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 Some of versions and links in this page may be outdated.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

10/31/00 (Tue)

Simple Numeric Arcade Game "+(Complement)"

Tracce di Corvo has been released +(Complement). +(Complement) is a simple numeric arcade game where player sends a number to the incoming enemy number so that they makes 10 in total. It features calculator-style exciting and challenging game play. File size of Japanese version is 108 KB* ({more info}). Also, English version is available with file size 171 KB. Requires PowerPC, Mac OS 8.1 or later. Shareware ¥200, $2 (¥500 for online registration*).
Followup: As of November 1, +(Complement) has been updated to version 1.0.1.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- GameRanger 2.1.2 (Scott Kevill): Client software for the general online gaming service. Version 2.1.2 improves the chat support for special events, changes the ping packet to fix problem with some routers, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size of the net installer is 165 KB (more info). Auto-update available. Freeware.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- THE KING OF GALAXY 2000 3.0* (Yasuyuki Muradate*): Sequel to the fighting arcade game stack with a unique story. Version 3.0 includes multiple stories and other improvements. File size is 3.2 MB* (more info*). MacLHA* is needed to extract the archive. Freeware. Japanese software.

10/30/00 (Mon)

Game Preorders (Japanese)

Cro-Mag Rally with Japanese Manual* (JapanCentral.com*): Unique 3D racing arcade game where humorous cavemen take battles with various primitive racing machines in the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages. Preorder* is available for special price $33.20 (regular price $34.95). Expected in late-November.

Game Demos (World-Wide)

-- 4x4 Evolution (Gathering of Developers): Official demo version of the upcoming realistic off-road racing simulator featuring 4x4 vehicles. Demo size is 35.0 MB (more info).

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Blue Space Beta 8 (BlueThunder): Crystal Quest-type 2D arcade game where player controls inertial ball to collect items in the space. File size is 667 KB. Public beta Version.

-- CocoaMines 1.2.2 (Clark S. Cox, III): Minesweeper game for Mac OS X. Version 1.2.2 rewrites the whole program, adds Spanish text, and fixes some bugs. File size is 850 KB. Freeware.
Followup: As of November 7, CocoaMines has been updated to version 1.2.3.

-- Gate 1.3.0 (Joerg Kienzle): Shareware remade version of the multilingual 2D fantasy action adventure game. File size is 1.2 MB, Kanji version including Japanese text is 1.8 MB. Shareware $10.

-- New Centurious Test (Fantasoft): Sci-fi space role playing adventure game based on Realmz engine. File size is 3.8 MB. Development version.

-- Planetary Conquest 1.5 (AvisNocturna): Networkable turn-based full 3D sci-fi strategy game. Version 1.5 improves the interface and the operability, adds visual effects, and adds object animations. Updater size is 3.4 MB (more info). Also, demo version has been updated with file size 3.1 MB (more info).

-- RightWord 1.0 (Ton's Software): Word game feels like a combination of MasterMind and Bingo (former title "Right!"). File size is of PowerPC version is 993 KB, 68K version is 954 KB. Shareware $10.

-- Space Bug 1.1 (Juho Ruohola): Unique 2D space arcade game where player save the Earth from incoming objects and enemies by collisions or laser shooting. File size is 1.1 MB. Freeware.

-- Tanks of Terror 1.1 (Klink! Software): OpenGL 3D tank battle-type unique racing arcade game. Version 1.1 offers easier driving control, improves the deathmatch game, fixes some maps which were too dark, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 7.6 MB (more info). Shareware $15.

-- X-Plane 5.42 (Laminar Research): Full-featured general flight simulator with high-quality texture graphics. Version 5.42 supports full space flight and rendering, improves visual realism, and includes other improvements and fixes. Full version size is 66.0 MB (more info), updater is 23.5 MB (more info).

10/26/00 (Thu)

MacSoft Released "Mac Fun Pack 2" Casual Game Bundle

MacSoft has released Mac Fun Pack 2. Mac Fun Pack 2 is a bundle pack of casual games from MacSoft including following 4 titles;

-- Lode Runner 2: New 3D action puzzle arcade game based on Lode Runner.
-- Play to Win Casino: Collection of realistic casino games and tutorials of Vegas style.
-- Real Pool: 3D pool simulation featuring realistic graphics and a variety of game modes.
-- America's Greatest Solitaire: Solitaire card game collection featuring as many as 37 games and rich features to help the game play.

