mutant clones. Your goal is to eliminate the threat
of Apocalypse's plan for World domination.
The game features single player action as well as two distinct modes of network play. The "All weapons" mode allows all of the characters to use the weapons featured in single play as well as their individual powers. The "Special Powers Only" mode pits X-Men against X-Men with only their individual, unique powers at their disposal.
MacSoft: http://www.wizworks.com/macsoft/
X-Men Total Conversion: http://wizworks.com/ravages/
The Eclipse Updated to 1.2
As Tikkabik reported, Freeverse games has released version 1.2 of Reversi: The Eclipse (a version of the classic board game "Othello"). The game features stunning graphics, animated opponents, variable skill settings, Internet play over a free server, and one of the toughest artificial intelligence engines in a commercial game (Freeverse is known for their superiority in AI coupled with a taunting personality).
Stop by Freeverse's Eclipse page for download links and more information.
http://www.freeverse.com/
http://www.freeverse.com/www/eclipse.html
http://www.tikkibik.com
CraftGen for Mac Finally Released
The Macintosh version of CraftGen, a random map generator for Warcraft II, is finally finished. Well, it's moment may have passed, but there are probably enough people still playing Warcraft II to make this port worthwhile.
In addition to its basic ability to create random maps (great for truly fair multi-player games), this utility can do neat tricks like reversing land and water (ever wanted to run a sub across your enemy's peninsula?) and allowing building on sand. These are just a few of the nifty stunts you can pull with CraftGen.
You can download it here. CraftGen is shareware, so if you like it be sure to pony up the US$15.
Take 2 Interactive (makers of "Ripper") has announced that they have acquired the rights to the Monty Python line of novelty games previously held by 7th Level. The acquisition is unsurprising as it has become fairly common knowledge that 7th Level is currently in the process of re-instituting itself as more of a technology/hardware house than a software/gaming company. Despite the transition of developers, the next Monty Python game, "The Meaning of Life," is still slated for a December.
http://www.7thlevel.com
http://www.take2games.com
http://www.pythonline.com
Networkable Mac Games Moves
It's server change time for Rick VanDerveer and his site, "Networkable Mac Games." Please change any book marks referring to this outstanding site (dedicated to online gaming on the Mac) to http://cafe.ambrosiasw.com/netgames.
Electronic Boutique In Error, Decides To Carry Myth Mac Boxes!
We've just received word that Electronic Boutique was in error when they requested no Mac boxed version orders of Bungie's recently released game, Myth.
Purchasing the Mac box is very important because it contains a different UPC code (SKU product number) which tracks Mac game purchases. If you bought the Win95 box and sent in the registration card as a Mac user, that would help Bungie's records but retailers would never know you were a Mac user.
It will take a few days, but the Mac boxed version of Myth should start appearing in the stores soon. The Mac boxed version does come with a $25 rebate for the Power3D 3Dfx card (which must be purchased from Techworks who has a current price of $249 ... not much of a deal). Still, if you want to contribute to the Mac game sales of Myth, you must purchase the Mac boxed version (and send in the registration card) in order to make your purchase fully count.
There is no need to contact EB to voice your support of Myth-Mac in their stores...Whew! Another crisis prevented!
Galapagos Updated To Version 1.1a
A new updater (version 1.1a) for Anark's real-time true 3D adventure, Galapagos, is now available at the Galapagos download Web page at Anark.
Version 1.1 adds the ability to save anywhere-a much requested feature by Galapagos players out there.
The old updater had problems updating some applications The new 1.1a updater is identical to the 1.1 updater but now updates ALL 1.0.x versions of Galapagos.
http://www.anark.com
http://www.anark.com/Galapagos/download.shtml
Fantasoft Posts Realmz Update
One of the most durable RPGs ever released for the Mac, Realmz has been updated to version 4.3.4. The updater and a full version of the game are available at Fantasoft's Realmz Web page.
http://www.fantasoft.com/
Carmageddon-Mac Officially Comes To The U.S. This Week
Aspyr Media is planning to begin shipping Mac Carmageddon on Wednesday. It should in stores by Thursday or Friday. Mail-order companies will probably be the first to get it and ship it out. It's in the system at several major mail-order companies.
Quake Finder Updated to 1.1
Scott Kevill today announced the release of version 1.1 of his MacQuake utility, "QuakeFinder." This handy app finds Quake servers over the Internet and offers powerful customization features for sorting and filtering out the games you don't want leaving just the games you do.
