Macintosh Game News (Past News)

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Listed below are past news about Macintosh games in Japan and world-wide. Note: Links with * lead to Japanese pages. Some of versions and links in this page may be outdated.

News of July, 2001

7/31/01 (Tue)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Burning Monkey Solitaire II: Monty Zuma's Revenge 2.5 (Freeverse Software): Humorous theater-style solitaire card game collection including 10 games. Version 2.5 supports Mac OS X. File size is 7.7 MB. Shareware $14.95.

-- GL Tron for Mac OS X 0.61 (Andreas Umbach): Mac OS X version of the tron-type snake arcade game with 3D view using OpenGL. File size is 2.9 MB (more info). Freeware (GNU GPL).

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Sniping of night.* (Elektros*): Shooting gallery arcade game where player, as a sniper, carries a variety of missions. File size is 712 KB* (more info*). Maybe freeware. Japanese software.

-- SUPER HELMET CLASSIC 2.5.2J* (kd5/red*): 2D arcade game where player controls a jumping character to collect energy flowers. Version 2.5.2J improves startup behavior. File size of PPC version is 607 KB, 68K version is 623 KB. Freeware. Japanese software.

7/30/01 (Mon)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- A60 Rescue Mission English Version 1.2 (Cosmologik): Sci-fi 3D flight shooting action game set in planets where player controls a space fighter to rescue probes while fighting enemy fighters. File size is 10.9 MB (more info). Shareware $25.

-- Clan Lord v191 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Both auto update and downloadable updater (more info) are available.

-- Tropico (MacSoft): Building-oriented simulation game where player manages and develops a poor tropic island. Available at retail stores in USA.

-- ZADOR 1.4 (Mac-Yun-Soft): Mah Jong tile puzzle game like Japanese popular Nikaku-dori. Version 1.4 supports Mac OS X, adds new KIDSPANIC tile set, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 2.7 MB. Shareware $15.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- JANKEN Game 0.0.7* (Yoshiaki Hosoi*): Unique tile puzzle game where player removes all but last one tiles with the rule of Paper, Stone, and Scissors. Version 0.0.7 adds 128 x 128 icon for Mac OS X, adds new tile sets, and includes some fixes. File size is 702 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Keio-line Simulator 2* (Yu Tsukui*): Train driving simulator using QuickTime movie. File size is 10.5 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

7/27/01 (Fri)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- The Sims: Livin' Large 1.2.1 (Aspyr Media): Expansion pack for the popular home management simulation game including a variety of additional characters and items that supports many different life styles. Version 1.2.1 fixes several bugs with the scree, the user interface, and others. Updater size is 9.0 MB (more info).

-- The Sims 1.1.4 (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 1.1.4 adds Mac OS X Carbon support, and fixes several bugs with the scree, the user interface, and others. Updater size of Carbon version is 2.0 MB, Classic version is 1.3 MB (more info).

-- Xop (Iguana Software): Enhanced Puzzle Bobble-type puzzle arcade game featuring various special features and a built-in level editor. File size is 501 KB. Shareware $7.

7/26/01 (Thu)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Cubic 1.0b3 (Silver Software): Simple 3D Rubik's Cube Puzzle game using OpenGL. File size is 72 KB. Freeware.

-- Mike's Marbles 1.0.1 (Mike Sedore): Comprehensive column-style puzzle arcade game including 8 game modes such as Tetris-type, Puyo Puyo-type, and Puzzle Bobble-type. File size is 1.8 MB (more info). Shareware $25.

-- TankFighters 1.0.1 (Bullseye Software): 3D multi view tank battle shooting game played by up to 8 players including AI and net players. Version 1.0.1 improves the display mode switching. File size is 1.5 MB. Shareware $24.95.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Movement 1.1.0* (mk soft*): Unique arcade game where player escapes from a grid maze with blinking obstacles. Version 1.1.0 improves the sounds and the screen, changes the level data, and includes other improvements. File size is 1.8 MB*. Shareware ¥2,800. English software with Japanese manual.