Available at retail stores in USA.

Wheel of Fortune Released

MacSoft has released Wheel of Fortune. Wheel of Fortune (PC version publisher: Hasbro Interactive, porting: Westlake Interactive) is a variety word puzzle game based on a popular American TV show of the same name where player solves puzzles using hints given by the wheel (game info). The game is hosted by Vanna White, known for the original TV version, and features over 2,000 puzzles, on-location settings, and variety of game option such as Classic, Solo, and Tournament. Requires PowerPC/132 MHz or better, Mac OS 8.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger, free HD 25 MB or larger (155 MB or larger recommended), 800 x 600/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Available at retail stores in USA.

Risk II Released

MacSoft has released Risk II. Risk II (PC version publisher: Hasbro Interactive, porting: Westlake Interactive) is a networkable enhanced computer version of the classic strategy board game where player deploys troops and attacks enemies to conquer the world on a simplified map (game info). The new version offers original rule and map as well as Advanced map, Simultaneous-Turn option, 3D world globe view, and Mission-based play option, and features full animation, computer or network play up to 8 players, and online support with GameRanger. Requires PowerPC/132 MHz or better, Mac OS 8.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger, free HD 5 MB or larger (155 MB or larger recommended), 800 x 600/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Available at retail stores in USA.

10/25/00 (Wed)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Blue Space Beta 5 (BlueThunder): Crystal Quest-type 2D arcade game where player controls inertial ball to collect items in the space. File size is 641 KB. Public beta Version.
Followup: As of October 30, Blue Space has been updated to version Beta 8.

-- GameSprockets 1.7.5 v1.1 (Apple Computer): End user packege of standard game library set. File size for English-North American version is 880 KB (more info), English-International version is 880 KB (more info). English Mac OS is required to install. Freeware.

-- MacBlox 1.4 (Joakim Arfvidsson): Tetris puzzle arcade game for Mac OS X Public Beta. File size is 452 KB. Freeware.

-- Native Assault 1.0 for Mac OS X (Adrenaline Entertainment): Mac OS X version of the Missile Commando-type arcade game featuring several power-ups. Version 1.2.5 fixes input-related bugs. File size is 3.0 MB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- Roger Wilco 1.0b4 (HearMe): Voice chat utility for net games. Version 1.0b4 fixes a bug preventing hosting and others. File size is 1.5 MB (more info). Public beta version.

10/24/00 (Tue)

Unique Arcade-style 2D Puzzle Game "Ratsel 2"

Zauberkraft Software* has released Ratsel 2. Ratsel 2 is an enhanced sequel to the arcade-style 2D puzzle game like Lode Runner or Sokoban where player collect all flowers in the stages made of boxes and blocks. The newest installment features more challenging game play thanks to new large boxes, two characters with different ability, new music tracks, and improved animation. File size is 3.8 MB. Requires PowerPC, Japanese System 7.1 or later, free memory 10 MB or larger, free HD 5 MB or larger, monitor size 800 x 600 or larger (32,000 colors or better recommended). Shareware for arbitrary price. Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- King of Dragon Pass 1.5 (A Sharp): Table talk-style interactive story role playing strategy game set in Glorantha world known for RuneQuest. Version 1.5 improves the game difficulty, and fixes bugs and spelling errors in the scenario. Updater size is 2.0 MB (more info).

-- Space Bug 1.0.3 (Juho Ruohola): Unique 2D space arcade game where player save the Earth from incoming objects and enemies by collisions or laser shooting. File size is 1.1 MB. Freeware.
Followup: As of October 30, Space Bug has been updated to version 1.1.

10/23/00 (Mon)

Hot-air Balloon Simulator Arcade Game "Kazemakase"

Kiyoshi Takeuchi* has released Kazemakase*. Kazemakase is a 2D hot-air balloon simulator arcade game where player controls a balloon by the torch to move to and land on the goal. The game play is so simple that the player only turns the torch on and off, but it represents good feeling of delicate aspect of the balloon operation that requires a sense of balance with the temperature and the altitude. It also features challenging game play thanks to the random wind settings and the scoring system. File size is 800 KB* (more info*). Requires Japanese System 7.1 or later. Freeware. Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Manic Minefields 1.4.2 (Norbyte): Variety MineSweeper game collection including 10 games. Version 1.4.2 allows registered users to star the game without clicking their names and includes some optimizations. File size is 558 KB. Shareware $7.