New features and bug fixes in this version include:
- Drag and drop servers between lists
- Drag text onto a list window to extract the servers
- Auto-saves Default file on close (still asks first for other files)
- Added Refresh Current List menu command by popular demand
- Added Select None menu command
- Beeps when extracting servers from text and no servers are found
- Server queries are aborted faster
- Fixed a possible problem with keeping track of the Quake application
- Game: popup menu in List Info fixed on non-Appearance Manager systems
- Clear key now deletes instead of Escape
- Escape key now aborts as with Cmd-Period
Download QuakeFinder now for the reasonable shareware fee of US$15.
Blue Byte Software announces the Macintosh release of their strategy game "The Settlers II - Veni, Vidi, Vici". Settlers II is the sequel to "Serf City: Life Is Feudal" -a game that sold very well in Europe but never really got the attention it deserved in the US.
In Settlers II you get to establish your own empire and watch as your animated subjects move about a world full of amazing color and detail while carrying out assigned tasks. To succeed you must maintain proper economic balance while competing economically and militarily with other kingdoms. Settlers II should appeal to fans of Populous and Sim City who don't mind a little micro-management
Features
• Build a medieval empire, conquer kingdoms and defend yourself from intruders!
• Command hunters, farmers, miners, soldiers and more!
• Create elaborate settlements from over 30 different building types!
• Direct your animated subjects throughout your kingdom!
• Construct a fleet of ships to explore uncharted waters and supply provisions!
• Dispatch your tireless scouts to explore unknown territories!
• Position your catapults and fight against barbaric Vikings, Nubians and Asiatics!
• Zoom in and follow any one of your subjects as they perform their assigned tasks!
• Enjoy digitized speech, hand-painted graphics, on-line help and more!
The ever-changing nature of 7th Level's status of a game developer has finally come to a head. In a deal signed between 7th Level and Pulse Entertainment (makers of "Bad Mojo" and "Iron Helix") have merged together to form "P7 Solutions." In the deal, 7th Level gets 60% of the company, while Pulse picks up the remaining 40%. As a result, Pulse offices will be moved from San Francisco to Dallas, where 7th Level's offices will remain. Together, the two will provide mainly development tools to game developers. Pulse is known for its superior 3D tools, while 7th is well founded in the 2D realm. For the complete press release, go to 7th Level's web site. No new projects have been announced between the two as yet, but keep your eye here for any relevant developments.
In a related note, the Monty Python franchise of games (formerly owned by
7th Level) has changed hands again. After being sold last week to Take 2,
that company has immediately handed off North American publishing rights to the Python games to Panasonic. Take 2 will retain the rights for overseas distribution.
http://www.7thlevel.com
http://www.badmojo.com
New Nanosaur Screen Shots Posted; Pangea Still Needs Funding
Pangea Software has posted several new screenshots from their game-in-progress, "Nanosaur". Although these screenshots were taken very early in the game's development, they do show a remarkable improvement from the past screenshots.
Pangea is known for development of such games as PowerPete (MacPlay, publisher) and the totally 3D game Weekend Warrior (Bungie, publisher). Their newest project, Nanosaur, is a 3D action game in which the player is a fully animated T-Rex with many special abilities. Pangea doesn't want to give too much away at this point since the game is only in the proof-of-concept stage.
Pangea still needs funding for this game as well as a publisher. They have had a difficult time finding funding to complete this game because most publishers want a Windows version first before the Mac version. They are looking for a publisher who will let us do the Mac version of Nanosaur first and then worry about the Windows version (if any) afterwards. Anyone interested in helping to fund the completion of Nanosaur should e-mail Pangea Software at pangea@bga.com.
http://www.realtime.net/~pangea
http://www.realtime.net/~pangea/nano.html
http://www.macplay.com/
http://www.bungie.com
mailto:pangea@bga.com
Lots Of Notes On Malice; Looking For Malice Servers!
