Tuesday, August 26
MacPlay reportedly delays yet another title, Tikkabik says:
According to the MacPlay tech support's message board, Blood & Magic has been delayed indefinitely. No reason was given.
Just recently, VR Soccer had been mentioned by a MacPlay representative as a delayed product, although Techworks told us Monday that VR Soccer (though without networking and a few fixes) will be bundled with the Power3D card. They are hoping that the networking option and a perspective fix will be released as a patch from Gremlin later this year.
MacQuake demo will run on
Powerbook 1400:
Thanks to MGL reader, Mark
Ward, we can now offer a solution to those who have had trouble
running the MacQuake/CompUSA demo on their Powerbooks.
Mac Requests taking requests!:
Mac Requests is taking votes to have some of the most popular PC titles ported to the Mac. To take part, visit Mac Requests' The War Room. The products listed are based on feedback and the most popular requests. Anyone interested in having the titles shown ported to the Mac should sign the petitions (via on-line forms) in The War Room. Official requests are being taken for the following titles:
In the future, they are planning a LucasArts "snail-mail drive" for X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter and Dark Forces II.
Torin's Passage available at low
cost to U.S. gamers:
Those of you who subscribe to
Inside Mac Games CD-ROM
magazine already know about this game from reading their
recent review of the animated adventure game, Torin's Passage (from
Sierra). However, this game isn't
going to be released in the U.S., even though it is finished and
available in Europe. Never fear though, you can still order it
securely on-line from the
Sierra
On-Line Limited (the UK branch) Store with a Visa, Mastercard, or
American Express for a low price of £9.99 (approximately $16.31
US) plus £2.00 (approximately $3.27 US) Shipping & Handling.
Totaling just under $20 US. The minimum system requirements on the
game are a 68040/33 or PowerPC, 2X CD-ROM, 16 MB RAM, System 7.1 or
above, 3 MB HD, 8 MB free RAM, and a 640x480 256-color display. You
can read more about Torin's Passage at
Sierra's
Torin's Passage web page.
If you'd like to still see this game on U.S. shelves, you can
write a letter to Sierra and mail it to:
Sierra On-Line, Inc.
3380 146th Place, SE
Bellevue, WA 98102
Friday, August 22
ATI comments on MacQuake compatibility
Several users who have purchased the MacQuake preview available at Comp USA have reported compatibility problems with their ATI XClaim VR cards. Here's the official word from ATI engineer Ray Schwartz:
"Quake runs great on the ATI RAVE drivers in development and cards based on the RAGE PRO chip, as we showed at MacWorld.
We are still testing driver backward compatibility with the older Xclaim cards, such as the VR. We don't expect great Quake performance on these older cards, but we are working to make sure it doesn't crash. Expect to have new, backward compatible ATI drivers available in September on the ATI web site. This will coincide with the release of the Nexus GA accelerator, the first product featuring the RAGE PRO.
Users can expect a Quake frame rate around 30 on the RAGE PRO and around 7 on the RAGE-2. However, I heard a report that if you turn off all the special rendering features, you can get almost 20 frames per second on the RAGE-2. We don't know which version of Quake is being distributed as the demo. We don't know if it is the Glide (3dfx) or RAVE version, so I can't comment specifically on the demo."
Source: Tikkabik
Damage Inc. editor finally on the way
Damage Incorporated, the Marathon engine-based combat game that puts you in the role of the leader of an elite military task force, will soon have its own level editor. The author is doing a final beta test before releasing the editor as freeware next week. The editor itself is based on Phforte, the original Marathon editor by Steve Israelson.
Source: Tikkabik
Quake Servers Info 1.0 released
Quake Servers Info (QSI) 1.0 final has been released. QSI is a Quake servers tracker application written in Java. It has been developed primarily on the Mac, but runs very well on several Unix platforms and on Win32 machines. This release adds:
Server filtering will be added in the next release.
MacSoft's Peter Tamte speaks on MacQuake demo
Over the last two days, we have been passing on to MacSoft reader complaints about CompUSA's handling of Mac gamers who have come in search of the new Quake demo available only at CompUSA. Sales people have insisted that the product doesn't exit or have charged anywhere from $.01 to $40.00 for the simple 4-level demo that is supposed to be free.
Today, MacSoft president, Peter Tamte, replied with the following message that will, we hope, be the last word on this soap opera.
Yep, we're hearing the same thing. However, there are some critical issues to bear in mind:
1.CompUSA is the #1 seller of our Macintosh products in the country. They sell way more units than any mail-order house and consistently out-perform every other retailer.