-- Nanosaur 1.3.4 (Pangea Software): 3D dinosaur shooting action game. Full version size is 13.6 MB (more info), updater for 4 MB VRAM version is 903 KB, 2 MB VRAM Version is 899 KB (more info). Shareware $15 (the registration includes both normal and Extreme! version).

-- Nanosaur Extreme! 1.3.4 (Pangea Software): Enhanced version of the popular 3D dinosaur shooting action game. File size is 12.7 MB (more info). Shareware $15 (the registration includes both normal and Extreme! version).

-- Plunk! 1.0.1 (Black Magik Software): Puzzle game like popular Macigame featuring as many as 13 beautiful themes and various options. Version 1.0.1 fixes a problem with Mac OS 8.1. File size is 3.0 MB. Shareware $19.95.

-- QuickShot Deluxe 2 2.03 (Jim Plamondon): Interactive gun shooting game. Version 2.03 fixes a bug causing the type 2 error. Updater size is 3.2 MB (more info). Also, the demo version has been updated with file size 5.2 MB (more info).

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Mission-B 1.1* (Aikawa*): Simple strategy game stack where player defeats a hidden cockroach by placing a bomb. Version 1.1 changes enemy to a cockroach, improves the power of explosives, and changes some stages. File size is 27 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Pyramid 2.0 (Candy House): Solitaire card game. Version 2.0 is now compatible with MedalMania Series and allows to share the coins among games of the series. File size is 463 KB. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Mockyun Fight 1.04 (Kumagoya Soft*): Simple typing arcade game featuring Mockun the boxing dog. Version 1.04 adds guide feature, adds difficulty options, and fixes bugs with the computer strength. File size is 1.4 MB. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Big and Small 2.0 (Candy House): Eastern dice casino game played in Macao. Version 2.0 is now compatible with MedalMania Series and allows to share the coins among games of the series. File size is 191 KB. Shareware ¥1,000 (¥1,100 for online registration*). Japanese software.

10/20/00 (Fri)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Clan Lord v151 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Full version size is 25.9 MB, updater from the CD-ROM version is 11.2 MB, updater from version v149 is 458 KB.

-- MacSnake 1.5 (Diabolo Software): Speedy snake arcade game with countdown scoring. Version 1.5 fixes the slow down with longer snake, and bugs with the memory management and others. File size is 775 KB. Freeware or voluntary shareware $5.

-- Sigma Chess 5.1.1 (Sigma GameWare): Professional chess program. Version 5.1.1 fixes freezes with the Monitor Mode and bugs in the Mate Finder. Full version size is 1.9 MB (more info), updater is 897 KB (more info). Shareware $15.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- MakeTENs 1.0.3 (NanDeYanen Games*): Strategic puzzle arcade game where player moves a token to take numbers on the board to make 10 in total. File size is 63 KB. Users must send a mail to the author or pay ¥650 shareware fee* (supportware).

-- Doboku 02* (Yusuke Takasaki*): Unique column-style puzzle arcade game to make combinations of Japanese Kanji characters. Version 02 improves the performance, adds speedup feature, changes the scoring system, and includes other improvements. File size is 7 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

10/18/00 (Wed)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- glDuke 0.10 BETA (Virtual Applications): Unofficial updater for Duke Nukem 3D supporting OpenGL. File size is 78 KB (more info). Public beta version.

-- Mac500 1.0.1 (David J. Risvold): Card game to play Five Hundred game with computer players. Version 1.0.1 fixes display problems by increasing memory size. File size is 1.8 MB. Shareware $10.

-- Runestone 1.0.1 (Divinity Software): Unique board game where 4 players place stones to line four stones of same attribute. Version 1.0.1 fixed a problem with Finder open of saved files. File size is 1.1 MB (more info). Shareware $15.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- TamaTama 1.3J* (Kohei Ashiho): Humorous breeding simulation game of a funny spherical creature. File size is 195 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

10/17/00 (Tue)

Medal Arcade Game Collection "MedalMania Series"

Candy House has announced MedalMania Series. MedalMania Series is a coin arcade game series where player can play each game with common coins in hand. Currently the series consists of MedalMania (F) and following 2 new titles:

-- MedalMania: Bakuretsu Musume (MedalManiaEg): Enhanced Coin-pusher arcade game with a unique jackpot system. File size is 424 KB. Shareware ¥1,000.