7/25/01 (Wed)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- TankFighters 1.0.0 (Bullseye Software): 3D multi view tank battle shooting game played by up to 8 players including AI and net players. File size is 1.5 MB. Shareware $24.95.

7/24/01 (Tue)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- American McGee's Alice (Aspyr Media): 3D action adventure game where Alice explores the befouled Wonderland and fights against enemies. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.95.

-- Card Crash 1.2 (Scott FR): Unique Breakout-type arcade game where player makes Poker hands with the card blocks. Version 1.2 adds a level editor and includes some improvements. File size is 1.3 MB (more info). Shareware $15.

-- Cat and Mouse 2.0 (Allgood Software): Spite and Malice-type card game played against computer. Version 2.0 is a totally rewritten version. File size is 1.9 MB. Shareware $15.

-- Cowy the Minesweeper 1.1 (Martin Wengenmayer): Unique 3D strategic arcade game only for Mac OS X where player control a tank on a Manesweeper-like field to save a cow from mines. Version 1.1 adds music and fixes bugs. File size is 3.2 MB. Shareware $10.

-- RightWord 1.0.4 (Ton's Software): Word game feels like a combination of MasterMind and Bingo. Version 1.0.4 fixes a problem at startup. File size of PowerPC version is 1,011 KB, 68K version is 980 KB. Shareware $10.

-- Snake Quest 0.8 (Eric Patno): Enhanced snake arcade game with a variety of tricks and items. File size is 3.6 MB (more info). Freeware.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Kidoheiki Moebius Josho* (Elektros*): Multistory 2D shooting arcade game set in a space war. File size is 425 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Masatora 1.3 (Higaki Keiji*): Second installment of the unique fictional conquest simulation game where player conquers Africa with old Japanese samurai lords. Version 1.3 improves drawing performance and fixes bugs. File size is 589 KB. Shareware $12. Both English and Japanese version included.

7/19/01 (Thu)

Macworld Conference & Expo/New York 2001 Game-related Exhibitors

Macworld Conference & Expo/New York 2001 (formerly MACWORLD Expo) is held on July 18 through 20. Following exhibitors demonstrate or announce game-related products (the actual expositions are subject to be changed):

-- Aspyr Media (booth 2107): American McGee's Alice, The Sims: House Party, The Sims Mac OS X Version, announcement of Pangea Software distribution deal and upcoming 3D action game Otto Matic, online card game collection iPuppet Classic Cards by Freeverse Software.

-- MacPlay (booth 2113): Second installment of popular AD & D RPG series Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, variety sci-fi 3D action game Giants: Citizen Kabuto, 3D real time strategy game Sacrifice. Also, announced plans to publish Classic PC games Heretic II, Hexen II, and Zork Grand Inquisitor.

-- Freeverse Software (booth 2206): Arcade-style shooting action game Wingnutz, online RPG Arcane Arena?

-- MacSoft (booth 2209): Demonstration of Tropico, Vampire: The Masquerade Redemption, Fly! II, Q*bert, Breakout, and others. Announcement of Duke Nukem Forever, Beach Head 2002, Wheel of Fortune 2nd Edition, Jeopardy! 2nd Edition.

-- Graphic Simulations (booth 2213): High-end 3D first person shooting action game Red Faction.

Also, Steve Jobs demonstrates WarCraft III and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 as Mac OS X games in his key note session.

(Source: MacGamer.com, IMG, MacCentral, and others)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Airburst (Strange Flavour): New type paddle arcade game where player protect a floating cluster of balloons from bouncing balls with a rounding paddle. File size is 6.9 MB (more info). Shareware £2 or $5 ($5 for online registration).

7/18/01 (Wed)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Breakthrough 1.1 (Stinware): Breakout arcade game where player advances through levels by scrolling. File size is 274 KB. Shareware $10.

