Each week MacCentral brings readers the latest news from the Mac gaming world. There are always stories that don’t make it onto our regular pages, so this retrospective helps you catch up on what you might have missed otherwise.
Big Bang Chess 1.21 released
Freeverse software has released Big Bang Chess v1.21, an updated version of their free chess game for solo or networked players. Various bug fixes have been made, and modifiable skins are now supported.
BombSquad adds French localization, bug fixes
Positive Spin Media has updated its Minesweeper clone BombSquad to v2.0.3. The new version adds French localization and makes other minor fixes. It costs $5 to register.
Gooball on the way
Over the Edge Entertainment is developing Gooball, a new action game that appears to be in a similar vein to Marble Blast or Super Monkey Ball.
Phoenix Ball released
BoneHead Projects has released Phoenix Ball, a 3D variation on the classic brickbashing games of yore. It costs $12.50 to register.
Rainbow Six: Raven Shield v1.4.1 released
Aspyr Media has released a v1.4.1 update to Rainbow Six: Raven Shield. This update synchronizes the Mac release with its PC counterpart — a complete list of changes is included with the updater’s Read Me file.
Snaky Math 2.0 released
Curry K. Software has released Snaky Math 2.0, an educational arithmetic game that combines the arcade action of the classic “Snake” game. This new release adds new powerups, electric switches, background photo support and music and more.
Space Colony ships
Aspyr Media Inc. has announced that its Mac conversion of Space Colony is now shipping. It’s a Sims-style game set in outer space in which you must manage a space colony and the people that inhabit it.
Squabble 1.01 released
Freeverse Software has released Squabble 1.01, an update to their action-oriented word puzzle game. The update sports some minor changes and fixes.
SuperBrainXXL released
Power4Mac has released SuperBrainXXL, a Master Mind-style puzzle game in which you must decipher the secret code comprising four colors and four shapes.
Word Stars 2.0 released
Class One Software has released Word Stars 2.0, an educational game collection that includes 8 different word games and puzzles.
World of Warcraft goes PvP
The third major beta release of World of Warcraft adds Player vs. Player (PvP) support to the game using separate and distinct servers from the “regular” servers. So now, World of Warcraft gamers can fight each other if they so wish.
Worms 3D 1.0.1 released
Feral Interactive has released an update to Worms 3D, version 1.0.1. The new release fixes a problem involving LAN play and several other issues; it’s 5.6MB and available for download from Feral’s Web site.
Elsewhere on the Web
MacGamer has started its Al Schilling Needs a Reason to Drink: Part II giveaway contest. Inside Mac Games has posted a review of XIII, the new cel-shaded first person shooter from Feral Interactive. Apple’s Games site has posted trailers for Islands Mini-Golf and Battlefield 1942.
Closer to home
This week on MacCentral readers learned that Battlefield 1942 will hit store shelves by July 2. Aspyr Media also announced that Shrek 2 has gone gold master and will hit store shelves in July. MacSoft announced plans to publish Rise of Nations t his summer. Feral Interactive has released a playable demo version of XIII. Linden Lab has released Second Life v1.4 for Mac OS X, a new version of their virtual online community. Several game companies are suing a software developer they say facilitates piracy.
We welcome you to drop us a line if you have comments, suggestions or questions.