-- MedalMania: Hamster (MedalManiaHm): Unique hamster bleeding simulation game where player gets feeds by winning other MedalMania Series games. File size is 196 KB. Shareware ¥500.

Each requires Mac OS 7.6 or later. Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- GameRanger Star Wars Racer/Risk II Plug-in (Scott Kevill): Star Wars: Episode I Racer and Risk II plug-ins 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.

-- MacFIBS 4.5 (Paul Ferguson): Macintosh client for online Backgammon system FIBS. Version 4.5 adds a new screen theme, improves the player information window, adds contextual menus and new chat features, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 3.2 MB (more info). Shareware $20.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- MedalMania (F) 2.0.1 (Candy House): Simple coin-pusher arcade game where player drops coins from the stage. Version 2.0.1 is now compatible with MedalMania Series and allows to take the coins around the games. File size is 327 KB. Freeware. Japanese software.

10/16/00 (Mon)

3D Tank Battle Racing Arcade Game "Tanks of Terror"

Klink! Software has released Tanks of Terror. Tanks of Terror is a unique 3D tank battle racing arcade game where player runs circuit with a battle tank while defeating opponents with cannons and other items. The game consists as many as 34 maps of 6 world each of which includes 7 racing stages of various game modes such as Regular Races, Tikki Hunt Races, Gauntlet Race, Boss Battle. It also features high quality 3D graphics using OpenGL and special effects, flexible graphic options supporting both low-end and high-end hardware, dynamic environment with varying weather and time of day, a variety of camera view options, skill learning computer AI, customizable tanks of 4 classes, up to 5 player network death match, and others. File size is 7.6 MB (more info), PowerPC 604e/200 MHz or better, Mac OS 8.1 or later, free memory 25 MB or larger, OpenGL 3D card with VRAM 6 MB or larger (8 MB or larger recommended), GameSprockets 1.7 or later, OpenGL 1.1.3 or later, modem 52 kbps or faster for net play. Shareware $15. (Source: MacGameFiles.com)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Hearts 3.1.1 (David Skelly): Simple Hearts card game played against computer featuring various rule customization. Version 3.1.1 fixes several bugs. File size is 404 KB. Shareware $14.95.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- UCHU-JIN SHINRYAKU 2000 1.0.2* (HEISEI GAME NAGAYA*): Enhanced version of the unique Invaders-type shooting game. Version 1.0.2 The new edition is now PowerPC native and adds new features such as endless mode. Also, version 1.0.2 fixes some bugs with multiple monitor and others. File size is 254 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

10/13/00 (Fri)

3D Sci-fi Strategy Game "Planetary Conquest"

AvisNocturna has released Planetary Conquest. Planetary Conquest is a turn-based 3D sci-fi strategy game where player constructs a colony and forces on a planet and battles against enemies. It features full 3D terrain screen using OpenGL, 18 terrain maps, wide variety of units, and various technology and events. The game is played against computer or via network and supports up to 4 players. Requires PowerPC 604e or better, free memory 30 MB or larger, free HD 15 MB or larger, CD-ROM, OpenGL 3D card with VRAM 8 MB or larger. Available directly for $20. Also, demo version is available with file size 3.1 MB (more info). (Source: IMG)

Beach Head 2000 Released

MacSoft has released Beach Head 2000. Beach Head 2000 (developer: Digital Fusion) is a 3D military shooting arcade game where player defend a coast line by defeating enemy forces of land, sea, and air with an automatic cannon. The game is a non stop arcade game of amusement rather than military simulation of realism. It features 360-degree photorealistic 3D graphics, impressive graphic/sound effects of explosions and water splashes, and realistic weapon mechanics such as tanks, ships, and aircrafts. Requires PowerPC, Mac OS 7.5 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger, 3D card supported but not required. Available at retail stores in USA.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Taikyoku Shogi KFEnd 1.20* (Masaaki Arioka*): Shogi program with 6-level unique computer routine. Version 1.20 adds several new features including loading game files, game continue, computer vs. computer play, improved user interface, improved opening routine, and includes many other improvements and fixes. File size is 554 KB* (more info*). Shareware* ¥1,000. Japanese software.