-- X Ball 1.0 (David Beck): Enhanced Breakout arcade game featuring powerful power-up items and various equipment. File size is 849 KB. Shareware $20.

7/17/01 (Tue)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Quake 1.0 (Fruitz Of Dojo): Unofficial Mac OS X updater for Quake. File size is 794 KB.

-- Rune 1.07a (Gathering of Developers): 3D epic fantasy action adventure set in Viking era. Version 1.07a fixes the OpenGL error in version 1.07. Updater from versinon 1.07 is 256 KB (more info). Version 1.07 updater with file size 33.9 MB is required.

-- Steel Fighters 1.3.2 (ColdSteel Software): Lunar Rescue-type 2D head-to-head shooting arcade game. Version 1.3.2 improves the graphic drawing, adds a new level, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 1.8 MB. Shareware 50 mk, 10 Euro, or $15 ($15 for online registration).

7/16/01 (Mon)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Captain Bumper 1.01 (MacRun Software): 2D shooting arcade game featuring smooth high speed scrolling and cartoon-style animation. Version 1.01 improves user registration, and fixes bugs and screen design. Full version size is 17.8 MB (more info), updater is 4.9 MB (more info). Shareware $25.

-- Colibricks 1.3.1 (Michel Colman): Next generation Breakout arcade game with full of unique levels and items. Version 1.3.1 adds sound mute, improves the Mac OS X support, and fixes some bugs. File size is 3.1 MB (more info). Shareware $16.

-- JewelToy 1.1.3 (Giles Williams): Against-clock puzzle game only for Mac OS X where player swaps pair of gems to make 3 identical ones in a line. Version 1.1.3 adds a Dutch version. File size is 216 KB. Freeware.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- firmament i-b 2.0010624* (flatearth software*): Unique arcade game where player eliminates proliferating cells like Life game. Version 2.0010624 improves the ranking display and others. File size is 202 KB* (more info*). Shareware* ¥500. English software with Japanese manual software.

-- M-Ball b0.9.2J* (Gongomma*): Puzzle game where player rolls a ball to the goal on a board. Version b0.9.2J fixes bugs. File size is 464 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- AsTrial 1.0.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Realistic 2D space simulator arcade game where player controls a space ship with inertial motion to pass several gates. File size is 940 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Sosakan Yuko Azusa 2 -Yukai- 1.00* (Yasu*): Second installment of the simple detective adventure game where player solves a kidnapping case. File size is 1.2 MB* (more info*). Public beta version. Japanese software.

7/13/01 (Fri)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Snake Quest 0.7 (Eric Patno): Enhanced snake arcade game with a variety of tricks and items. Version 0.7 changes the level file format. File size is 3.6 MB (more info). Freeware.

7/12/01 (Thu)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Clan Lord v189 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Both auto update and downloadable updater (more info) are available.

-- Evolutionary War 1.1 (Phlogiston Software): Strategy board game where player wages war against the enemy while multiplying and evolving pieces. Version 1.1 supports Mac OS X Carbon. File size is 934 KB. Also, version 1.0 for Classic Mac OS is available with file size 1.2 MB. Shareware $1.

-- Freddy's Forest 1.0 (Soleau Software): Arcade-style puzzle game with 50 levels where player explores forest to take butterflies. File size is 3.7 MB. Shareware $18.

-- Spins! 1.2 (The Foundation Company): Shareware version of the 2D maze arcade game where player control an inertia spin to get out mazes with various traps and tricks. File size is 3.9 MB. Shareware $10.

-- Star Conquest 1.1 (Dark Shadow Software): Full-scaled networkable turn-based sci-fi space conquest strategy game. Version 1.1 adds a Carbon version, and includes improvements and fixes. Updater size of Classic version is 1,010 KB, Carbon version is 1.1 MB (more info). Also, version 1.1.1 updater only for Mac OS 8.5 users with problem is available (more info).

