Every day MacCentral brings readers the latest news and info from the world of Mac gaming. There are always a few stories that don’t make it onto our regular news pages, so we have this weekly retrospective, which we call the Week in Games. It also gives us an opportunity to link to other Mac game-related content around the Web.
Aargon Deluxe goes OS 9
Red Marble Games has released a Mac OS 9 version of Aargon Deluxe, which was originally released for Mac OS X. It’s a logic/puzzle game in which you use mirrors, beam splitters, refractors and other tools to direct laser beams to their goal. Aargon Deluxe is offered as shareware for US$14.95.
Absolute Backgammon v2 released
Gammonsoft has released Absolute Backgammon v2, a new version of the backgammon game for Mac OS X and Mac OS 9. The new version sports the ability to use speech recognition, an option to beaver, and instant good move/bad move feedback. It’s offered as $25 shareware.
CryptoQuote 1.3 now available
John Haney has released CryptoQuote v1.3, a new version of the word puzzle game in which you must guess hundreds of quotes. The new version features speed optimization, new quotes, better interaction with CryptoQuote.com and more.
iConquer 2.2 released
KavaSoft has released iConquer 2.2, a new version of their Risk-style turn based strategy game. The new version features enhanced network options, new maps, more flexible artificial intelligence and other changes. iConquer costs $12.99 and can be downloaded first and played prior to registration.
Lux 2.4 released
SillySoft has released Lux 2.4, a new version of their world domination strategy game. This new release improves card support over network play and incorporates a better Join Game window, as well.
MacMAME 0.71.2.1 released
Brad Oliver has posted a new version of MacMAME, the arcade game emulator. In addition to synching with the PC version, this new release of MacMAME fixes a crash problem, launch issue, formatting problems, screenshot issues and more. MacMAME is freeware, though you’re on your own to find ROMs to work with it.
OIDS.X released
Xavagus Prime Software has, at long last, released a Mac OS X-native version of OIDS, dubbed OIDS.X. It’s a resurrection of a classic arcade-style action game developed for the Mac in 1990. Released as US$20 shareware, OIDS.X is a free upgrade for all OIDS 2.x registered users.
Rundy 1.3 released
MIHE-Software has released Rundy 1.3, a maze game in which you must pilot the ball to the target. It’s $15 shareware.
World of Warcraft details emerge
Blizzard Entertainment has posted new information about World of Warcraft, its forthcoming MMORPG based in the Warcraft world. The details concern Kalidar, the home of the Night Elves, and Blizzard has posted more than a dozen new screenshots, music samples and info on new monsters. World of Warcraft is coming to both Mac and Windows.
Elsewhere on the Web
MacGamer has posted an op/ed piece on the Power Mac G5. Inside Mac Games has reviewed EverQuest for Macintosh. Apple’s Games site has posted a feature on Neverwinter Nights.
Closer to home
This week on MacCentral, readers learned of Linden Lab’s plans to bring Second Life to the Mac — an online game — and of a trailer on Apple’s Web site. Spiderweb Software has released Geneforge 2, a sequel to their science fiction-meets-fantasy RPG. Aspyr Media noted plans to publish Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb for the Mac later this year. Freeverse Software indicated that its popular new release Burning Monkey Solitaire 3 is now available from retailers. MacPlay shipped Aliens vs. Predator 2, the long-awaited sequel to the chilling first-person shooter. Feral Interactive announced that Warrior Kings, a new real time strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world, has gone golden master and will ship in August.
As always, we encourage you to drop us a line if you have questions we didn’t answer, ideas for ways we can improve our games coverage, or games and services you’d like our readers to know about.