Macintosh Game Joho (Past News)

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Past News of June, 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 Some of versions and links in the old articles may be outdated.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.

6/26/02 (Wed)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Avernum 3 1.0 (SpiderWeb Software): Third installment of the epic fantasy role playing game series that is the enhanced version of Exile III: Ruined World. File size is 11.6 MB. Shareware $25.

-- Checkers 2.1 (Dave Seneker): Simple Checkers program with a variation of themes of the board and the tokens. File size is 2.7 MB. Maybe shareware.

-- Cintos 3.0.1 (John Haney): Unique board game only for Mac OS X where 2 or 4 players moves pieces on colored board to capture opponents' pieces. Version 3.0.1 includes several improvements and fixes. File size is 484 KB (more info). Freeware.

-- Clan Lord v238 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Both auto update and downloadable updater (more info) are available. Full retail version is available directly for $34.95 including 2 month free play.

-- David's Backgammon 4.6.2 (David Byrum): Backgammon game with many features and options. Version 4.6.2 includes small improvements in the screen. File size is 729 KB (more info). Shareware $20 ($22 for online registration).

-- Harpoon3 3.4.16 (SpearSoft): The newest version of popular modern naval war simulation game. Version 3.4.16 fixes some bugs. Updater size of Mac OS version is 1.1 MB, Mac OS X version is 1.2 MB (more info). Also, the demo version has been updated with file size 10.6 MB (more info). Full retail version is available directly for $40.

-- JewelToy 1.2.1 (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 1.2.1 adds new graphic themes and fixes a bug with high score. File size is 531 KB. Freeware (GPL).

-- nsNet 1.2 (Cryo): Unique puzzle game only for Mac OS X where player connects all the electric grids by rotating panels. File size is 47 KB. Maybe freeware.

-- OSX FreeCell 1.02 (Bullseye Software): FreeCell solitaire card game only for Mac OS X featuring history, statistics, and 3D screen. File size is 704 KB. Shareware $20.

-- Tiger's Eye Pub 1.0 (KB Productions): Casino game collection to play Blackjack, Roulette, and Video Poker in a public bar. File size of Mac OS 7.x-9.x version is 5.2 MB, Mac OS X version is 5.3 MB (more info). Shareware $10.

-- X-Plane 6.21 (Laminar Research): Full-featured general flight simulator. Version 6.21 fixes some small bugs. Demo/upgrade file size is 78.7 MB (more info), updater from version 6.20 is 2.1 MB (more info). Full retail version is available as hybrid CD-ROM at some retail stores or directly for $79.99 including the Global Scenery CD.

-- XBolo 0.0.1 (Genga Software): Mac OS X clone version of the popular networkable tank battle game. File size is 1,015 KB (more info). Shareware $20.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Omohide-Prelude 2 Version 7.0 Open Edition 7.0.4 beta* (Zesty Ltd.*): Enhanced version of the simulation role playing game based on a love-comedy story of high school boys and girls. Version 7.0.4 beta adds a new scenario and a feature to import external events as well as fixes bugs. Full version size is 8.9 MB*, updater is 3.2 MB* (more info*). Beta shareware* ¥1,200. Japanese software.

6/24/02 (Mon)

Beach Head 2002 Released

MacSoft has released Beach Head 2002. Developed by Digital Fusion, Beach Head 2002 is an enhanced sequel to the 3D military shooting arcade game where player battles against an airborne invasion (game info). It features 360-degree photorealistic graphics and thrilling game play with challenging levels as well as new enemy units such as missile APC, new weapons such as AA gun and gattling gun, air support by bombers, and day and night variation. Requires PowerPC G4/400 MHz or faster, Mac OS 8.6 or later (Mac OS X natively supported), RAM 128 MB or larger (192 MB or larger recommended, 192 MB or larger required for Mac OS X), free HD 100 MB or larger, CD-ROM, ATI Rage 128/VRAM 8 MB or better, OpenGL, QuickTime. Available at retail stores in USA.

Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds Released

Aspyr Media has released Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds. Developed by LucasArts Entertainment, Mac version ported by Westlake Interactive, Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds is a real time strategy game with the theme of the Star Wars saga where player takes control one of six civilizations and carries a variety of missions. The game is based on Age of Empires II engine and features 6 historical epic campaigns, a number of missions set in various times and locations, a lot of units and technology based on Star Wars world, flexible game settings, built-in scenario editor, and multiplay via GameRanger. Requires PowerPC G3/300 MHz or faster (400 MHz or faster recommended), Mac OS 8.6 or later (Mac OS 9.2 or later recommended, Mac OS X 10.0.4 or later supported, Mac OS X 10.1 or later recommended), RAM 64 MB or larger (80 MB or larger recommended), 800 x 600/256 colors or better, CD-ROM 4x or faster, CarbonLib 1.4 or later, modem 28.8 Kbps or faster for multiplay. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.95.

The Sims Expansion Kit "Hot Date" Released

Aspyr Media has released The Sims: Hot Date. Developed by Maxis, PC version published by Electronic Arts, Mac version ported by Westlake Interactive, The Sims: Hot Date is an expansion pack for the popular home management simulation game, that allows sims to date at various locations in the down town (more info). It includes a variety of new areas such as shops, restaurants, parks, and a beach as well as over 128 new items and 40 new interactions. Requires PowerPC G3/233 MHz or faster (333 MHz or faster), Mac OS 8.6 or later (Mac OS X 10.1 or later supported), RAM 128 MB or larger, virtual memory 192 MB or larger, free HD 600 MB or larger, CD-ROM 8x or faster, ATI Rage Pro/VRAM 4 MB or better, USA version of The Sims. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $29.95.

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- GORKY 17 1.01 (e.p.i.c interactive entertainment): Near-future sci-fi role playing strategy game set in a secret experimental city of former Soviet. Version 1.01 fixes a freezing bug. Updater size is 604 KB (more info). Full retail version is available at retail stores in Europe.

-- Sacrifice 1.0.1 (MacPlay): Real time 3D fantasy role playing strategy game with the theme of battles among 5 Gods. Version 1.0.1 officially supports multiplay via LAN or GameRanger as well as includes other improvements and fixes. Updater size is 1.7 MB (more info). Full retail version is available at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.99.

-- X-Plane 6.20 (Laminar Research): Full-featured general flight simulator. Version 6.20 supports the perfect propwash and P-factor modeling, adds auto-coordination option in helicopter, and includes other improvements and fixes. Demo/upgrade file size is 78.7 MB (more info), updater from version 6.16 is 2.7 MB (more info). Full retail version is available as hybrid CD-ROM at some retail stores or directly for $79.99 including the Global Scenery CD.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Ace_X 1.0.0* (Candy House*): Enhanced Mac OS X version of the card game collection including 29 solitaire games and 71 games played against computer. File size is 1.1 MB*. Shareware ¥2,000. Japanese software.

6/17/02 (Mon)

Clive Barker's Undying Released

Aspyr Media has released Clive Barker's Undying. PC version published by Electronic Arts, Mac version ported by Westlake Interactive, Clive Barker's Undying is a 3D first person shooting horror adventure game set in 1920's Ireland where player challenges horrible quests to save a old family from a curse (game info). The game contains 5 quests and player must slay wicked creatures and fight against undeads of the cursed family. It features 10 gaming areas such as the estate and a old monastery, 8 powerful spells, 8 various weapons, over 24 enemies, and spiritual modes using special abilities. It uses highly modified Unreal Tournament engine. Requires PowerPC G3/400 MHz or faster, Mac OS 8.6 or later, Mac OS X 10.1 or later, RAM 96 MB or larger, free HD 600 MB or larger, CD-ROM 4x or faster, ATI Rage 128/VRAM 16 MB or larger. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $39.95.