-- ZADOR 1.3 (Mac-Yun-Soft): Mah Jong tile puzzle game like Japanese popular Nikaku-dori. Version 1.3 adds new SOCKQUEST tile set. File size is 2.5 MB. Shareware $15.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Taikyoku Shogi KFEnd 1.50* (Masaaki Arioka*): Shogi program with 6-level unique computer routine. Version 1.50 improves the computer routine and adds a best move finder. File size is 556 KB* (more info*). Shareware* ¥1,000. Japanese software.

7/11/01 (Wed)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Cowy the Minesweeper 1.0 (Martin Wengenmayer): Unique 3D strategic arcade game only for Mac OS X where player control a tank on a Manesweeper-like field to save a cow from mines. File size is 1.4 MB. Shareware $10.

-- Mimic 1.2 (Echozone Software): Simon-type memory game where player repeats sequences of colors and tones. Version 1.2 fixes a sound problem with QuickTime 5. File size is 453 KB (more info). Shareware $8.

-- NetFungus 1.0.4 (IMROM Software): Area-capturing game supporting online play with GameRanger. Version 1.0.4 includes tournament support. File size is 382 KB. Freeware.

-- Paragon Poker Suite 2.2 (TELLIS): Poker card game played against computer including 3 games and simulation feature. Version 2.2 fixes some bugs. File size is 562 KB. Shareware $10.

-- TheCowCatchingGame 1.62 (Martin Wengenmayer): Unique 3D arcade game for Mac OS X where a alien ship catches as many cows as possible. Version 1.62 adds an editor option. File size is 1.8 MB. Shareware $10.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Butakobo's TAMAC 1.0* (Buta Kobo*): Puzzle game where player moves numbered ball to the square of the same color. File size is 334 KB*. Freeware. English software with Japanese manual.

-- Akikan 1.0.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Simple arcade game where player throws stones by mouse drag to hit cans. File size is 1.1 MB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Rensa Hanno 1.0.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Unique column-style puzzle arcade game where player gathers nuclear materials and removes them with reactions. File size is 866 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

7/10/01 (Tue)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- A60 Rescue Mission English Version 1.1 (Cosmologik): Sci-fi 3D flight shooting action game set in planets where player controls a space fighter to rescue probes while fighting enemy fighters. File size is 10.9 MB (more info). Shareware $25.

-- Adrenalin Racing 1.2.3 (Steven Verstoep): 3D racing battle arcade game with a variety of cars and courses. Version 1.2.3 fixes a bug File size is 3.7 MB. Freeware.

-- Awale 3.1 (Didier & Olivier Guillion): African ancient board game supporting online play through IRC servers. Version 3.1 adds new server and fixes music problem. File size is 811 KB. Shareware $10 ($12 for online registration).

-- Card Crash 1.1 (Scott FR): Unique Breakout-type arcade game where player makes Poker hands with the card blocks. Version 1.1 improves the interface, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 838 KB (more info). Shareware $15.

-- CrossCards 2.0 (Freeverse Software): Card & board game that blends the best aspects of Poker and Scrabble Version 2.0 supports Mac OS X and adds several new features. File size is 2.5 MB. Shareware $14.95.

-- Deus Ex 1.0.3 (Aspyr Media): 3D sci-fi futuristic hard-boiled role-playing action adventure game featuring high-featured game engine and elaborated story. Version 1.0.3 includes improves and fixes in PC version 1.112fm. Updater size is 34.6 MB (more info).

-- Enigma 2.0 (Freeverse Software): MasterMind-type board game. Version 2.0 supports Mac OS X and adds several new features. File size is 6.2 MB. Shareware $14.95.

-- Frustration 1.1.5 (Bernie Wylde*): Popular roll and move board game played against computer. File size is 640 KB. Shareware $2.

-- GameRanger 2.1.3 (Scott Kevill): Client software for the general online gaming service. Version 2.1.3 fixes crashes, and includes several improvements and fixes. File size of the net installer is 166 KB (more info). Auto-update available. Freeware.