10/12/00 (Thu)

Unique Breeding Strategy Board Game "Evolutionary War"

Phlogiston Software has released the final version of Evolutionary War. Evolutionary War is a unique chess-style strategy board game with the theme of multiplication and evolution. The player reinforces the organisms by mating and fission and wages war against the enemy organisms to annihilate them. Each organism (or pieces) has 4 parameters of Strength, Intelligence, Speed, and Fertility and player can improves each one by mating. Although the game has simple rule and operation, it requires strategic skill to construct stronger individuals and powerful forces, as well as tactical skill to annihilate enemies on the 8 x 8 board effectively. It is played by single player against computer or head-to-head by 2 players. File size is 1.2 MB. Shareware $1. (Source: VersionTracker.com)

Strategic Puzzle Arcade Game "EatSameNumbers"

NanDeYanen Games* has released EatSameNumbers. EatSameNumbers (ESN) is a new-type strategic puzzle arcade game which is a sequel to MakeTENs The player moves a token with a number counting up 0 through 9 along its moves, and takes all numbers on the board with the same-numbered token. The game is relatively simple and easy but requires quick play against clock and twisted strategy using the skip panels. File size is 48 KB. Users must send a mail to the author or pay ¥650 shareware fee* (supportware). Japanese software.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Uno Eks 1.1a (E dot software): Solitaire card game with a rule like Uno or Crazy Eight. File size is 1.8 MB. Public alpha version.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- MakeTENs 1.0.2 (NanDeYanen Games*): Strategic puzzle arcade game where player moves a token to take numbers on the board to make 10 in total. Version 1.0.2 improves screen with 16 colors mode. File size is 42 KB. Users must send a mail to the author or pay ¥650 shareware fee* (supportware). Japanese software.
Followup: As of October 20, MakeTENs has been updated to version 1.0.3.

10/11/00 (Wed)

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Space Bug 1.0.2 (Juho Ruohola): Unique 2D space arcade game where player save the Earth from incoming objects and enemies by collisions or laser shooting. File size is 1.1 MB. Freeware or voluntary shareware.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Tenka Fubu 1.11* (Yoshihiro Tanaka*): Simple conquest simulation game set in the age of Japanes Civil Wars where player conquers western Japan. File size is 2.4 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

10/10/00 (Tue)

Typing Arcade Game "Mockyun Fight"

Kumagoya Soft* has released Mockyun Fight. Mockyun Fight is a simple typing arcade game featuring Mockun the boxing dog. The player types displayed letters quickly to give damages and defeats 8 opponents. 1-player and 2-player modes are supported. Also, high score ranking is available. File size is 1.4 MB (more info). Supports iMac, requires free memory 6 MB. Freeware. Japanese software.
Followup: As of October 23, Mockyun Fight has been updated to version 1.04.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Mega Minesweeper 1.5b0 (Carrot Software): Mac OS X version of the Minesweeper game featuring up to 32,767 x 32,767 play field and various theme plug-ins. File size is 1.1 MB. Freeware.

-- Reckless Drivin': Burning Rubber 2 1.1 (jonas echterhoff): High-quality 2D vertical-scrolling racing arcade game where player drives various courses while destroying other cars and objects. Version 1.1 supports add-on levels and fixes bugs such as crashes. Full version size is 5.4 MB (more info), updater is 559 KB (more info). Also RDEdit, an add-on level editor, is available with file size 122 KB. Shareware $12.

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- Gakkono Ichinichi 1.1* (Takeshi Sakai*): Unique role playing adventure game where player, as a school boy, spends time in a middle school. Version 1.1 adds characters and items, and fixes drawing bugs. File size is 3.2 MB. Freeware or voluntary shareware. Japanese software.

10/9/00 (Mon)

SkyFighters 1945 Released

Bullseye Software has shipped SkyFighters 1945. SkyFighters 1945 (former title "WWII SkyFighters 2000") is an enhanced version of WWII SkyFighters, the popular networkable WWII flight simulator, where player flies with a variety of WWII era fighters and experiences various type of air battles including single and net play. It features high quality graphics supporting OpenGL and 3D RAVE, as many as 30 missions including dog fight and strike missions, single play support with excellent computer AI, 8 aircraft types such as Mustang and Zero with realistic cockpits, 5 unique world to play, up to 8 players net game support. Requires PowerPC 603/180 MHz or better (G3 recommended, iMac compatible, certain PowerBooks NOT compatible), free memory 16 MB or larger, free HD 70 MB or larger if installed on an HD, CD-ROM, 3D RAVE or OpenGL 3D card, VRAM 4 MB or larger, InputSprocket supported. Available directly for $39.95. Also, the preview demo version is available with file size 2.9 MB for OpenGL version, 2.9 MB for RAVE version (more info).