In an update to our recent posting on the release of Malice, we have found out that the Power3D 3Dfx card will work with Malice, although stability is still a problem. Here's how you can get it to work with a Power3D card:
At the beginning of the game (past the start level) there is a series of movies (demos). The 3Dfx version crashes on the third or fourth one. So, start the game off with regular Quake and save the game once you get into the first level (past the start level). Then you can just open the 3Dfx version and open the game. Always save the game before entering any exit (usually elevators.) 3Dfx Quake seems to crash a lot when going from level to level in any Quake add-on. When the game crashes, it just quits loading the new level and it won't respond. The MacOS will still respond, because when you hit the Power key it beeps, but I have yet to be able to force quit 3Dfx Quake in this situation. Again, in the case of a crash going from level to level, start up regular MacQuake and load up the level. Now save the game (if you're not using the F6 quicksave/ F9 quickload you really should be) and quit Regular Quake. Open 3Dfx Quake and open the saved game and it should work fine. [special thanks to Winston Baccus]
If you'd rather not deal with crashes and such, use the regular Quake until an updater with the new GLQuake source code in it. A Mac version of that source code is in the works.
According to the Malice documentation, it requires GL Quake 0.95 or later. MacQuakeGL is only 0.93. I have yet to get Malice, but this should serve as a warning. There is a page on the Malice web site for Mac users, which has some tips on running Mac Quake Malice. It is PowerPC compatible and costs $19.95.
Quantum Axcess is looking for volunteers to put up Malice servers for Internet play. The Malice QuakeWorld port is now finished and at least three MaliceWorld servers are up. Unfortunately, until the Mac QuakeWorld port is finished (hopefully soon), that leaves Mac Quake gamers out in the cold as far as Internet play of Malice goes. Response that we've had from their normal contacts that run Quake servers was chilly at best, mostly because it seems that no one wants to put up another "Quake" server for any number of reasons. we were hoping that someone out there can put up a Malice server for Internet play, so that can't play QuakeWorld don't have to miss out on the fun. People willing to put up a Malice server will receive special consideration on this and future Quantum Axcess products - and some special surprises may be included as well. Serious inquiries only should send e-mail to
kg2@coil.com.
http://www.qamalice.com/mac.html
http://www.qamalice.com/
mailto:kg2@coil.com
Elysium Digital Releases Cobra Gunship 1.1
The popular Armor Alley-like game, "Cobra Gunship," has been updated to version 1.1. The Mac version update sports a fixed volume slider, an improved installer that should no longer quibble with System 8, and some other minor changes. Visit Elysium Digital to download and try this new shareware game. Support shareware authors.
http://www.elys.com/
New Conversion for Quake and GL Code Update Coming
"Malice," the incredible new Quake Total Conversion from Quantum Axcess is now available on store shelves for a suggested retail price of $19.95. For a full review of Malice, check the Focus on Quake Web page from The Mining Company (a PC oriented site and review).
Quantum Axcess has a FAQ specifically for running Malice with MacQuake. It is interesting to note that they have only verified Malice to under GLQuake version 0.95 and newer. The current version of Mac GLQuake is version 0.93. This information does not effect the normal (non 3D accelerated) version of MacQuake which runs fine with Malice.
MacSoft is trying to get the current 0.97 version source code of GLQuake for conversion to MacQuake. The latest version provide many bug fixes and performance enhancements for the 3D accelerated version of Quake.
In related news, MacSoft is still looking to get QuakeWorld out as shareware fairly soon. The QuakeWorld licensing is the main hold-up currently.
Quantum Axcess: http://www.qamalice.com
Focus on Quake from
The Mining Company: http://quake.miningco.com/
Malice FAQ: http://www.qamalice.com/mac.html
MacSoft: http://www.wizworks.com/macsoft/
QuakeWorld: http://www.quakeworld.net/
Tempest Comes to the Mac...Again...
As you may recall, IMG provided its subscribers with an exclusive preview of Tempest 2000 for the Mac back in Volume 4, Issue12. At the time, MacPlay was the publisher, with High Voltage as the developer (High Voltage is well known for their excellent Jaguar games such as NBA Jam: TE and VidGrid). It came as a pleasant surprise to see that HV was finishing up work on Mac versions of both Tempest 2K and Jam: TE., when MacPlay suddenly pulled the plug on both products.
At the time of our preview the game played so well that we felt it could easily be released in the present form. Logicware evidently felt this way too and has picked up where MacPlay and High Voltage left off. In fact, they have just released a demo which we highly suggest you give a download.
