Following section is a list of Internet-only games (and clients) ranging from air combat flight sims with hundreds of simultaneous players to game of Backgammon or a hand of cards.

Internet gaming clients are interfaces to what would typically be a simple text-based telnet interface. There are a variety of internet servers that allow for playing traditional board games over the internet (such as Chess and Go). These clients provide natural and intuitive interface (MacFIBS is a prime example) to the normally ugly text interface. Play day or night with people from all over the world!

This page last modified: 2/19/98

Fixation 1.3 Free!

various.

TCP/IP & internet connection.

Any Mac, Color & B/W.

Fixation is a Macintosh client for FICS (the Free Internet Chess Servers) and ICC (the Internet Chess Club). Like any Mac internet client, Fixation puts an easy to use interface on what would normally be a ugly UNIX text interface. Fixation is absolutely free, and the source code is available to anyone who wants to improve on it.

Yes, Fixation is by Adam Miller, the very same person who ported Kali to the Mac! The Fixation homepage offers online help, source code, and the latest version.

Download Fixation (155k)

GameMaster 1.0 Shareware!

2 players.

Appletalk or internet connection.

Any Mac.

Two people running GameMaster have the capibility of playing several board games against each other. It is modular like After Dark, in that games can be added and taken away at will. Each game is called a RuleBook and is capable of playing these over a network. It can be run in the background and ignored, until someone connects to you over the network and asks you to play a game. One of its features is that if you do not have that rulebook, and you want it, GameMaster will automatically download it, so you can then play it. It also handles upgrading in much the same way. If someone has a newer version of a rulebook that he wants to play with you, you can upgrade it automatically. GameMaster works over a MacTCP connection or an AppleTalk network or both.

The wonderful thing about this program is that you don't need to connect to any special services or accounts (which can be a detriment depending how you look at it. You have to know someone who is willing to play, rather then just signing on). Games include your standard set of board games; Battleships, Chess, Connect4, Derfball, Dots & Boxes, Othello, and TicTacToe. Plus has basic file transfer and chat capabilities.

Download GameMaster (194k) from AOL's info-mac mirror.

GoServant 1.64 MacGo 3.63 Free!

2 players.

TCP/IP & internet connection.

Any Mac, Color & B/W.

Here are two fine Go clients - they can be used in conjunction with the Internet Go Server (IGS).

Both can be downloaded from the following directory: ftp://imageek.york.cuny.edu/nngs/Go/clients/.

More information on playing Go over the net can be found at http://imageek.york.cuny.edu/~cpu/NNGS/index.html.

Internet Chess 1.0.4

2 players.

TCP/IP & internet connection. Crossplatform

Any Mac, Color & B/W.

The Internet Chess Club is a gathering place for people who like to play Chess. Using their easy-to-use software, you'll be up and playing in minutes. Joining the club allows for unlimited play and chat. The Chess client (and more info) can be found at http://gate.cruzio.com/~tao/iccclient/.

MacFIBS 3.0r2 Shareware!

2 Players.

TCP/IP & internet connection. Crossplatform!

256 colors, 68020 or better Mac.

A Macintosh TCP/IP client for playing backgammon on FIBS (First Internet Backgammon Server), a Unix-based game server on the Internet.

FIBS serves as a meeting place for backgammon players around the world. When you log into FIBS there may be anywhere from a few dozen to over 100 people connected. You can play a match against another player, watch a match between two other players, or just hang out. Players and spectators can discuss the current match, general backgammon theory, or anything else of interest.

MacFIBS greatly enhances your virtual backgammon experience. Rather than viewing backgammon positions as a series of X's and O's in a crude character-based text window, MacFIBS offers a full color backgammon board. Instead of typing cryptic commands like 'move 24 22 15 14', you drag colored checkers around the board, exactly like playing a real game. It's backgammon played "The Macintosh Way".

MacFIBS was given 5 mice by MacUser and included in their "Top 50 Shareware programs" article.

Download MacFIBS:

MacFIBS (Fat Binary) (1.6Mb)

Related Web Sites:

The MacFIBS homepage always has the latest version for download, plus FAQ's, user guide, fan mail, and more.

MUD/MUSH Free!

Numerous Players.

TCP/IP & internet connection. Crossplatform

Any Mac.

What is a MUD? MUD are a wide range of highly addictive text-based multi-user games and environments, which can be found liberally scattered around the Internet. Anyone who grew up with AD&D should feel right at home.

From the MUD FAQ:
A MUD (Multiple User Dimension, Multiple User Dungeon, or Multiple User Dialogue) is a computer program which users can log into and explore. Each user takes control of a computerized persona/avatar/incarnation/character. You can walk around, chat with other characters, explore dangerous monster-infested areas, solve puzzles, and even create your very own rooms, descriptions and items.

For a nice anecdote about the origin of the name, I quote Richard Bartle, co-author of the first MUD: "I am WELL aware what "MUD" stands for, and maybe once every 2 months have to tell someone. The "D" does stand for "Dungeon", but not because the original MUD (which I co-wrote) had a dungeon in it; rather it was because there was a hacked-up version of Zork doing the rounds at the time, which bore the name "Dungeon". We thought that this program would act as the archetype for single-player adventure games, so we called our game "Multi-User Dungeon" in an effort to convey some feeling of what the program did. As it happened, the genre was promptly called "Adventure games" after the Colossal Caves game "Adventure", so we were wrong in that respect. By then, though, we had our acronym."

Download a Client:

There are many, many clients available. These are merely two to get you started:

MUDDweller 1.2 - An older, but still popular MUD client.