-- King of Dragon Pass 1.6 (A Sharp): Table talk-style interactive story role playing strategy game set in Glorantha world known for RuneQuest. Version 1.6 fixes bugs with the scenario and the game play. Updater size is 2.0 MB (more info).

-- Rune 1.07 (Gathering of Developers): 3D epic fantasy action adventure set in Viking era. Version 1.07 includes improvements and fixes from current PC version, and improves nVidia, Sound Blaster Live, GameRanger support. Updater size is 33.9 MB (more info).

-- Space Tripper 1.5 (PomPom): Defender-type 3D action game. Version 1.5 fixes problems with screen drawing. Updater is available for registered users. Also, the demo version has been updated with file size 3.4 MB (more info).

-- Summoner (Graphic Simulations): 3D fantasy role playing game where a summoner explores the world and defeats the evil Emperor. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $44.95.

-- Tomb Raider Chronicles (Aspyr Media): 5th installment of popular 3D exploration action game series. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $44.95. File size is 13.7 MB (more info).

-- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (Aspyr Media): 3D skate board arcade game where 13 real-world skaters tries their skills at various parks world-wide. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $44.95.

-- X-Words Deluxe 2.0 (Freeverse Software): Scrabble-like word board game. Version 2.0 supports Mac OS X and adds several new features. File size is 2.7 MB. Shareware $19.95.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Castle of Owl* (ANKLET*): 2D full-scrolling arcade game where a Ninja girl explores 6-level stages while fighting against enemies. File size is 3.4 MB*. Shareware ¥1,000. Japanese software.

-- Escape from Monkey Island with Japanese Manual 1.1.2* (JapanCentral.com*): 4th installment of the popular advanture game series featuring real time 3D graphics. Version 1.1.2 fixes problems at certain scenes, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size of version 1.1.2 updater from version 1.1.1 is 219 KB*, version 1.1.1 updater from retail version is 796 KB* (more info*).

-- Good People 1.2.0* (Mr. Do*): Humorous 2D scrolling arcade game where player collects keys while avoiding and defeating enemies. Version 1.2.0 improves the game difficulty, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 278 KB. Freeware (mailware). Japanese software.

-- MYST III EXILE Japanese Version* (Media Quest*): Latest installment of the popular adventure game series. Available at retail stores in Japan or directly* for ¥8,610.

-- REAL FLIGHT JAPAN* (Twilight Express*): Full-featured flight simulator including X-Plane engine and Japanese scenery data. Available at retail stores in Japan or directly* for ¥9,800. Japanese software.

-- THE MIR 1.0* (Shima Seisakusho*): Space simulator game where player controls a spaceship to dock the station. File size is 928 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 with Japanese Manual* (JapanCentral.com*): 3D skate board arcade game where 13 real-world skaters tries their skills at various parks world-wide. Available at retail stores in Japan or directly* for $39.95.

-- VisualMonster 1.4.8* (Riko Munetoh*): Magic the Gathering-type fantasy card battle game supporting net play and trading. Version 1.4.8 fixes several bugs. Updater from version 1.5.7 is 54 KB*, updaters from other versions are also available (more info*). Freeware (registration required). Japanese software.

-- Transport 1.0J* (Solua*): Unique arcade game where player carries a mail using a balloon and an air cannon. File size is 1.3 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Oreno Mah-Jongg* (i4*): Mah-Jongg game played against realistic computer players. Available at retail stores in Japan. Japanese software.

-- Garyo 1.0.3* (Yoshihiro Tanaka*): Conquest simulation game set in the age of Three Kingdoms in China. Version 1.0.3 improves the AI and fixes a bug with window drawing. File size is 4.5 MB*. Shareware ¥1,500. Japanese software.

-- Masatora 1.2.2* (Higaki Keiji*): Second installment of the unique fictional conquest simulation game where player conquers Africa with old Japanese samurai lords. Version 1.2.2 fixes several bugs. File size is 612 KB*. Shareware $12. Both English and Japanese version included.