2.CompUSA is still one of the most supportive of Macintosh games of any retailer. If CompUSA stops selling Mac games, the bulk of the Mac games industry will probably vanish.
3.Most of the problems about Macintosh inside CompUSA stores are the result of poor judgment by individual store-clerks who have a personal vendetta against Macintosh.At the senior level, CompUSA is very supportive of Macintosh.
This appears to be a store-level problem, since there is a great deal of inconsistency in the way the problem is being handled from store to store. Store-level retailer implementation in the computer business has been, and still is, problematic inside almost every retailer. However, the reason for this problem is a direct result of MacSoft not fulfilling our commitment to CompUSA to ship Quake when we promised. We recommend the following advice to your readers:
1.The full-version of Quake should be in CompUSA and other retailers by the end of next week. Wait until then, and get the full version.
2.If you can't wait, look for the Quake demo to be posted for download this weekend or early next week.
3.If you still can't wait, go to the store and insist that it is a free demo (if they still have it in stock). Mention the SKU# (169885) and ask the salesperson to look it up in their computer. It should indicate a "zero cost." This should indicate to the store clerk that it is not a normal product for resale.
Source: IMG
Thursday, August 21
Fiasco brewing with CompUSA MacQuake demo; save your receipts!
Although there is no CompUSA near by, many readers have e-mailed us with their horror stories of obtaining the MacQuake Shareware demo available only at CompUSA stores across the US. We have put together several particular instances that we have sent to the appropriate persons in hopes of getting this mess corrected (stay tuned). Here are a few excerpts from fellow readers' experiences: "I ran down to the local CompUSA last night and picked up a MacQuake "Shareware Edition" CD-ROM. They charged $6.99..." (regarding the Clairmeont CompUSA in San Diego): "...As it turns out, they are charging $39.99...39.99 for a shareware demo that is suppose to be free. I had an argument with the manager about this. She said that 'that is what we charge.' I said "you cannot be selling this, because on the CD it says 'not for individual resale.'" She then said it was a mistake it shouldn't be on the shelves, it is for 'customers only.'" (??!)
(regarding Philadelphia CompUSA): "...Not only do they not know Mac stuff, they don't even know their own systems. It took them 15 minutes to figure out how to scan out the CD. They also charged me $.01 yes, that is one cent."
"After going to 2 stores the second one had 9 in stock but they couldn't find them. (It) took them about an hour before they could materialize a copy. When checking out, they tried to charge me for it ($9.99). But I noticed when they were looking up the item, it said that 9.99 was the suggested retail and they the customer cost was $0.00. After about another 5 min. with the clerk talking with the store manager, I walked out with my free copy."
"A friend of mine got me one at the CompUSA in Minnetonka, Minn. They were going to charge him $6.99 for it but couldn't figure out how to ring it up, so they gave it to him for free."
Those who have gotten it have sent us reports on how it runs. Several are a bit upset that it crashes on computers which have the ATI XClaimVR card (or the ATI card extensions loaded). Several have indicated that this demo doesn't support 3Dfx. It doesn't contain the multiplayer option. Yesterday we reported that PowerBook 1400c computers can't even run the demo using OS 8 or 7.6.1. If you decide to visit your local CompUSA store, be sure to call first and make sure they have the demo (indicate SKU# 169885). Then make sure they won't charge you for it. The $10 instant rebate coupon that comes with the CompUSA demo is only good if you buy the full version of MacQuake at CompUSA...and the coupon expires on September 30
Source: MGL
Carmageddon demo for Mac at SCI
Although not yet indicated on their web site (as of this news posting), there is a 19 MB Carmageddon Mac demo on SCI's FTP server. We recommend you wait for the official links to be posted on their web site (and we also recommend that you wait for the demo to be available at other sites, as the demo downloads at a creeping 1.4K/sec. speed even in the middle of the night!)
Source: MGL
Tikkabik interviews MacSoft's Peter Tamte on MacWarehouse issue
Due to the recent MacWarehouse controversy, Tikkabik conducted a mini-interview with Mr. Tamte who gave a synopsis of his thoughts on the matter. Read Tikkabik's exclusive online interview.
