[MGJ]Macintosh Game Joho (Past News)

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Past News of March, 2002

Listed below are past Mac game news in Japan and world-wide. Some of versions and links in the old articles may be outdated. Note: Links with * lead to Japanese pages.

3/30/02 (Sat)
[World] Exciting Enhanced Breakout Arcade Game "Rival Ball"
Longbow Digital Arts has released a Mac version of Rival Ball 2.0. It is an Arkanoid-type enhanced Breakout arcade game ported from PC platform as from version 2.0. It features exciting game play with various powerful items and effects. The full version contains as many as 150 unique and tricky levels, and several add-on level packs are available. Also features four difficulty levels, the randomized stage selection, a timer mode, and net play. Requires Mac OS 8.6 or later (Mac OS X native), RAM 32 MB or larger, CarbanLib 1.4 or later. Available directly for $14.95. Also, a freeware version with 32 levels is available with file size 3.0 MB.
[Japan] Unique Strategy Board Game "Harimichi"
Kiyoshi Takeuchi* has released Harimichi*. It is a simple but unique strategy board game where two players expand their territory by following random arrows in the board and one who first reaches opponent's territory wins the game. The game is played by a single player against computer or by two players, and features dynamic strategy play requires deep insight and foresight. File size of PPC version is 567 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 368 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.
[World] Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)
-- Clan Lord v226 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Both auto update and downloadable updater (more info) are available.

-- Excavator 1.0 (BKeeney Software): Simple Macigame (Same Game) type puzzle game with 4-level difficulty options. File size is 484 KB. Shareware $20.

-- Royal Flush 3.0 (BKeeney Software): Unique solitaire card game where player quickly places cards in 5 x 5 grid and makes porker hands in 10 horizontal and vertical lines. File size is 471 KB. Shareware $20.
[Japan] Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)
-- EL DORADO 1.0.3* (Yoshihiro Tanaka*): 2D top-view role playing game where player explores a dungeon to find out treasures. Version 1.0.3 fixes a small bug. Full version size is 13.3 MB*, updater is 87 KB*. Freeware or voluntary shareware. Japanese software.

-- NPParadise 1.01m* (Junichi Matsui*): Mac OS X version of the Crossword-like puzzle game based on Japanese popular "Number Place" puzzles featuring random puzzle generator. Version 1.01m improves performance of the puzzle generator. File size is 64 KB* (more info*). Shareware* ¥567. Japanese software.

-- Quake III: Gold with Japanese Manual* (Media Quest*): 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 Japan or directly* for ¥4,233.

-- Ajisai 2.1.1* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Puzzle game to solve by rotating pieces. Version 2.1.1 support counterclockwise rotation and includes other improvements. File size of PPC version is 551 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 357 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Kumaga Kitarite 1.2.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Unique MineSweeper-type game with hexagonal grid. Version 1.2.0 adds two new game mode and improves performance. File size of PPC version is 572 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 379 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.
3/28/02 (Thu)
[World] Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)
-- Cro-Mag Rally 2.0.3 (Pangea Software): Unique 3D racing arcade game where humorous cavemen take battles with various primitive racing machines and courses. Version 2.0.3 fixes crashing bugs with Mac OS X. Updater size is 260 KB (more info). Also, the demo version has been updated with file size 44.9 MB (more info). Full retail version is available at retail stores in USA or directly for $19.99.

-- CrossCards 2.1 (Freeverse Software): Unique card & board game that combines Poker and Crossword. Version 2.1 fixes a problem with menu display on Mac OS X and fixes a crash with Mac OS 8.6. File size is 1.7 MB (more info). Shareware $14.95.

-- Diablo II Mac OS X Patch (Blizzard Entertainment): Mac OS X patch for the second installment of the popular online realtime dark fantasy role playing game. File size is 10.4 MB (more info). Full retail version is available at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95.

-- Diablo II: Lord of Destruction Mac OS X Patch (Blizzard Entertainment): Mac OS X patch for the expansion set of the popular online realtime dark fantasy role playing game. File size is 6.4 MB (more info). Full retail version is available as hybrid CD-ROM at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95.

-- Hang3000 1.04 (Space-Time Associates): Newest version of popular word game Hangman featuring color graphics, speech synthesizer, various new categories. Version 1.04 updates Oscar-related categories as well as includes some improvements and fixes. File size is 1.1 MB. Shareware $25.

-- ThePush! 1.5.0 (Ralph Bernardy): Simple memory arcade game like Simon. File size is 1.2 MB. Maybe freeware.

-- Vektor3 3.1.3 (Schubert it): Multi document/multi threading chess program only for Mac OS X. File size is 2.5 MB (more info). Shareware $10.