Medal of Honor Allied Assault Released

Aspyr Media has released Medal of Honor Allied Assault. Developed by 2015, PC version published by Electronic Arts, Mac version ported by Westlake Interactive, Medal of Honor Allied Assault is a 3D first person shooting action game set in WWII where player, as US army ranger Lt. Mike Powell, carries several missions in 6 battlegrounds including North Africa, Normandy, and German border (game info). The game contains more than 30 levels based on battles in the history and features various historically accurate weapons, interactive vehicles such as tank and half track, and wide variety of enemy soldiers and weapons. The Quake III-powered game engine provides realistic character animation as well as detailed and dynamic landscapes. Also, the multiplayer games such as team combat and survival game support up to 32 players. Requires PowerPC G3/450 MHz or faster, Mac OS 9 or later, Mac OS X 10.1 or later, RAM 128 MB or larger (256 MB or larger for Mac OS X), ATI Rage 128/VRAM 16 MB or larger. Available at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.95.

6/10/02 (Mon)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Chicago 1.1.1 (Michael Heberle Software): Poker-type dice game for Mac OS X using 6 dices. File size is 497 KB. Shareware 9.95 Euro or $10 ($9.95 for online registration).

-- iPOKER 2.0 (Scenario Software): Enhanced version of PowerPOKER, a full featured poker game . Version 2.0 supports Mac OS X natively, adds high-quality movies, and improves the interface as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 29.1 MB (more info). Shareware $25. Also, the older networkable version 1.2 for classic Mac OS is available with file size 3.8 MB (more info).

-- JiXii 1.0.1 (Trollin): Jigsaw puzzle game for Mac OS X played with any image files. Both English and Japanese version included. Version 1.0.1 improves the multiple piece operation as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 416 KB. Shareware $12.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Yasoichi 1.1.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Strategic puzzle game where player removes numbers on the 9 x 9 grid in a rule. Version 1.1.0 adds Undo feature. File size of PPC version is 566 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 367 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Kumaga Kitarite 1.2.1* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Unique MineSweeper-type game with hexagonal grid. Version 1.2.1 fixes a bug with the screen drawing. File size of PPC version is 572 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 379 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

6/7/02 (Fri)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- WarBirds III 060602 (iEntertainment Networks): Latest version of the online WWII flight simulator. Version 060602 fixes bugs. File size of Macintosh updater from version 060502 is 879 KB, Mac OS X updater from version 060502 is 2.7 MB, Macintosh updater from version 050802 is 16.8 MB, Mac OS X updater from version 050802 is 19.1 MB (more info). Also, full version 032002 and updater version 050802 are required to play (more info).

6/6/02 (Thu)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Clan Lord v236 (Delta Tao Software): Online fantasy role playing game focused on collaboration and chatting. Both auto update and downloadable updater (more info) are available. Full retail version is available directly for $34.95 including 2 month free play.

-- HappyGear 2.5.1 (AustinSoft): Utility software that allows InputSprocket divices to be used with old games. Version 2.5.1 improves the interface and fixes problem with the sleep timer of the OS as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 648 KB. Shareware $30.

-- High Voltage 2 1.1 (Antell Software): Enhanced version of unique 2D arcade game where player collects batteries while avoiding resisters. Version 1.1 now supports Mac OS X. File size is 5.5 MB. Shareware $5.

-- Return to Castle Wolfenstein 1.3.2 (Aspyr Media): Enhanced remade version of the classic 3D first person shooting game where player, as a secret ranger, carries various missions to resist genetic experiments by the Nazis. Version 1.3.2 includes fixes from the latest PC version, adds new multiplayer maps, and support Truform feature with ATI Radeon as well as includes other improvements and fixes. Updater size is 17.1 MB or 23.3 MB (more info). Full retail version is available at retail stores in USA or directly for $49.95.