Unique 4-Paddle Pong Arcade Game "Pong^2"

Corey Miller has released Pong^2. Pong^2 (Pong Squared) is a unique Pong-type arcade game for single player where player hits the ball with 4 paddles to keep the ball from hitting the center circle. It features simple game play with mouse and 19 levels with different difficulties. File size is 1.2 MB (more info). 68030 or better (PowerPC recommended), RAM 5 MB or larger (16 MB or larger recommended), monitor 640 x 480 or better (800 x 600 or better recommended). Shareware $7.

Computer Card Game "Mac500"

David J. Risvold has released Mac500. Mac500 is a card game to play Five Hundred game with computer players. Five Hundred is a variant of Triumph card game for 4 players where each team of 2 players gets tricks to obtain points. This software is played with 3 computer player and offers various rule options. File size is 1.8 MB. Requires 68030 or better (PowerPC recommended), System 7.1 or later. Shareware $10.

Railroad Tycoon II Gold Edition Japanese Version Released

Media Quest* has been released Railroad Tycoon II Gold Edition Japanese Version*. Railroad Tycoon II Gold Edition (developer: Poptop Software, porting: Westlake Interactive, USA publisher: Gathering of Developers) is a bundle pack of the railroad management simulation Railroad Tycoon II and the expansion kit Railroad Tycoon II: Second Century. The Japanese version includes Japanese localized messages and narration. Requires PowerPC/132 MHz or faster (604e or better recommended), Japanese System 7.5.3 or later (Mac OS 9.0.4 supported), RAM 64 MB or larger (128 MB or larger recommended), free HD 400 MB or larger, 1,024 x 768/256 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster. Some Macs such as iBooks not supported. Available at retail stores in Japan or directly* for ¥7,480.

Unique Mini Game Collection "LEVEL-5"

Takuya Ono* has released LEVEL-5*. LEVEL-5 is a simple arcade game collection where player challenges unique mini games. It consists of 5 games; "Catch The Horse" to click the running horse in the center marker, "Where is He?" to click one of character icons that is same as one showed below, "Count Up!" to count the number of vehicles passing by, "The Barrels" to avoid rolling barrels, and "Push the <-" to push the arrow keys with the same direction as the dropping icons. It also offers 5 levels of difficulty options. File size is 376 KB*. Freeware.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- 4x4 Evolution 1.0 Public Beta 2a (Terminal Reality): Public test version of the upcoming realistic off-road racing simulator featuring 4x4 vehicles. Version 1.0 Public Beta 2a improves graphic card support, the network performance, and the AI. Updater from version 1.0 Public Beta 2 is 8.7 MB (more info). Previous version of 4x4 Evolution 1.0 Public Beta 2 is required. (Source: MacGameFiles.com)

-- AstroBlast 1.1 (ArtHire.com): Simple scrolling shooting arcade game where player protect a satellite from asteroid attacks. File size is 3.1 MB. Freeware.

-- Baldur's Gate 1.0.2 (Graphic Simulations): Role playing game based on The Forgotten Realms of AD & D. Version 1.0.2 supports the faster speed option and fixes bugs such as crashes. It is recommended to make backup of save files before update because the update reformat the files automatically. Updater size is 2.0 MB.

-- Brickles Deluxe 1.3.1 (Space-Time Associates): Unique Breakout arcade game with colorful bricks and humorous sounds. Version 1.3.1 adds new sounds. File size is 379 KB. Shareware $20.

-- Clan Lord v149 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Full version size is 25.9 MB, updater from the CD-ROM version is 11.1 MB, updater from version v147 is 629 KB.
Followup: As of October 20, Clan Lord has been updated to version v151.

-- Cricket 5.3 (G.E.Randall): Cricket simulation game. File size is 1.7 MB. Shareware £15.