-- X-Words Deluxe 2.1 (Freeverse Software): Scrabble-like word board game. Version 2.1 fixes a problem with menu display on Mac OS X and fixes a crash with Mac OS 8.6. File size is 2.7 MB (more info). Shareware $19.95.
3/27/02 (Wed)
[USA] Lunar Rescue-type Classic Hit Arcade Game "OIDS" Re-released as Shareware
Xavagus Prime Software has released OIDS 2.0. Originally published in 1990 by TFL Games, It is a Lunar Rescue-type classic hit 2D planetary landing arcade game and re-released as new shareware version 2.0. The player controls a landing fighter and explores various planets to rescue the captured androids called OIDS who are maltreated by an evil race in a parallel universe. The game combines the shooting arcade game to destroy various objectives in the full-scrolling screen and puzzle arcade game to explore mazes using teleports. Also, it features a lot of tricky levels with traps such as gravity generator and missile pods, and built-in editor to create custom levels. The new version supports recent systems as well as adds music tracks and new scenarios. File size is 1.5 MB (more info). Shareware $20.
[Japan] Unique Memory-type Arcade Game "Moshi Moshi"
Kiyoshi Takeuchi* has released Moshi Moshi*. It is a unique Memory-type arcade game where player turns any two of 30 turtles moving around to match numbers with them. The rule is the same as Memory card game, but player needs quick play while keeping track of the whole movements of turtles. File size of PPC version is 594 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 402 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.
3/26/02 (Tue)
[World] Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)
-- Cintos 2.0 (John Haney): Unique board game only for Mac OS X where 2 or 4 players moves pieces on colored board to capture opponents' pieces. File size is 90 KB (more info). Freeware.

-- Meka Sweeper 1.0.1 (Iceblink Software): Simple MineSweeper game with flexible settings of the board size and difficulty. Version 1.0.1 fixes a bug with the size settings. File size is 544 KB (more info). Freeware.

-- TakeAway! 2.2 (HowleWere): Shanghai-type tile matching puzzle game. Version 2.2 adds new background pictures and new tile themes as well as includes other improvements and fixes. Updater size is 6.5 MB. Also, the demo version has been updated with file size 2.9 MB. Available directly for $18.
3/25/02 (Mon)
[World] Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)
-- Beer Sippper 1.1 (ColdSteel Software): Unique snake arcade game where player gets beer cans by controlling a drunk and shaking snake. Version 1.1 is now Mac OS X native.File size is 130 KB. Freeware.

-- Crazy Quilt 2.0 (Casdra Software): Simple 2-deck solitaire card game where player piles cards in sequence from an 8 x 8 tableau. Version 2.0 is now Mac OS X native. File size is 164 KB. Shareware $8.

-- Downfall 1.0.0 (Norbyte): Column-type puzzle arcade game featuring 12 unique themes and special blocks. File size is 1.3 MB (more info). Shareware $10.

-- Egyptian Solitaire 2.0 (Casdra Software): Simple solitaire card game using a card array of pyramid form. Version 2.0 is now Mac OS X native. File size is 141 KB. Shareware $8.

-- Infini-Puzzle 1.0 (sonicgizmos.com): Simple puzzle game where player slides pieces to complete photographs. File size is 1.2 MB. Shareware $14.99.

-- Monte Carlo 2.0 (Casdra Software): Simple solitaire card game where player removes adjacent pairs from a 5 x 5 card array. Version 2.0 is now Mac OS X native. File size is 144 KB. Shareware $8.

-- Susan 1.0 (Roman Schlegel): Mac OS X port of unique board game where two players places stones on a hexagonal board to surround one of opponent's stone. File size is 443 KB. Freeware.

-- ThePush! 1.0 (Ralph Bernardy): Simple memory arcade game like Simon. File size is 1.1 MB. Maybe freeware.

-- UNO 1.0 (Dawn MacLaughlin): Simple UNO card game only for Mac OS X. File size is 379 KB (more info). Shareware $10.
3/23/02 (Sat)
[Japan] Online Variety Team Fighting Arcade Game "GetAmped" Ported to Mac OS X
CyperStep* has released GetAmped 4.0* for Mac OS X. It is an online variety fighting arcade game where player challenges games of various types with a team of the unique characters. The game has been ported from PC and released as cross platform online game as from version 4.0. It features 5 types of unique characters, 5 tricky maps, wide variety of items including weapons, portions, and even a robot armor. Also, features unique anime-like semi-3D full-scrolling screen using OpenGL graphics and cool sound tracks as well as a lot of sound effects. File size is 28.5 MB* (more info*). Requires PowerPC G3/400 MHz or faster (PowerPC G4 recommended), Mac OS X 10.1 or later, RAM 128 MB or larger, free HD 100 MB or larger, OpenGL 3D card/VRAM 8 MB or larger (AGP card recommended). At the present time, the software and the online service are free as an evaluation release. Japanese software for use only in Japan.
[World] Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)
-- iPOKER 1.2 (Scenario Software): Enhanced version of PowerPOKER, a full featured poker game supporting multiplay. Version 1.2 fixes several bugs. File size is 3.8 MB. Shareware $25.