-- WarBirds III 060502 (iEntertainment Networks): Public beta version of the online WWII flight simulator. Version 060502 adds new airplanes, updates some cockits and improves the interface as well as includes other improvements and fixes. Updater size of Macintosh version is 16.8 MB, Mac OS X version is 19.1 MB (more info). Also, full version 032002 and updater version 050802 are required to play (more info).

-- XBubbles 1.1 (Elegant Chaos): Mac OS X version of the simple board puzzle game where player must assemble similar balls in a line Version 1.1 improves the public high score screen and fixes a freezing bug as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 795 KB (more info). Shareware $10.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Black & White Japanese Version* (Electronic Arts Square*): Unique 3D action simulation game where player, as one of Gods, interacts villagers and gathers their religion. Available at retail stores in Japan.

6/5/02 (Wed)

Asteroid-Type Shooting Game "PurPeLoid" Demo Released for Music Promotion

Linus Media has released the demo version of PurPeLoid. It is a unique Asteroid-type 2D omnidirectional shooting arcade game created for promotion of a music group of the same name. The player shoots asteroids and collects crystals to earn money for equipment and toll to travel through jump-gates while fighting against aggressive pirates. It features a lot of levels, a variety of equipment including 3 different weapons, 6 unique enemy ships, and full-featured music tracks performed by the group. Demo size is 2.2 MB. Full version is included in PurPeLoid's debut Enhanced CD titled "Euphoraphonic" that is available directly only in USA or Canada for $9.42.

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- BGBlitz 1.0.4 (Frank Berger Software): Full-featured Backgammon program played against an adivanced neural net AI. Version 1.0.4 supports Dutch text, adds Match-Database support to the AI, and adds 2-button mouse support under Mac OS X as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size for Mac OS 9 is 4.9 MB, Mac OS X is 3.7 MB (more info). Shareware $23.

-- EV Nova 1.0.1 (Ambrosia Software): Sci-fi 2D ominidirectional shooting & role playing game that is the third installment of Escape Velocity series. Version 1.0.1 includes many improvements and fixes. Full version size is 75.9 MB (more info), updater is 9.6 MB (more info). Shareware $30.

-- Step On It! X (Casady & Greene): Mac OS X version of the classic arcade puzzle game where player places blocks to escape to the exit. Available directly for $19.95 as downloadable software.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Otenki 1.0.3* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): High difficulty tile sliding puzzle game where player scrolls the entire board to turn all tiles to the sun. Version 1.0.3 now saves settings at quitting and adds animated icons as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size of PPC version is 552 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 357 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

6/4/02 (Tue)

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- Goban v40 (Sen:te): Full-featured Mac OS X Go game supporting single play against GNU Go program and online play via Internet Go servers. Version v40 improve SGF support and adds new display options as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size is 6.6 MB (more info). Freeware (GPL).

-- Meister Mind 1.2 (James Gibbs and SequenceStar Software): Simple MasterMinde game for Mac OS X featuring Aqua-like theme. File size is 706 KB. Shareware $5.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Eternal World Test Version 2.1.2* (Kanta*): Public test version of fantasy role playing game stack with immense world and unique characters. Version 2.1.2 adds an option to avoid a freezing bug. File size is 479 KB*. Public beta version. Japanese software.

-- XBubbles Japanese Version 1.1J* (Bridge 1 Software*): Mac OS X version of Bubbles, the simple board puzzle game where player must assemble similar balls in a line. Version 1.1J improves the performance and fixes a freeze at quit as well as fixes other bugs. File size is 343 KB* (more info*). Shareware ¥1,200 (the registration also includes Bubbles license).