Rapscallion homepage - A new client under development sporting many modern advancements (PowerMac native, Open Transport native, etc).

Related Web Sites:

MacOS MUDding Resource Page - The definitive site for MUDding on the MacOS. Info is timely and up to date, and lists current Mac MUD clients, FAQs, and resources.

MUD Connector - Possibly the center of the MUD universe; attempts to list just about all available MUDs (over 800 currently), including a good Intro to MUDs, help desk, and more.

Mac Orchard's MUD/MUSH page - Mac Orchard's listing for Mac MUD clients (Mac Orchard is a great resource for all Mac internet applications).

OT Chess 1.5.2

2 players.

TCP/IP & internet connection.

68040 or better Mac (requires Open Transport).

OT Chess is a simple peer to peer Chess program for the Macintosh. It requires Open Transport (System 7.5.3 or later recommended), and sports a simple chat interface.

OT Chess 1.5.2 (168k)

Outland Gateway 1.3

Various.

TCP/IP & internet connection.

LC or better Mac.

Outland is a destination on the Internet where people can meet to play multiplayer games. The games include: Spaceward Ho!, Backgammon, Hearts, Chess, Galley, Go, Backstab, Reversi, and Assassin.

Outland is only accessible if you have a SLIP/PPP or direct Internet connection. For more info, or to download the free software (which is necessary to connect), visit http://www.outland.com/

Outland is now completely free!

Sim-Net Online 2.2

Various.

TCP/IP, IPRemote, or ARA.

CPU requirements depends on game.

Sim-Net Online is the premier commercial service for Macs that provides a server 'host' for playing various AppleTalk-based network games. You can connect to the service either over the internet using IPRemote, or dial in directly using ARA (Apple Remote Access). Once connected, you can play many commercial titles, such as F/A-18 Hornet, Descent, Links Pro, Havoc, and more! Sim-Net Online also offers chat areas, postings, and file downloads.

Sim-Net offers a free limited membership, which allows full access to their game servers, 1 hour a day in their chatrooms, and never expires. Full membership has unlimited access. Their homepage is at http://www.simnet1.com/.

SpringerSpan Games Free!

1 to 4 players

TCP/IP & internet connection. Crossplatform

A Java-enabled Web Browser

When Microsoft has announced it's dropping support for Mac clients on it's Internet Gaming Zone, it didn't take long before developers rushed in to fill the gap! This is a new service that offers much of the same type multiplayer games (various card and board games, Multitris, etc.), all through your Java-enabled web browser!

Select from these games:

• Hearts
• Spades
• Bridge
• Go
• Backgammon
• Multris
• Xacks
• Checkers
• Chess
• Reversi
• Hex
• Speedcell

Play SpringerSpan Games now
Requires a Java-enabled browser (Netscape 3.0 or Internet Explorer 3.0)

Warbirds 2.0

2 or more players (up to roughly 300!).

TCP/IP & internet connection. Crossplatform

68040 with FPU or PowerMac. (PowerMac highly recommended)

Warbirds is a real-time, multiplayer flight simulator that is played over the internet. Don't expect to get bored playing WarBirds. Unlike simulations where you fight a computer controlled enemy, you'll never get "good enough" to always win in WarBirds. Your opponents are living, thinking people whose skills are improving just as yours are. While computer controlled opponents typically have a few predetermined attack and defense strategies, you never know what a live opponent will do. You won't even know if the opponent you're about to face is a rookie or a leading ace until the moment of truth... The game itself is constantly evolving, with new features being added on a regular basis. The latest version is always just a download away. You'll find that like any well crafted game, WarBirds is easy to learn, but can take a lifetime to master.

The WarBirds "world" is divided into four nations engaged in a constant battle for territory. There are a limited number of airfields scattered around the terrain, any of which can be taken and held by any of the countries. The WarBirds terrain currently consists of islands and ocean, but may periodically be changed to provide variety. Historical scenarios re-creating famous air battles complete with custom terrain are run from time to time as well.

The graphics engine is based on the Graphic Simulations engine, Hornet pilots will feel right at home! There is no head-to-head mode with Warbirds, you must connect to ICI's Warbirds host server to play.

ICI's Mac Download Directory - There are files optimized for the type of processor and screen size you have. Wolfman's Warbirds page (see link below) has specifics for which you need.

Related Web Sites:

ICI's Offical Warbirds page

Wade's WarBirds Newbie Tips - Just as the title suggests! A thorough guide for getting the most from Warbirds in a short amount of time.

Morrison's Mac Flight Simulators - News, gossip, and general Mac flight sim info.

Wolfman's Warbirds Mac page - News, information, configuration help, version status, and what to to download (there is version compiled for each processor).

Argo's Warbird's News - Latest news and discussions.

WebSpades, WebHearts, and WebEuchre Free!

1 to 4 players

TCP/IP & internet connection. Crossplatform

A Java-enabled Web Browser

The future of Java is now! Mike Riccio has created two networked card games in Java, WebSpades and WebHearts, that lets you play Spades or Hearts card games against other people on the Internet.

Each game allows you to play with 4 other players, which can be human or computer controlled. One really nice feature is that they allow people to "take over" for a computer, so people can join into a game in progress at any time. Also, if a player drops, the computer will automatically fill in.

Because WebSpades and WebHearts is written in Java, anyone with a Java-enabled web browser can play it -- this includes Macintoshes, PCs running Windows NT and 95, Silicon Graphics Indys, and various Unix workstations. All you need to do is point your Java-enabled browser and play! It's free, and it was created on a Mac.

Play all three at www.webdeck.com
Requires a Java-enabled browser (Netscape 3.0 or Internet Explorer 3.0)