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 Some of versions and links in this page may be outdated.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, 2001

10/26/01 (Fri)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Galactic Core 1.0 (SpiderWeb Software): Full-featured mission-oriented sci-fi space conquest strategy game where player, as one of 6 races, manages the empire to conquers the galaxy. File size is 6.0 MB. Shareware $15.

-- GLHexen 2 0.9b8 (pOx): Unofficial Mac port updater for Hexen 2 PC version. Version 0.9b8 improves several graphics/control option settings, improves mouse smoothing, and supports directional game pad, as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size for full retail version is 783 KB, for Mission Pack is 329 KB, for Demo version is 783 KB (more info). Public beta version.

-- GLQuake for Macintosh 0.9b8 (pOx): Unofficial OpenGL updater for 3D first person shooting Quake based on its open source. Version 0.9b8 improves several graphics/control option settings, improves mouse smoothing, and supports directional game pad, as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size for full retail version is 263 KB, GLQuakeWorld is 237 KB, for Nehara add-on (MacNehara) is 374 KB (more info). Maybe freeware.

-- Harpoon3 3.3.5 (Advanced Gaming Systems): The newest version of popular modern naval war simulation game. Version 3.3.5 fixes problems of missing Weather Manager and others. Updater from version 3.3.4 is 286 KB, from version 3.0.x is 1.3 MB, from version 3.1.x is 1.3 MB, from version 3.2.x is 1.3 MB, from version 3.3.x is 1.3 MB (more info). Also, demo version has been updated with file size 13.4 MB.

10/25/01 (Thu)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Clan Lord v204 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Both auto update and downloadable updater (more info) are available.

-- Despot's Redemption (kafeen): Simple sci-fi horizontal scrolling shooting arcade game set in a planet. File size is 4.2 MB (more info). Shareware $8.

-- GamePad Companion (CarvWare): Generic USB input device driver for Mac OS X 10.1. File size is 85 KB. Shareware $15.

-- WarBirds III 1024001 (iEntertainment Networks): Latest version of the online WWII flight simulator. Full version size is 92.4 MB (more info), updater is 4.4 MB (more info). Preview version.

10/24/01 (Wed)

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Yakyu. (Preliminary Name) 1.0.5* (Nao Ranger*): Full-featured baseball simulation game. File size is 2.4 MB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn (MacPlay): 2nd installment of the role playing game series based on The Forgotten Realms of AD & D. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.99.

-- Cowy the Minesweeper 1.1.1 (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 1.1.1 supports Mac OS X 10.1, adds music volume adjustment, and includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 3.2 MB. Shareware $10.

-- Quake III: Gold Edition (Activision): Special edition of the third installment of the deathmatch-oriented high-featured 3D first person shooting game series including mission pack Team Arena. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA.

-- X Ball 1.0.3 (David Beck): Enhanced Breakout arcade game featuring various power-up items and equipment. File size is 852 KB. Shareware $20.

Game Demos (World-Wide)

-- Sheep (Feral Interactive): Unique puzzle arcade game where player guide the alien sheep from the Earth to their home planet through mazes with a variety of obstacles. Demo size is 23.8 MB (more info). Full retail version is available in USA and Europe, or directly for $34.95.

10/23/01 (Tue)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- X-Plane 6.00 (Laminar Research): Latest enhanced version of the full-featured general flight simulator. Version 6.00 features 1,024 x 768 resolution, five times more detailed terrain data, new improved user interface, new cockpit instruments, faster airplane drawing, dynamic city scenery, and improved flight modeling, as well as many other improvements and fixes. Available directly for $59.99 (one free terrain CD-ROM included). The software has already been updated version 6.04 with updater size 1.3 MB (more info). Also, a demo version is available with file size 66.0 MB (more info).

-- Emergency Room Code Red (Legacy Interactive): The latest installment of the interactive medical role playing simulation game series featuring 35 medically realistic cases and cinematic scenes starring popular TV actors. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95.

-- Lonely Time English Version 1.1 (Takeshi Sakai*): Role playing adventure game where player explores a town to find out a pet cat. Version 1.1 improves English text in manual and messages. File size is 2.3 MB. Freeware.

-- Myth II: Worlds (Take 2 Interactive): Special edition of the second installment of the 3D fantasy tactical strategy game series including a lot of total conversions and other modification files. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.99 only in USA.