-- NetHack 3.4.0 (Stichting Mathematisch Centrum): Rogue-type text console role playing game. Version 3.4.0 includes many improvements with the game play and many fixes. File size is 1.6 MB (more info). Freeware.
[Japan] Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)
-- #00 20020303* (flatearth software*): Puzzle arcade game like Puyo Puyo and Columns where player controls Apple marks to place 3 same-colored ones in a line. Version 20020303 improves the screen and sound effects. File size is 102 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- JuniorDerby 2.1.1* (Hasunoha*): Realistic horse race simulation game where player breeds a racehorse and tries various races. Version 2.1.1 includes some improvements and fixes. File size is 208 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Makkura Meiro 1.1.1* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): First person-style simple 2D maze arcade game with limited view field. Version 1.1.1 now displays an efficiency score and adds sound effects as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size of PPC version is 569 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 375 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.
3/22/02 (Fri)
[World] Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)
-- Fakie Flair Challenge 2002 1.0 (Fujeyla Studio): Simple freestyle skiing arcade game where player skis a slope and performs various tricks. File size is 13.4 MB (more info). Freeware.

-- StarCraft: Brood War 1.09b (Blizzard Entertainment): Expansion set for the realtime sci-fi space strategy game. Version 1.09b includes several small improvements and fixes in game play and networking. Updater size is 8.6 MB (more info). Also, auto-update via Battle.net is available.

-- StarCraft 1.09b (Blizzard Entertainment): WarCraft-like sci-fi real time strategy game where player fights against aliens. Version 1.09b includes several small improvements and fixes in game play and networking. Updater size is 8.8 MB (more info). Also, auto-update via Battle.net is available.

-- WarBirds III 032002 (iEntertainment Networks): Latest version of the online WWII flight simulator. Version 032002 adds new airplanes as well as includes other improvements and fixes. Full version size for classic Mac OS is 125.4 MB, Mac OS X is 127.5 MB (more info), updater size for classic Mac OS is 40.3 MB, Mac OS X is 42.4 MB (more info). Maybe freeware.
3/21/02 (Thu)
[Japan] Game Titles at Macworld Tokyo Game Zone (Followup)
Apple Computer is carrying Game Zone (booth 214) at Macworld Conference & Expo/Tokyo 2002* (Macworld Tokyo 2002) currently held through 23 March, and following publishers/developers are showing their new game products listed below (the actual expositions and release schedules are subject to be changed):

Ambrosia Software
-- Deimos Rising: High-quality 2D vertical-scrolling shooting arcade game that is the sequel to Mars Rising.
-- EV Nova: Sci-fi 2D ominidirectional shooting & role playing game that is the third installment of Escape Velocity series.
-- Pop-Pop: Enhanced Breakout-type arcade game featuring unique head-to-head play (coming very soon).

CyberExtruder.com
-- CyberExtruder: Online service to make 3D skins for various games using portrait pictures.

Feral Interactive
-- Championship Manager: Season 01/02: Enhanced 2001/2002 season version of the realistic data-oriented international soccer management simulation game (Japanese version in development).
-- Sheep: Unique puzzle arcade game where player guide the alien sheep from the Earth to their home planet through mazes with a variety of obstacles.
-- Black & White Japanese Version: Unique 3D action simulation game where player, as one of Gods, interacts villagers and gathers their religion (Japanese version coming this summer or fall).

Graphic Simulations
-- Red Faction: New generation sci-fi 3D first person action game where player, as a Martian rebel, fights against the colonial corporation to defeat them through various operations.

LittleWing
-- JINNI ZEALA: Pinball arcade game featuring a psychedelic theme and easy-but-challenging play with multiple features (coming in April).

MacSoft
-- Civilization III: Third installment of the popular empire management & strategic conquest simulation game series features a lot of enhancements and new features.
-- Myth III: The Wolf Age: Third installment of the 3D real time dark fantasy strategy game series.

MacPlay
-- Icewind Dale: Epic AD & D fantasy role playing game based on a side story of popular Baldur's Gate (coming in late-March).
-- RealMyst: Enhanced real time 3D version of the popular adventure game Myst (coming in late-March).
-- Bejeweled: Simple puzzle game where player arranges an array of jewels and removes a group of the same ones (coming in April).
-- Alchemy: Simple puzzle game where player places symbols with several attributes and removes them in a line (coming in April).

TQworld
-- Tranquility: Online membership arcade game where player jumps around and explores 3D mazes offered by the charged service.

