol 1.52 (Monkey Byte Development): Galaxian-style 2D/3D hybrid shooting arcade game. Version 1.52 changes default difficulty and includes improvements and fixes related joystick controls. File size is 2.9 MB. Shareware $14.95.

-- iTarget 2.0.1 (iCenterOnline.com): Simple Whack-A-Mole-type arcade game where player clicks a target moving around in the window. File size is 789 KB. Shareware $5.

-- X-Plane 5.39 (Laminar Research): Full-featured general flight simulator with high-quality texture graphics. Version 5.39 reduces the memory requirements, optimizes drawing performance, adds radio control helicopter, supports helicopter landing on any building, and includes many other improvements and fixes. Demo/upgrade file size is 62.5 MB (more info), updater from version 5.38 is 4.5 MB (more info).
Followup: As of September 21, X-Plane has been updated to version 5.40.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Japan 1.1 (Candy House): Digging puzzle arcade game where player searches for treasures buried under ground. Version 1.1 adds the most difficult level and increase the number of playable panels to 8. File size is 336 KB. Shareware ¥1,000. Japanese software.

9/14/00 (Thu)

Game Demos (World-Wide)

Shogo: Mobile Armor Division (Titan Computer): 3D first person mech shooting action game inspired by Japanese sci-fi anime. Demo size is 41.4 MB (more info). (Source: MacGameFiles.com)
Followup: As of September 21, Shogo: Mobile Armor Division Demo has been updated to version 1.01.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- USB Overdrive 1.3.7 (Alessandro Levi Montalcini): Generic USB input device driver supporting non-InputSprocket-compliant softwares. Version 1.3.7 supports visual cursor feedback for Auto Scroll feature and fixes a bug. File size is 302 KB. Shareware $20.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- MaciGame 2.00* (Ken Takahashi*): Popular puzzle game where player finds groups of same tiles and removes them. Version 2.00 adds new game mode "YoriGame", adds auto-solve feature for "TsumeGame" mode, and changes option settings. File size is 229 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

9/12/00 (Tue)

New-type Strategic Board Game "Runestone"

Divinity Software has released Runestone. Runestone is a strategic board game of new type where player places various stones to line 4 stones of same attribute. Each stone has 3 attributes; one of 4 different runes, one of 4 different colors, and one of 2 stone shades. The game is played by up to 4 players or computers and features beautiful graphics with real time blending, 3-level computer AI, and various options such as board size and victory condition. File size is 1.1 MB. Requires PowerPC, Mac OS 8 or later, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better, DrawSprocket. Shareware $15. (Source: Version Tracker)

Unique Office Exploration Role Playing Arcade Game "Office Building"

Epic Banana Software has released Office Building. Office Building is a simple but unique role playing arcade game where player, as an intern, explores an office building and does various chores to get high reputation. The game consists of 5 floor to explore and features a variety of conversation and events, mini games, and several secret events. File size is 7.0 MB. Requires System 7.0 or later, free memory 8.2 MB or larger. Freeware.

Low-priced Othello Game Released

Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) has released Happy Net 1000: OTHELLO*. It is a low-priced Othello game played against 6-level computer player. Also, it includes free connection to limited version of Logistello*, an online Othello game to play against powerful AI on the Cyber-Edutainment Mall* server (requires Web browser with Java support). Requires PowerPC, Japanese System 7.5 or later, free memory 10 MB or larger, 640 x 480/256 colors or better, CD-ROM 2x or faster. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan. Japanese software.

New ¥500 Game CD-ROMs Released

Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) has released 4 new game CD-ROMs of SHOCK PRICE 500 Series. SHOCK PRICE 500 Series is a line of low priced game CD-ROM consists of 48 titles. Following titles are newly released.

-- KICK BOY*: 2D vertical scrolling arcade game where player delivers news papers with roller board.
-- SIMPLEDARTS*: Dart game using mouse stroke.
-- FOOSE BALL*: Old arcade-style soccer game.
-- MINI DRIVE 2000*: Old arcade-style driving game where player controls a miniature car to pass plates.

Available as hybrid CD-ROMs at retail stores in Japan for ¥500 each. Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Breaker 1.6 (Tom Spreen): Unique 2D character arcade game where player collects items while avoiding blocks. Version 1.6 removed the color mode switching and changes the documents. File size is 266 KB. Shareware $10.

-- Grandeur 1.0b5 (Orbiter Productions): Generic role playing game engine and scenario editing tool. Version 1.0b5 includes several improvements and fixes. File size is 6.0 MB. Public beta version but users must donate $15 for any charity (charityware).

-- iTarget 2.0 (iCenterOnline.com): Simple Whack-A-Mole-type arcade game where player clicks a target moving around in the window. Version 2.0 adds sound effects, pause feature, and many other new features. File size is 789 KB. Shareware $5.
Followup: As of September 18, iTarget has been updated to version 2.0.1.

-- Park Quest 1.2.1 Demo (Tirrell-Sharp Productions): Preview demo version of the interactive fiction text adventure with simple graphics. Version 1.2.1 Demo adds several features and improvements. File size is 3.2 MB.