-- Q*bert (MacSoft): 3D enhanced version of classic jumping arcade game. Available at retail stores in USA.

-- Sheep (Graphic Simulations): Unique puzzle arcade game where player guide the alien sheep from the Earth to their home planet through mazes with a variety of obstacles. Available at retail stores in USA and Europe, or directly for $34.95.

-- Turtle Turmoil 1.0fc2 (Brainfreeze Entertainment): Unique 2D arcade game where player moves locks in a way like Sokoban and defeat various enemies. File size of the full version is 8.5 MB, small version without music is 4.3 MB, application file of the Mac OS X version is 203 KB (more info). Beta shareware $10 or more (final candidate).

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Happy Net 1000: Trois* (Sony Music Entertainment (Japan)*): Unique networkable strategic board game like Othello using 3 different tokens to captures squares. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in Japan. Japanese software.

10/22/01 (Mon)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Can You Find It? 1.2 (Mac-Yun-Soft): Comparison game where player finds 5 mistakes in the photo pictures. Version 1.2 adds a full version including 100 levels, new music tracks, and a high score list. File size is 4.4 MB. Shareware $15.

-- MarbleX 1.0.1 (illumineX): Unique column-style puzzle arcade game only for Mac OS X where player piles dropping marbles and removes groups of 3 same-colored. File size is 6.1 MB. Shareware $9.95.

-- Roadrunner Video Poker 1.01b (Roadrunner Software): Full-featured Video Poker game with customization, statistics, strategy simulation, and other features. Version 1.01b fixes crashes. File size is 981 KB (more info). Shareware $17.

-- Warm Fuzzies 1.0 (Angela Brett): Fancy arcade game only for Mac OS X where player attacks prickly characters with kisses and turns them into fuzzy characters. File size is 284 KB. Freeware.

-- X Ball 1.0.2 (David Beck): Enhanced Breakout arcade game featuring various power-up items and equipment. File size is 852 KB. Shareware $20.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- T Puzzle 2.0* (GIZMo*): Simple Tangram-like puzzle game where player makes various shapes with 4 polygonal plates. Version 2.0 adds judgment feature and sounds. File size is 2.1 MB*. Shareware ¥600. Japanese software.

-- TRIORB 2.0* (Seiji Takenaka*): Unique Puyo Puyo/Skittles-type puzzle arcade game where player erases balls of 3 elements by a certain rule like Othello. Version 2.0 adds 3 difficulty levels, improves graphics, adds music, and includes other improvements. File size is 2.1 MB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Igoppi 1.2.0* (Sabokun*): Simple Go program played against computer. Version 1.2.0 adds a small opening book, improves the computer routine, and fixes the judgment bug. File size is 343 KB*. Shareware ¥2,800. Japanese software.

10/18/01 (Thu)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Arcane Arena beta 9 (Freeverse Software): Fantasy online role playing game featuring unique battle system. Full version size is 59.5 MB, updater size is 14.8 MB. Public beta version.

-- Asteroid Storm 1.0.1 (David Stark): Asteroids-type high-quality 2D omnidirectional scrolling shooting arcade game where player carries several missions to save the Earth from the asteroid swarm. Version 1.0.1 fixes a crash at level 11. Full version size is 5.3 MB, updater is 6 KB. Freeware.

-- Bet Your Booty (Gypsy King Software): Variety Hangman word game combined with a wheel game show. File size is 3.1 MB. Shareware $19.95.

-- Roadrunner Video Poker 1.01 (Roadrunner Software): Full-featured Video Poker game with customization, statistics, strategy simulation, and other features. File size is 988 KB (more info). Shareware $17.

-- WarBirds III 1011001 (iEntertainment Networks): Latest version of the online WWII flight simulator. File size is 84.7 MB (more info). Preview version.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- B.A.L.L 4.2* (TAKEDAY*): Arkanoid-type breakout arcade game featuring powerful multiball play. Version 4.2 changes levels and improves the ball action and others. File size is 667 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Hit&Blow 0.3* (Negi Banno*): Simple MasterMind game stack with 4 difficulty levels. File size is 77 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Seirei Shokan 1.0* (Naruki*): Fantasy card battle-type role playing game where player, as a prince or a princess, quests for the sacred treasures. File size is 2.3 MB*. Shareware* ¥500. Japanese software.