On another subject, Tikkabik also reported that STRiKE Software had released their SU27 STRiKER mission set for Hornet 3.0. SU27 STRiKER lets you fly the Russian SU-27 Flanker-B as a "Soviet mercenary" hired by the IQAF to help defend the skies of Iraq from foreign invaders
Plaidworld Software unveils Project Magellan
PM is a high resolution horizontal space shooter for 040s and Power PCs. The game features 10 fully rendered levels, multiple level mixes of each level, 4 layers of parallax scrolling, two player simultaneous play, rendered QuickTime movies, a 10 song sound track, a Built in level editor and five weapons. System requires include a PowerPC or a 68040 CPU, 8 MB of Free RAM (5 MB of Real RAM + 3 MB of Virtual Memory or RAMDoubler), QuickTime 2.0 or higher, 50 MB Free Hard Drive Space, a 256 -Color Monitor 640 x 480, CD-ROM drive, System 7 or higher. The price is $35. Visit Plaidworld's web site for a demo (2.5 MB) and screen shots.
Maverick Software Release Blit 2! Blit 2! is an animated puzzle game, where you try to rearrange scrambled pieces of a puzzle that has objects constantly moving within it. The shareware trial version has 10 levels to play, while the registered version ($15) has 11 extra levels for a total of 21 mind boggling puzzles. Requirements: Blit 2! runs on any 256 color capable Power Mac or 68K (040 recommended) with System 7.0 or later and 2 MB of free RAM.
Source: Maverick Software Home Page
Intermetrics and Looking Glass Technologies Merge Computer Game Operations to Form Multimedia Powerhouse Leading-Edge "Mission Critical" Software Developer Teams with Preeminent Computer Game Studio
Burlington, MA, August 14, 1997 - Intermetrics, Inc., a 28-year-old leading software developer, and Looking Glass Technologies, one of the computer gaming industry's foremost developers, today announced the merger of the two companies' gaming operations to form Intermetrics/Looking Glass Technologies, LLC. Through the shared strengths of the two entities, the new company is strategically positioned to be a major force in the computer game, console and online gaming industries.
GSC Announces "F/A-18: Korea!" F/A-18 Hornet Korea , expected to ship in late '97 is a stand-alone product based on GSC's award-winning F/A-18 Hornet 3.0. New features include:
Wednesday, August 20 (Sorry for the news gap there, folks!)
Banshee Software's Mac offerings
UK-based Banshee Software is a small team developing initially for Macintosh systems. Its previous title was Curse of Dragor. Currently, there are several projects in the news.
Nuclear Hammer is a first person futuristic tank battle game featuring high resolution graphics, hovercraft flight dynamics, smart enemies, 6 weapon classes, 15 single player missions, and extra multi-player scenarios. You can download the Nuclear Hammer demo from Banshee.
Code-named RS2100, this near-future strategy game allows you become the leader of an organization and attempt to take over the Solar System. Unfortunately, there are several dozen other humans and Artificial Intelligence's (AI) vying for mastery of the same real estate. RS2100 is a single user or an Internet based multi-user game where a single game may run for several days. Banshee Software is writing the human interface of the game, which belongs to Red SailBoat Software. Visit RedSailboat Software and help them decide a name for this game (to be released in January 1998). Visit Banshee's RS2100 web page for more info.
And finally, Banshee's latest and current project in development is Project Omega, based in an underground mining complex and featuring an alien creature intelligence "unlike any other game to date" (so they say). The creatures in Project Omega each have an individual personality allowing it to react not only to you but to the environment, its current 'mood', and other contributing factors. Visit Banshee's Project Omega web page for more plot info, screenshots, and a development progress report.
Source: MGL
MacQuake demo spotted at CompUSA
Rumors began flying early Tuesday morning as Usenet posters reported picking up actual demos of the yet-to-be-released MacQuake at CompUSA. While initial reports were greeted with annoyed skepticism, it soon became clear that something was afoot. In fact, the rumors are true: as of yesterday this exclusive 4-level demo (networking disabled) was available only at CompUSA stores. To get the skinny on this strange development in this already melodramatic story, we contacted MacSoft for the hows and whys. After confirming that the demo was available from CompUSA, MacSoft's Cindy Swanson explained. A prior advertising commitment (many of you may have already seen CompUSA's ad for MacQuake in this week's circular) obliged MacSoft to provide a demo in lieu of the now-delayed commercial release. This demo (which is identical to the forthcoming public demo) was made available to fulfill that obligation. According to Ms. Swanson, the CompUSA demo includes a coupon for $10 off the commercial release and is supposed to be offered free of charge to people who come in seeking the advertised game. Apparently many CompUSA sales people are not aware that they have these disks, so make sure you ask the right people before going home in despair. The only thing now holding up the public demo, said Ms. Swanson, is some final approvals from the game's developer, id Software. If all goes as scheduled, id should sign off on the Gold Master today (at the earliest), allowing the demo to be released and the final production steps to begin.