The demo is without the redbook audio's jammin soundtrack (that turned many heads on the Jaguar version), but is fully playable. The game requires a PowerPC with 5 MB RAM and about 10 MB Hard Drive. It supports both 256 and Thousands of colors and three different screen resolutions. For some screen shots and an exclusive preview, we suggest you go into your archives and dig out Volume 4, Issue 12 of IMG. Also look for the review when the game becomes available (it is scheduled to ship December 5).
http://www.logicware.com
More About MacUnreal from Mark Adams
mac.unreal.org has posted an interview with Mark Adams of Westlake Interactive. In the interview Mark reaffirms that Unreal should be released for the Mac within a few weeks of the PC version if not simultaneously. Unreal is scheduled to ship sometime in the first half of '98.
Overall the interview is a good read. Mark lets readers in on quite a bit of new information regarding the Mac port ranging from Unreal's interface and performance considerations to his favorite kind of cheese.
http://mac.unreal.org
http://mac.unreal.org/features/interview.phtml
MacSoft on QuakeWorld
According to company president Peter Tamte, MacSoft will "probably" release a Mac port of QuakeWorld sometime in during the first quarter of '98.
QuakeWorld is an Internet multi-player specific version of Quake. While the original version of Quake can be played over the Internet, many modem users-the majority of players-had less than satisfactory play. Symptoms like excessive lag - actions actually happening much later than you did them; packet loss - the game would freeze and resume several seconds later; and various other difficulties.
After realizing how many people played Quake on the Internet, and how many wanted to but couldn't due to unsatisfactory play, John Carmack of id Software decided to create a version of Quake that was optimized for the average modem Internet player. This Internet specific version does only 1 thing, play deathmatch games over a TCP/IP network such as the Internet. It has no support for solo play, and you can't do anything without connecting to a special server.
Now in it's second generation, QuakeWorld has been sculpted by countless hours of user feedback and tweaking to provide the best multi-player experience possible from the average gamer's equipment.
When the time comes you will need only a registered version of Quake and the QuakeWorld software from MacSoft. While the PC version of QuakeWorld is freeware, MacSoft's previous statements have indicated that the Mac version will have to be shareware. Still, it's well worth the price.
http://www.quakeworld.net/
http://www.wizworks.com/macsoft/
HotCarts Released
Bullseye Software has just announced the release of "HotCarts." "HotCarts is racing game with 4 go-cart style racing vehicles-a great non-violent game for all ages. It includes a track editor and a 2 player head-to-head mode on 1 computer.
HotCarts supports 3D hardware accelerators that support RAVE. Unlike many
3D hardware accelerated games, however, HotCarts works great even with 3D accelerators which only have 2MB of VRAM. For PowerMac's only. HotCarts is distributed on CD and is available directly from Bullseye or other software retailers."
Bullseye is also running a special which gives you $5 back for every purchase of HotCarts, Cobra Strike, or Dogfight City you make before December 19, 1997. On a related note, Bullseye is planning to release Cobra Strike (which was previously released as Valkyrie in 1993) around December 3.
http://www.nauticom.net/www/website/bullseye/
Paranoid Announces Damage Inc. Map Design Winners
Our congratulations to the winners of Paranoid Productions "Damage Incorporated" Map Design Contest:
Grand Prize: "Espresso" by Frank "Elk" Rooke
Runner Up: "Rise of The Phoenix" by Rainer Wehner
Runner Up: "Search" by Elias Sevaptsidis
Runner Up: "Rescue Mission" by Robert Tochterman
Richard Rouse -the designer of Damage Incorporated, was impressed with the prize winning entries: "They're quite a good bunch of maps...they're all just about good enough to have been included in the game itself. The Grand Prize winning map 'Espresso' is actually better than many of the maps included in the game! It was quite humbling to play through that one." Good news for fans of the game is that all of the contest winning levels and some additional levels created by Paranoid Productions will be released in an upcoming level pack entitled "The Big Dead One," due sometime in December. For more info on Damage Incorporated, a gripping squad based first-person shooter, troop on over to the web site. http://www.cs.uchicago.edu/~bcy1/damage
Or download some other 3rd party maps at the Damage Inc. site.
Ed Note: All updaters, demos, and add-ons mentioned in this section can be found in the folders on your IMG CD. All links found in this section were valid at the time of their publi- ation on the IMG Web site; any that do not work now have been changed or eliminated by the link's creator. All references to relative dates (ie. "next Wednesday") were valid when the news piece originally ran on the Web site and bear no reference to the date you receive this CD (duh!). We have made an effort to eliminate these references, but hey, nobody's perfect.
