A Swedish Mac game developer called Aescapia has released a new title for Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 called Hollow Ground. Billed as “a real time tactical third person shooter,” the game can also be described as an updated version of the classic arcade game Gauntlet, mixed with elements of bloody shooters like Quake.
Hollow Ground envisions a post-apocalyptic future in which four mercenaries descend into a subterranean bunker to destroy a monster breeding machine in operation far, far below. You battle mutated creatures while seeking exits on each level that will bring you down to the next level. The goal of the game is to reach the 40th floor, where the monster breeding machine dwells.
Players can choose from one of four characters: A street ninja, a road warrior, an ex-space marine or mutant equipped with psychic powers. Each character has strengths and weaknesses and carries unique weapons. The character can be powered up using psyonic foci and cybernetic upgrades that are placed in various spots on each level. Players can also power up at a shop that appears between levels.
While exploring each level and blasting the legions of shambling monstrosities that threaten them at every turn, players can locate key cards to unlock doors and pressure plates to activate fire doors that will unlock new areas on each level as well.
Distributed as shareware, the game enables users to play to a depth of 400 feet (or eight levels) before requiring registration — which costs US$19. System requirements call for a G3 or G4, 128MB RAM, Mac OS X or Mac OS 9.x or later.
Aescapia indicated it’s working on a level editor for the game, and may also do a Windows port of the game, depending on its popularity. But for now, Hollow Ground is Mac-only. The company has also posted details of their next title in development, an adventure role-playing game called “Prophecy,” which the company plans for a commercial release.