Source: IMG
Monday, August 18
Macsoft releases Civilization 2 demo; other MacSoft news
As its release nears (expected this week), Civilization 2 is now available in demo form. Give it a try:
If you'd like to find out more about Civ 2, visit the
Civilization 2 for
Mac home page. The full version will require any 68030 or higher
Mac with at least 8 MB RAM, color monitor and CD-ROM drive. It's also
accelerated for Power Macintosh. You will not need to have the CD in
your CD ROM drive to play (you'll just play without some of the
multimedia) so bring out those powerbooks!
Source: MGL
In related news, MacSoft just told us that they are not on track for
an August 22 ship date for Quake for Mac. August 26 is more realistic
release date. No specific reasoning was reported, but I've waited
this long...4 more days won't hurt!
Late last week, Master of Orion 2 entered the final round of Beta
testing. As many of you already know, this Macintosh version of the
popular Windows game is a galaxy-level turn-based strategy game.
MacSoft is expecting to have Master of Orion 2 available for shipping
by September 5.
Source: MGL
MacAddict reports: no
cooperation with MacWarehouse
In a recent on-line MacWorld
games
roundup article by MacAddict's
Kathy Tafel, (Associate
Editor), it was reported that
MacZone and
MacMall renegotiated contracts
with MESA (Mac OS Entertainment Software Association) "to make
catalog sales a viable source of income for the lower-margin game
vendors."
MacWarehouse
refused to cooperate, and therefore their game section shows it! If
you plan to purchase Mac games through mail-order catalogs, we
suggest you support those companies willing to help out the Mac game
developers, even for your non-entertainment software purchases.
Background info on MESA: The most prominent entertainment
publishers for the MacOS platform banded together to form MESA, the
MacOS Entertainment Software Association in February, 1997. MESA
serves as a unified body acting with the combined bargaining power of
its members, as a central clearinghouse for marketing resources and
ideas, and as a vehicle for promotion of the MacOS as an
entertainment platform. MESA is comprised of the leading MacOS
entertainment companies and was formed with the assistance and
blessing of Apple Computer, Inc. Most MESA member companies have an
active presence on the Wintel platform, but as members, signal their
desire to further support MacOS gamers and developers. MESA member
companies currently include: Blizzard Entertainment, Bungie Software,
Changeling, Inc., Graphic Simulations, Lucas Arts, MacPlay, MacSoft,
Parsoft Interactive, and StarPlay.
Source: MGL
Accolade's Deadlock also
being ported by ex-Lion programmers
Phil Sulak, a Macintosh game developer for the company formally
known as Lion Entertainment recently reminded us that while Mark
Adams' Maverick Software continues work on key Mac games, he and
Kevin Armstrong are also working on a significant Mac game to be
released by Accolade: Deadlock: Planetary Conquest.
Deadlock was originally a PC game that came out about a year ago for
Win95. It's a turn-based strategy game set on a planet named "Gallius
IV". You and six other races have laid claim to Gallius IV, and each
race tries to take over the planet using a combination of military,
scientific, and economic means.
The system requirements for Deadlock are a 68040 CPU running at 33
MHz or faster (PowerPC recommended), MacOS version 7.1 or above
(7.5.5 recommended; fully compatible with MacOS 8.0), 8 megabytes of
RAM (16 MB recommended), 256-color monitor support, 2x CD-ROM drive
(4x recommended), 25 MB free hard drive space.
The Mac version also has the following features over the Win95
version:
Deadlock was in a very late beta stage when Lion closed its doors, but Doug Grounds (Lion's President) and Accolade are close to an agreement on what to do with the game. Once a signed agreement is reached, the two main programmers (Phil and Kevin) will be finishing the game. No shipping dates were given. Anyone who is into Civilization, SimCity, C&C, or Master of Orion should enjoy Deadlock. You can visit Accolade's Deadlock page for screenshots and info, predominately based on the PC version.
Source: MGL
Shattered Steel Coming Soon
According to a Usenet post by Bill Hieneman of LogicWare Inc., the Mac port of "Shattered Steel" is nearing final release. A bit of history. Shattered Steel is a MechWarrior-like walking tank game, but focuses much more on the action side of the equation. Some in the PC-game press originally dubbed it "Mech-Wussier," but more got into its unique character and intense action. The Mac world rejoiced when MacPlay announced that it was commissioning a port of the title. Then disaster struck as MacPlay canceled the nearly completed title. When all seemed lost, LogicWare stepped in and announced that they would be completing and releasing Shattered Steel.
Source: IMG