Once again it’s time for our weekly retrospective documenting some of the Mac game-related news items we’ve missed. Look further down for a recap of our own Mac game coverage from this past week and some links to other Mac game-related news resources too.
“Alien Swarm” UT 2K4 total conversion released
If you’re looking to extend your Unreal Tournament 2004 experience beyond what’s included in the box, you might want to give Alien Swarm a look. This total conversion pits you against insectoid aliens in a cooperative tactical action conversion for 1 to 8 players that places your camera view overhead instead of in first-person mode — it’s quite a major change for seasoned UT fans. What’s even better is that Alien Swarm’s developers have created a Mac launcher, so there’s no guesswork about what files go where.
Amju Super Golf released
If you’re looking for an offbeat (and very cute) 3D mini golf game for your Mac, make sure to check out Amju Super Golf. The 2.5MB download is a 30-day free trial; it’ll cost you $19.95 to register and unlock the full version. “Classic” Amju itself is a free “3D animal-action-puzzle game” definitely worth checking out too.
Big Bang Chess v1.1 released
Freeverse Software has released Big Bang Chess v1.1, a new version of their free, OpenGL-based chess game that supports solo and network play, as well as Play By E-mail. The new release adds support for en passant, more stalemate conditions, fixes to Applescript and Play-By-Email, and numerous other bug fixes.
Brickles Pro 1.0.3 released
Ken Winograd and Space-Time Associates has released Brickles Pro v1.0.3, a new version of the ball and paddle brickbashing game for the Mac. The new version adds support for the Brickles Pro Hall of Fame Web page.
DD Tournament Poker: No Limit Texas Hold’em released
Donohoe Digital LLC has released DD Tournament Poker: No Limit Texas Hold’em, a simulation of the popular casino poker game. It costs US$29.99 to buy and a demo version is ready for download.
Inherit the Earth adventure game re-released for OS X
Wyrmkeep Entertainment Co. has released a Mac OS X-compatible version of Inherit the Earth: Quest for the Orb, a graphical adventure game originally released in the early 1990s by New World Computing. The game tells the story of Rif of the Fox Tribe. You can buy it on CD-ROM for $20 and a downloadable demo is available.
Lux 3.98 released
Sillysoft has released another update to Lux, its Risk-style strategy game. The new version fixes numerous bugs. Lux costs US$20 to play; a demo version is available.
MacMod.com really open this time
In a previous Week in Games we told you about MacMod.com, a Web site dedicated to Mac-based modding enthusiasts. Well, the link wasn’t working then, but following its “official” grand (re)opening, the link works now, so check it out.
SAIS mod page available
If you’re a fan of Digital Eel and Cheapass Games’ outer space title Strange Adventures in Infinite Space, you might be interested in a mod page on their Web site that features add-ons you can install to further extend the game playing experience.
Elsewhere on the Web
MacGamer has posted a strategy guide for Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Inside Mac Games has posted a review of Worms 3D, the recently released strategy game from Feral Interactive. Apple has a new trailer showing Aspyr Media’s Medal of Honor: Breakthrough at work. The Gamesome Mac recently spoke with TQworld, makers of Tranquility, a “3D game of relaxation.”
Closer to home
This week MacCentral’s game news included word from Feral Interactive that Republic: The Revolution has gone gold master. Freeverse Software released a new competitive word game called Squabble. America’s Army 2.1 is a new update with an improved physics model, new weapon and other changes. Strange Flavour has developed games for the Mac but it’s been a sideline gig for the Fothergill brothers, who up to now have made console games too; they announced this week that it’s now their full-time job. Space Colony is coming from Aspyr on June 14th. ATI introduced new PCI Express-based graphics for mobile systems this past week.
Feel free to let us know if you have questions, comments or suggestions.