-- Nezumi-dama 1.0.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Unique puzzle game where player rolls a 2-colored mouse ball and turns it to the initial direction. File size is 829 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Yakyu. (Preliminary Name) 1.0.4* (Nao Ranger*): Full-featured baseball simulation game. File size is 2.2 MB*. Maybe freeware. Japanese software.

10/11/01 (Thu)

Game Demos (World-Wide)

-- Alien Nations (Titan Computer): Sci-fi real time civilization and conquest strategy game where player develops one of 3 different nations and conquers each other. Demo size is 30.1 MB (more info)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Clan Lord v202 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Both auto update and downloadable updater (more info) are available.

-- Friday Night Poker 1.0.0 (Anubis): Poker card game including 29 games played against computer. File size of PowerPC version is 576 KB, 68K version is 558 KB. Shareware $20.

10/10/01 (Wed)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Shapes II 1.1 (Carrot Software): New version of the column-style puzzle arcade game with the moving column and various options. File size is 5.6 MB. Shareware $10.

-- Traffic 1.0.1 (Megafer Software): Puzzle game where player moves cars in crowded crossroads to let one pass through the traffic light. File size is 1.7 MB. Shareware $12.

10/9/01 (Tue)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- ALLOUT 1.1 (NCBuy Entertainment Network): Flipping puzzle game including 52 levels. File size is 936 KB. Maybe freeware.

-- English League Manager 1.13 (TigaByte Software): Soccer management simulation game where player manages a team of the 4 main English Division. File size is 1,023 KB (more info). Shareware $20 (price dropped).

-- MYST III EXILE 1.22 (Ubi Soft Entertainment): Latest installment of the popular adventure game series. Updater size is 6.3 MB (more info). Also, Mac OS X patch is available with file size 575 KB (more info), which also requires version 1.22 updater.

-- Netrikulator (F.I.D.I.M. Interactive): Unique connection puzzle arcade game where player connects a pair of nodes with conductive pieces. File size is 10.1 MB. Shareware $15.

-- Poker Game 1.2 (Gypsy King Software): Casino-style poker game with genuine dealer's voice (former name: "Poker Hole"). File size is 8.4 MB. Shareware $19.95 (price changed).

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Saishu Heiki 1.0.1* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Unique typing arcade game where player moves a heavy weapon by typing letters on grids and defeats invaders. Version 1.0.1 changes the frequency of enemy's invasion and fixes crashes with the 68K version. File size is 892 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

10/4/01 (Thu)

Game Demos (World-Wide)

-- Tropico (MacSoft): Building-oriented simulation game where player manages and develops a poor tropic island. Demo size is 171.0 MB (more info). Full retail version is available at retail stores in USA.

-- X-Plane 6.04 (Laminar Research): Full-featured general flight simulator with high-quality texture graphics. Demo size is 66.0 MB, the demo updater is 1.3 MB (more info). Preorder of the full retail version is available for $59.99. Expected on October 10.

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- 3D Sokoban 2.0 (Silver Software): Full retail version of 3D popular maze puzzle game Sokoban with 3D view. Available as downloadable product for $14.99. Also, a demo version is available with file size 737 KB.

-- Arcane Arena beta 6 (Freeverse Software): Fantasy online role playing game featuring unique battle system. Full version size is 59.3 MB, updater is 14.8 MB. Public beta version.

-- Awale X 3.2.1 (Didier & Olivier Guillion): Mac OS X version of the African ancient board game supporting online play through IRC servers. File size is 827 KB. Shareware $10 ($12 for online registration).

-- Diablo Battlechest (Blizzard Entertainment): Popular dark fantasy role playing adventure game series bundle pack including Diablo, Diablo II, Diablo II: Lord of Destruction, and Diablo II strategy guide book. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.95.

-- Eylau 1.00 (...by Design): Tactical-level war simulation game with the theme of the fight between Napoleon and the combined Russians/Prussians army in 1807. Available directly for $24.95.

-- myPong (Math Game House): Pong arcade game only for Mac OS X. File size is 546 KB. Freeware.

-- Quake 1.0.1 (Fruitz Of Dojo): Unofficial Mac OS X updater for Quake. Version 1.0.1 adds OpenGL version and fixes some bugs. File size is 1.2 MB.