-- Realmz 7.1.1 (Fantasoft): Popular 2D top view and 3D maze view epic fantasy role playing game. Full version size is 21.2 MB (more info), updater is 6.2 MB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- Weird Al's Great Adventure Beta 4 (F.I.D.I.M. Interactive): Top-down arcade adventure game which is a parody of "Adventure". Version Beta 4 now saves the volume setting and fixes several bugs. File size is 36.3 MB. Public beta version.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Tu-chan 0.0.3* (Tsuyano Shoda*): 2D platform puzzle arcade game where player goes home while erasing defective pavements in the maze. Version 0.0.3 includes several improvements and fixes. File size is 872 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Golden Slot 1.0.1 (Candy House): Unique hamster breeding simulation game where player gets feeds by winning slot machine. Version 1.0.1 adjusts the difficulty and includes other improvements. File size is 1.7 MB. Shareware ¥2,000 (¥2,200 for online registration*). Japanese software.

9/8/00 (Fri)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Helios' Blackjack 1.0b3 (Mark Pazolli Software): Simple Blackjack card game. File size is 175 KB (more info). Public beta version.

-- Poor Man's Solitaire 2.1.1 (Mike Perry): Simple solitaire card game collection including 45 games. Version 2.1.1 improves the card layout of several games and fixes a bug in Spider. File size is 874 KB. Shareware $13.

-- Rasche`s Doppelkopf English Version 1.5.1e (Skatmarketing): German traditional card game with computer opponent (former title "Doppelkopf"). Updater size for English version is 847 KB, German version is 847 KB. Also, the demo version is updated to version 1.5 with English version size 2.7 MB, German version size 2.3 MB.

-- Rasche`s Schafkopf English Version 1.1.3e (Skatmarketing): Old Germany card game for 1 player versus 3 computer players (former title "Schafkopf"). Updater size for English version is 1.5 MB, German version is 1.4 MB. Also, the demo version is updated with English version size 2.4 MB, German version size 3.5 MB.

-- Rasche`s Skat English Version 3.2.4e (Skatmarketing): German traditional card game with computer opponent (former title "Skat"). Updater size for English version is 1.4 MB, German version is 1.4 MB. Also, the demo version is updated with English version size 2.4 MB, German version size 2.5 MB.

-- Terminus 1.8 (Vicarious Visions): Realistic space combat simulator and epic sci-fi role playing game set in the Solar System. Version 1.8 supports port number to connect, adds several server commands, and fixes crashes at saving/loading and bugs with the scripts and the AI. Updater from full retail version is 1.3 MB, updater from version 1.7 is 1.1 MB (more info).

9/7/00 (Thu)

Unique Fighting Arcade Game Stack "M.J.DASH: Dodo Meguri"

Kohei Natori* and Project M.J. has released M.J.DASH: Dodo Meguri*. It is a simple and unique fighting arcade game stack where player fights using 3 different muscular gestures to defeat various opponents. The game include story mode to fight against 7 opponent and head-to-head mode to play 1 or 2 players. It also features simple but exiting fighting play with parameter bars and special skills, and high-paced game play with cool music and humorous animation. File size is 804 KB* (more info*). PowerPC recommended, HyperCard 2.2 or later, QuickTime 2.0 or later. Freeware. Japanese software.

Unique Invader Arcade Game "Game Invaders"

HKT* has released Game Invaders*. Game Invaders is an Invaders-type shooting arcade with unique game play. The game has a peculiar rule: There are various type of enemies moving around the field but player only has to shoot down the flag ship to clear the levels. Also, it features various weapons and power up items. File size is 224 KB*. Mac OS 8 or later, 256 colors or better. Freeware. Japanese software. (Source: MacWIRE*)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Presidents3000 1.02 (Space-Time Associates): Variation of the popular word-guessing game Hang2000 with questions about Presidents of the USA. Version 1.02 fixes a startup bug caused by Speech Manager configuration. File size is 921 KB. Shareware $20.

-- X-Plane 5.36 (Laminar Research): Full-featured general flight simulator with high-quality texture graphics. Version 5.36 improves the user interface and graphics. Demo/upgrade file size is 62.2 MB (more info), updater from version 5.35 is 4.7 MB (more info).

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Tobiusa COLOR 1.2* (Seiji Takenaka*): New color version of the golf-style arcade game where player controls a rabbit to escape from the castle. Version 1.2 adds new stages, supports high score for each stage, and changes the scoring. File size is 607 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- APPARE MIZUMAN 1.0* (akio*): Unique column-style puzzle arcade game where player picks up 3 tokens of the same color. Version 1.0 is a total renewal version and changes the rule. File size is 1.5 MB*. Public beta version. English software with Japanese manual.

9/5/00 (Tue)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Planetary Conquest Beta 2 (AvisNocturna): Turn-based sci-fi full 3D strategy game. Version Beta 2 adds new terrains and units, improves the interface, fixes bugs in network and AI, and includes many other improvements and fixes. File size is 2.3 MB (more info). Public beta version.