6/3/02 (Mon)

Unique Column-Style Puzzle Arcade Game "Triangle Trifle"

Longbow Digital Arts released Triangle Trifle. It is a column-style puzzle arcade game using colorful diamonds that consists of 2 triangles. The player drops the diamonds so that same-colored triangle segments are connected. It features unique elimination rule that causes frequent chain reactions, beautiful graphics with animation and effects, and a variety of screen themes that changes dynamically with the levels. File size is 1.1 MB. Requires Mac OS 8.6 or later (Mac OS X supported), free memory 32 MB or larger, CarbonLib 1.4 or later. Shareware $19.95.

New Tiling Puzzle Game "Magical Piece"

Yasuo Shimbo* has released Magical Piece*. It is a unique puzzle game like tile sliding puzzle where player rearranges pieces by swapping adjacent ones. The game consists 10 levels with pictures divided into 6 x 6, 7 x 7, or 8 x 8 pieces that connect with each other when fitting. Strategic but intuitive puzzle play is required to finish each level because it become more difficult to swap as the pieces become larger by connection toward the finish. Also, the pictures are easily customized by drag and drop of image files. File size is 2.8 MB* (more info*). Requires PowerPC, Mac OS 8 or later, free memory 29.6 MB or larger. Shareware* ¥1,000 (the registration also includes Dream Card license). Japanese software.

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- A-OK! The Wings of Mercury 3.0.1 (YOU ARE GO!): Realistic spacecraft simulator strictly modeling Project Mercury in 1962. Version 3.0.1 fixes bugs related the attitude control. Full version size is 45.9 MB (more info), updater is 16.4 MB. Shareware $59.95.

-- Miracle Man 2 (SSS/Ploop Games): Interactive hard-boiled adventure game with a lot of cartoon-style animation. File size is 6.3 MB. Shareware $1.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- Gekka Hyojin 1.0.3* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Puzzle game using special card set where player removes pairs of card in a certain rule. Version 1.0.3 now displays number of the remaining cards and compacts the screen layout as well as includes other improvements and fixes. File size of PPC version is 568 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 370 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

-- Mitsuwadama 1.0.0* (Kiyoshi Takeuchi*): Simple but difficult puzzle game where player rearranges 12 balls by rotating 3 hexagonal rings. File size of PPC version is 672 KB* (more info*), 68K version is 483 KB* (more info*). Freeware. Japanese software.

6/1/02 (Sat)

Castle Town Construction/Management Simulation Game "Stronghold" Released

MacSoft released Stronghold. Developed by FireFly Studios, PC version published by Take 2 Interactive, it is a construction simulation and real time strategy game set in a medieval castle town where player constructs and manages a castle and defend in siege warfare (game info). The game consists of 21 story-based missions played through 4 different modes; design, building, economic, and combat. The screen features beautiful isometric view and dynamic combat scenes that gives live medieval feeling to the game. Also, it features up-to-8 multiplayer game supporting GameRanger as well as full-featured editor to create custom maps and scenarios. Requires PowerPC G3/350 MHz or better, Mac OS 8.6 or later (Mac OS X supported), RAM 128 MB or larger, free HD 750 MB or larger. Available at retail stores in USA.

Game Updates and Releases (World-Wide)

-- gridlock (Crystal New Media): Simple puzzle game where player slides blocks to bring a surrounded one to the exit. File size is 563 KB. Freeware.

-- Harpoon3 3.4.13 (SpearSoft): The newest version of popular modern naval war simulation game. Version 3.4.13 fixes the SAM mount underflow bug and others. Updater size of Mac OS version is 1.1 MB, Mac OS X version is 1.2 MB (more info). Full retail version is available directly for $40.

-- Meteor Storm 1.5b1 (Z Sculpt Entertainment): High-quality smooth-scrolling 2D space shooting arcade game. Version 1.5b1 supports Mac OS X natively. File size is 2.9 MB. Beta shareware $11.95.

Game Updates and Releases (Japanese)

-- T-Break* (INFOCITY*): Revival version of the Peg Solitaire game collection featuring 6 unique game modes and beautiful graphics/sounds. Available directly* for ¥980 as downloadable software. Japanese software.