Electronic Arts Square*
-- Alice in Nightmare*: 3D action adventure game where fighting Alice explores the befouled Wonderland. Japanase version of American McGee's Alice.
-- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: 3D action adventure game based on the popular Harry Potter film (Japanese version coming this summer).
[World] Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)
-- Realm Wars 0.0.1 (GarageGames): Public test version of the online fantasy 3D combat action game. File size is 5.4 MB (more info).
[Japan] Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)
-- EL DORADO 1.0.2* (Yoshihiro Tanaka*): 2D top-view role playing game where player explores a dungeon to find out treasures. Version 1.0.2 fixes a bug with Mac OS X. Full version size is 13.3 MB*, updater is 87 KB*. Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Ajisai 2.1.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Puzzle game to solve by rotating pieces. Version 2.1.0 improves screen drawing, supports key control, separates the PPC version and 68K version, as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size of PPC versin is 551 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 356 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Alice in Nightmare Japanese Version* (Electronic Arts Square*): 3D action adventure game where fighting Alice explores the befouled Wonderland. Japanese version of American McGee's Alice. Available at retail stores in Japan.

-- Himitsu Heiki 1.0.1* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Typing arcade-style simple 2D shooting game. Version 1.0.1 improves the explosion timing and separates the PPC version and 68K version. File size of PPC version is 594 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 402 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.
3/20/02 (Wed)
[Japan] Apple to Exhibit Game Zone
Apple Computer will have Game Zone (booth 214) at Macworld Conference & Expo/Tokyo 2002* (Macworld Tokyo 2002) to be held on March 21 through 23, and following publishers/developers will exhibit their new game products (the actual expositions are subject to be changed):

-- Ambrosia Software: Deimos Rising, EV Nova, Pop-Pop
-- Aspyr Media: The Sims
-- Feral Interactive: Championship Manager: Season 01/02, Black & White
-- Graphic Simulations
-- LittleWing: JINNI ZEALA
-- MacSoft: Civilization III, Stronghold
-- MacPlay: Icewind Dale, No One Lives Forever
-- TQworld: Tranquility

(Source: Apple Computer: Mac OS X Games at Macworld Tokyo, Inside Mac Games, and others)
[World] Game Demos (World-Wide)
-- Giants: Citizen Kabuto (MacPlay): Variety 3D action game only for Mac OS X where 3 unique races contend against each other in various game style. Demo size is 118.1 MB (more info). Full retal version is available directly for $49.99.
[World] Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)
-- Aliens versus Predator Gold Edition 1.0.5 (MacPlay): 3D action game combines elements from the films "Alien" and "Predator". Version 1.0.5 fixes modifier keys support with Mac OS X. Updater size is 7.6 MB (more info). Also, the demo version has been updated with file size 71.1 MB (more info). Full retal version is available directly for $29.99.
3/19/02 (Tue)
[USA] EV Nova Released
Ambrosia Software has released EV Nova. Developed by ATMOS Software Productions, it is a sci-fi space shooting & role playing game that is the third installment of popular Escape Velocity series. The player, as a space pilot, buys and sells commodities, carries various missions, and fights against enemies in the space. It features unique game system combining 2D omnidirectional shooting and trade simulation, a immense world with a large map and an epic scenario, and wide variety of missions including transport, ferry, and others. The latest installment redesigns the game engine and supports Mac OS X natively. File size is 75.6 MB (more info). Requires PowerPC, Mac OS 8.6 or later (Mac OS X native), RAM 128 MB or larger. Shareware $30.
[World] Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)
-- MacXword 1.0.0 Beta 1 (Advenio Software): Online cross word puzzle client software compatible with popular Across Lite format. File size is 701 KB (more info). Public beta version .

-- Jump Zampoli 1.5 (RampZamp): Arcade game like old Acrobat where little dwarves called Zampolis jump to crash balloons with help of seesaw Version 1.5 adds Japanese and German interface, as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 4.9 MB (more info). Shareware $20.

-- Killing Time 1.3 (Contraband Entertainment): 3D first person perspective shooting horror adventure set in Egyptian ruins. Version 1.3 supports Mac OS X natively. Updater size is 446 KB.

-- QBeez 1.2 (Skunkworks Studios): Tile removing puzzle game like Macigame (Same Game) with humorous character animation. File size is 3.6 MB (more info). Maybe freeware.

-- Scramble 1.0.1 (Sphera Software): English word anagram puzzle game only for Mac OS X. Version 1.0.1 includes some improvements and fixes File size is 766 KB (more info). Shareware $6.95.
[Japan] Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)
-- EL DORADO 1.0.2 beta 1* (Yoshihiro Tanaka*): 2D top-view role playing game where player explores a dungeon to find out treasures. Version 1.0.2 beta 1 fixes an error at quitting on Mac OS X. Updater from version 1.0.1 is 87 KB*. Also, full version 1.0.1 with file size 12.9 MB* is required to play the game. Beta updater. Japanese software.

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