-- States3000 1.0.1 (Space-Time Associates): Variation of the popular word-guessing game Hang2000 with questions about 50 States of the USA. Version 1.0.1 fixes a startup bug caused by Speech Manager configuration. File size is 680 KB. Shareware $20.

9/4/00 (Mon)

Head-to-head Artillery Simulation Game "Cannon ZERO"

The Amesbury Hat has released Cannon ZERO. Cannon ZERO is orthodox head-to-head artillery simulation game where 2 players shoot each other by determining angle and strength of the cannon. It features beautiful rendered graphics and explosion effects. File size is 14.2 MB (more info). Freeware. (Source: MacGameFiles.com)

Pusher-type Medal Game "MedalMania (F)"

Candy House has released MedalMania (F). MedalMania (F) is a simple pusher-type arcade medal game where player drops piles of medals from the stage by feeding medals in the hand. It features realistic motions of the medal piles and contains various bonus items. File size is 314 KB. Mac OS 7.6 or later. Freeware. Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- 4x4 Evolution 1.0B3 (Gathering of Developers): Public test version of the upcoming realistic off-road racing simulator featuring 4x4 vehicles. File size is 24.4 MB (more info). Also small version without system extensions is 18.7 MB . (Source: MacGameFiles.com)

-- Peg Solitaire 1.11 (Mark Pazolli Software): Simple ancient solitaire board puzzle game where player removes all pegs from the board in a checker-like rule. Version 1.11 includes improvements and fixes with screen drawing, and fixes the system error at startup. File size is 154 KB (more info). Also, Carbon Solitaire for Mac OS X is updated with file size 36 KB. Freeware.

-- Ultris 1.0.1 (Joseph Weagel): Final version of the Tetris puzzle arcade game. File size is 231 KB. Freeware or voluntary shareware (donationware).

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- 9 x 9 2.1* (Shinya Sadahisa*): Japanese popular puzzle game called "Number Place." Version 2.1 adds a puzzle editor and fixes bugs. The new version is not compatible with puzzle files of older version. File size is 165 KB*. MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Fly! Japanese Version 1.01.88* (P. & A.*): SDK version updater for the full-featured general aviation simulator. Version 1.01.88 Updater updates current version 1.01.87 to the special version that includes new features and bug fixes to support these third party add-ons. The updater is the same as that for English version and file size is 2.9 MB* (more info*). Users must update Fly! to version 1.01.87 before applying this update (more info*).

9/1/00 (Fri)

Train Driving Simulator "Hara Hara Hassha Yoshi!"

Hankyu* has released "Hara Hara Hassha Yoshi! Hankyu 3-sen Selection*". It is an arcade-style train driving simulator using QuickTime movie. The game consists 7-level stages and a bonus stage where player must drive each train exactly on the schedule. Requires PowerPC 604e/200 MHz or better, Mac OS 7.6 or later, free memory 22 MB or larger recommended, 640 x 480/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 8x or faster, QuickTime 4 (included). Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan or directly* for ¥3,800. Japanese software.

AI Shogi 2001 and AI Igo 2001 Released

i4* has released AI Shogi 2001* and AI Igo 2001*.

-- AI Shogi 2001: New version of AI Shogi series, a shogi (a Japanese popular chess-like game) program featuring the strongest computer algorithm and network play. The latest version also features faster computer algorithm to make more powerful hands at middle game. Requires PowerPC (iMac supported), Japanese System 7.5.5 or later (Mac OS 9 supported), free memory 32 MB or larger (64 MB or larger recommended), free HD 80 MB or larger, CD-ROM.

-- AI Igo 2001: New version of AI Go series, a go program featuring famous computer routine Many Faces of Go by David Fotland. The latest version features enhanced computer routine and opening database. Requires PowerPC (iMac supported), Japanese System 7.5.5 or later (Mac OS 9 supported), free memory 24 MB or larger (32 MB or larger recommended), free HD 20 MB or larger, CD-ROM.

Each available at retail stores in Japan. Japanese softwares.

Tactical Level Napoleon War Simulation Game "Wagram"

...by Design has released Wagram. Wagram is a tactical level war simulation game based on the Waterloo Campaign engine and set in the fight between Napoleon and the Austrians. It is a large-scaled tactical simulation with battalions level units and features sophisticated interface to operate hundreds of large units with complex command system, realistic contents with historical accuracy, and others. Requires 68030 or better, System 7.0 or later, free memory 8 MB or larger, free HD 10 MB or larger, color monitor with size 512 x 384 or larger, CD-ROM. Available directly for $24.95.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- X-Plane 5.35b (Laminar Research): Full-featured general flight simulator with high-quality texture graphics. Demo/upgrade file size is 61.5 MB (more info), updater from version 5.33 or later is 7.0 MB (more info).
Followup: As of September 7, X-Plane has been updated to version 5.36.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Nikaku-dori FINAL 1.5* (Tetsuya Hongo*): Enhanced version of another Mah Jong tile puzzle game popular in Japan. Version 1.5 adjusts the drawing speed and improves the bonus game. File size is 901 KB*. Shareware ¥1,000 (¥1,200 for online registration*). Japanese software.