10/2/01 (Tue)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Alan's Euchre 1.2 (Ewalt Enterprises): Card game played against 3 computer opponents. Version 1.2 adds new features such as full Undo, replay, and auto play, as well as includes many other improvements and fixes. File size is 471 KB. Shareware $5.

-- Cro-Mag Rally 2.0.1c (Pangea Software): Unique 3D racing arcade game where humorous cavemen take battles with various primitive racing machines and courses. Version 2.0.1c now all tracks can be selected for multi play games and fixes a problem with the startup dialog. Updater size is 339 KB (more info). Also, the demo version has been updated with file size 45.0 MB (more info).

-- Fly II (MacSoft): Latest version of the full-featured general aviation simulator including helicopter support, tutorial, adventure mode, and other new features/enhancements (more info). Available at retail stores in USA.

-- Hoyle Board Games 2002 (Sierra Attractions): Newest version of the variety board game collection including 16 classic games such as Backgammon and Dominoes played against unique computer players. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95.

-- Hoyle Card Games 2002 (Sierra Attractions): Newest version of the variety card game collection including 18 classic card games such as Poker and Bridge played against unique computer players. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95.

-- Hoyle Casino 2002 (Sierra Attractions): Newest version of the variety casino game collection including 14 games with a lot of variation and tutorial features. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95.

-- Hoyle Word Games 2002 (Sierra Attractions): Newest version of the variety word games including 9 games such as Crosswords. Available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95.

-- iTarget 3 (Vizspring Software): Simple Whack-A-Mole-type arcade game where player clicks a target moving around in the window. Version 3 supports Mac OS X native and optimizes for Mac OS X 10.1. File size is 1.1 MB. Shareware $5.

-- Plunk! 1.5.2 (Black Magik Software): Puzzle game like popular Macigame featuring as many as 13 beautiful themes and various options. Version 1.5.2 adds Mac OS X Carbon version and includes other improvements. File size of Classic Mac OS version is 2.4 MB, Mac OS Carbon version is 5.1 MB. Shareware $19.95.

-- Quake III Arena 1.30 (id Software): Third installment of the high-featured 3D first person shooting series focused on exciting death match games. Version 1.30 adds new maps and new weapons, improves the networking, and supports auto update, as well as includes many other improvements and fixes. Updater size is 25.6 MB (more info). Also, Mac OS X beta updater version 1.30b1 is available with file size 26.8 MB.

-- Snake Quest 0.8.1 (Eric Patno): Enhanced snake arcade game with a variety of tricks and items. File size is 4.6 MB (more info). Freeware.

-- Tomb Raider Chronicles 1.0.1 (Aspyr Media): 5th installment of popular 3D exploration action game series. Version 1.0.1 fixes freezes occurred at certain locations. Updater size is 1.5 MB (more info). Also, the demo version has been updated with file size 13.7 MB (more info).

-- Unreal Tournament X Preview 1 (Westlake Interactive): Mac OS X preview updater for the popular 3D first person shooting game with a variety of net play-oriented level scenarios and powerful bots for single play. File size is 1.7 MB (more info).

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- #00 20010909* (flatearth software*): Puzzle arcade game like Puyo Puyo and Columns where player controls colorful Apple marks to place 3 same-colored ones in a line. File size is 214 KB* (more info*). Freeware. English software with Japanese manual.

-- G-tribute 1.13* (MINIMUM SOUND FACTORY*): Simple side scrolling shooting arcade game with a variety of unique weapons. Version 1.13 adds new weapons and fixes bugs. File size is 393 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- K-0 Fighters 2001* (PUGO*): Enhanced version of the fighting arcade game stack including 11 unique fighting characters. File size is 442 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Guru Guru Bo 1.0.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Unique puzzle arcade game where player removes 8 bars by rotating dials. File size is 864 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Tatakae! Nanio? Jinseio!! 0.8* (MINIMUM SOUND FACTORY*): Simple 2D shooting arcade game where a woman soldier fights against enemies. File size is 525 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Rensa Hanno 1.1.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Unique column-style puzzle arcade game where player gathers nuclear materials and removes them with reactions. Version 1.1.0 adds drop key, as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 867 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.