-- DarkRage Beta 1 (Chronostorm Network): Full-scrolling quasi-3D dark fantasy role playing game. File size is 22.9 MB (more info). Public beta version.

-- DreamLight Verttice 3.0 (DreamLight): Unique puzzle arcade game where player leads laser photons to the power nodes. File size is 2.6 MB (more info). Shareware $9.95.

-- Evolutionary War 0.9 (Phlogiston Software): Chess-type strategy board game using tokens with 4 parameters. File size is 1.1 MB. Public beta version and voluntary shareware $1.

-- Hang2000 1.7.2 (Space-Time Associates): Newest version of popular word game Hangman featuring color graphics, speech synthesizer, various new categories. Version 1.7.2 fixes some spelling errors. File size is 420 KB. Shareware $20.

-- Hearts 3.1 (David Skelly): Simple Hearts card game played against computer featuring various rule customization. Version 3.1 adds several options, fixes incompatibility with some older systems, and fixes bugs such as crash. File size is 406 KB. Shareware $14.95.
Followup: As of October 16, Hearts has been updated to version 3.1.1.

-- Hockeee 3.0 (ArtHire.com): Simple classic ice hockey arcade game. File size is 3.4 MB. Freeware.

-- MacSnake 1.4 (Diabolo Software): Speedy snake arcade game with countdown scoring. Version 1.4 adds new skis themes and fixes some bugs. File size is 770 KB. Freeware or voluntary shareware $5.
Followup: As of October 20, MacSnake has been updated to version 1.5.

-- Parsec LAN-Test (build 0190) (Markus Hadwiger): LAN-based public test version of the upcoming 3D online space shooting arcade game to be played in huge galaxies in the net. File size is 17.9 MB (more info).

-- Quake 3 Arena for Mac OS X 1.1.7 (The Omni Group): Quake III Arena updater supporting Mac OS X Public Beta. File size is 571 KB. Freeware.

-- X-Plane 5.41 (Laminar Research): Full-featured general flight simulator with high-quality texture graphics. Version 5.41 adds pilot logbook, allows to customize the radio voices, improves graphical representation of the aircraft wheels, supports key customization, and includes many other improvements and fixes. Demo/upgrade file size is 65.5 MB (more info), updater is 23.8 MB (more info).

Game Updates (Japanese)

-- B.A.L.L 4.1* (TAKEDAY*): Arkanoid-type breakout arcade game featuring powerful multiball play. Version 4.1 changes the scoring and fixes a bug at the fifth stage. File size is 720 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- MedalMania (F) 1.0.2 (Candy House): Simple coin-pusher arcade game where player drops coins from the stage. Version 1.0.2 fixes a bug occurring when player spends all coins. File size is 321 KB. Freeware. Japanese software.

10/2/00 (Mon)

FLY! 2K Japanese Version Upgrade Information Announced

P. & A. has announced FLY! 2K Japanese Version upgrade service. FLY! 2K (developer: Terminal Reality, USA publisher: Gathering of Developers) is an enhanced version of Fly!*, the general aviation simulator, that adds version 1.01.87 updater and Sky! Environment Exciter Special Edition. Registered users of Fly! Japanese Version can preorder the upgrade CD-ROM now for ¥1,000 and the CD-ROM will shipped on October 20. Currently, full retail version of FLY! 2K Japanese Version is NOT planned.

3D Variety Pool Game "Maximum Pool" Released

Sierra Sports has released Maximum Pool. Maximum Pool is a 3D variety pool game collection including 12 game modes. The game modes contains 7 classic games such as 8-ball and Snooker as well as 5 unique computer-oriented games such as Rocket ball and Poker. It features beautiful 3D graphics, realistic ball action, 4 unique computer opponents, a variety of difficult settings, and others. Requires PowerPC G3/233 MHz or better, Mac OS 8.5.1 or later, RAM 32 MB or larger, free HD 125 MB or larger, 800 x 600/32,000 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster (12x or faster without full install). Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95.

Game Updates (World-Wide)

-- Realmz 7.1.2 (Fantasoft): Popular 2D top view and 3D maze view epic fantasy role playing game. Version 7.1.2 fixes a problem with save files for War in Sword Lands scenario and others. Full version size is 23.3 MB (more info), updater is 457 KB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- Roger Wilco 1.0b2 (HearMe): Voice chat utility for net games. File size is 1.5 MB (more info). Public beta version.