We told you that the latest installment of the Zork
franchise from Activision, "Zork Grand Inquisitor,"
had been canceled for the Mac. Now, some new de-
bate has been sparked among the development team
about whether this is the correct course.
The letters received since this news was published
and a lengthy correspondence between the project's
director, Laird Malamed, and IMG editors have pro-
voked this reevaluation. The simple fact is that the
most recent Zork title, "Zork Nemesis" did signifi-
cantly worse on the Mac than it did on the PC. Part
of this, Malamed concedes, is due to the fact that the
game was Power Mac only at a time when Power Macs were not the bulk of the market. "Spycraft", on the other hand, was released for the Mac about the same time but did better than Nemesis by a 2-1 margin although it did not sell particularly well for the PC. It ran on both 68k Macs and Power Macs.
Activision is currently considering ways to fairly gauge the Mac market for this game and will be informing us of their decision. Keep tuned to IMG for your chance to request this intriguing upcoming title.
http://www.activision.com
Dawnrazor Expands
Dawnrazor is a site to help gamers find opponents for TCP/IP compatible games. They are now offering a connector page for Master of Orion 2 and the soon to be released Pax Imperia 2. Anyone interested in multi-player Internet games should stop by.
http://www.dawnrazor.com/
Apple Releases New Game Sprockets
Apple Sprocket engineers recently released new versions of two of their Game Sprockets. Game Sprockets are libraries used by game developers to easily add powerful, common features to Mac games, such as networking and 3D sound support.
DrawSprocket 1.1.2 has numerous bug fixes. There are many files in the download intended only for developers. As a game player, the only file you need is DrawSprocketLib. It should be placed in the Extensions folder, replacing any previous versions.
NetSprocket 1.1 finally provides networking support through sprockets for 68k users. NetSprocket requires Open Transport 1.1.1 or later. 68k users also need CFM-68k 4.0 (included with Mac OS 7.6.1 and 8.0). As a game player, the only file you need is NetSprocketLib (AND NetSprocketLib68k if you have a 68k machine). This file(s) should be placed in the Extensions folder, replacing any previous versions.
http://www.unsupported.com/
Networkable Mac Games Maintenance Updates
I've been busy updating various pages tonight (some of which is long overdue). I've added Ares and Alien Attack to the NetGames page (sorry Nik for taking so long ;-).
I've also updated the Warbirds entry on the On-Line Games page, based on what Mike reported on Mac Gamers Ledge yesterday. The Newbie Guide is especially useful!
I've finally have updated the Game Performance Tuning page to include a screenshot of the System 8 Extensions Manager. This was often requested, and it's a relief to finally get this back-burner project it done! The reason it took so long is that I wanted to do a clean install of the system software so users can see what the system looked like before I do the usual trashing of junk I don't need. Click over to Extensions Manager and let me know what you think!
Updated the URL for Kali (now at version 1.0b8c) on the Connections page.
Stick Man Games has just announced that they have released an updated version of "Sentinels of Ceth" that fixes a few minor bugs and adds some new features. The game is fast-paced arcade game in which you must prevent an enemy race from stealing the lifeblood of your temple. Here's a short list of what has been added/changed since version 1.1:
• Wave Selection. You can now start at wave 1, 15, or 30. This allows
advanced players to get right into the action.
• Tweaked the Graphics.
• Improved Performance.
• Improved the System Options dialog. It now included balloon help to
explain the options.
• Squashed a couple of little bugs.
Players can either download a complete copy of 1.2, or a small updater if they already have the game. Stop by Stick Man's Web site for more information and download links.
http://www.smgames.com
Monkey Shines Updated; New Level Editor Implemented
Fantasoft's popular game, Monkey Shines has just been updated to version 1.1.2 which includes a new level editor for designing your own add-on worlds. This should be a popular feature, considering the nature of the gameplay; it definitely adds a new twist to the game.
For information and tips on ways to create and edit your own levels, head over to this page.
There has been some confusion over ATI's impending line of cards using the new Rage Pro chip. Here is the skinny as it is now known.
The Rage Pro chip should achieve 3D accelearation speeds equivalent to cards based on the Voodoo (or 3Dfx) chip. At MacWorld Boston, a demo card ran slightly slower than the Power 3D card from Techworks based on the 3Dfx chip. The main difference between the cards is the Rage Pro chips can accelerate both 2D and 3D graphics (3Dfx can only do 3D) and can do both within windows (3Dfx can only accelerate in full-screen mode).
According to an informed source, ATI will be releasing at least two different cards using the new Rage Pro chip (existing ATI cards have the now obsolete Rage II chip): the Nexus GA and another card geared towards gamers. The Nexus GA is the one everyone seems to know about; it is directed at graphics professionals who need major 2D and 3D acceleration and should sell for about $500. The other card will be aimed at gamers and should be priced equivalent to the existing ATI "XClaim VR" card (the slightly higher than the 3Dfx card).
Chances are that this gamer's card will adopt all the features of the XClaimVR card (including TV in/out capabilities), but use the new Rage Pro chip instead of the Rage II. The Rage Pro-based XClaimVR will likely sell for the same price as the Rage II-based card (which may be discontinued entirely or sold at substantial discounts).
What does this mean for gamers trying to choose between cards? Well, it means that if you assume performance will be more or less equal (a valid assumption given demonstrations) and price point (contrary to popular belief) will be close to equal, then it comes down to features. If you want 2D acceleration and in-window rendering, then wait for the new low-end card from ATI. If you don't care about these things, take the plunge and get the Power 3D right now. No release date is known on the Rage Pro-based XClaimVR, but it will probably not be out before the middle of October.
It comes down, then, to game choice. Some games may not include acceleration for both cards. "Myth" from Bungie, for example, will ship with only a 3Dfx version. Therefore, running Myth with the ATI card will be roughly the same as running it with no card at all. There is no way to call what the developer community will do once both cards hit the market and it is always possible that consumer demand could force Bungie, for example, to create a Rage Pro patch for Myth after release.
Courtesy of ATI, here is a list of games which will take advantage of the Rage Pro card.
RAVE games (Released):
Havoc Reality Bytes
Weekend Warrior Pangea Software
Descent II Outrage/Parallax
Mechwarrior2 Green Dragon Creations
Virtual Pool Celeris Inc
Virtual Wings CAT III Systems
Quake Lion Entertainment
RAVE games (Coming Soon or Rumored)
Dark Vengeance Reality Bytes
Nightfall Altor Systems
Terracide Eidos Interactive
Shattered Steel Logicware Inc.
Unreal Maverick Software
Zero R3 Software Ltd.
Millennium Four 5D Games Inc.
Sanctity Antennahead
Manse Ambrosia
These are the facts, gamble as you will.
http://www.atitech.com
http://www.techworks.com
http://www.bungie.com
MacPlay Tells MGL: Starfleet Academy For Mac Due Late October
Our representative at MacPlay indicates that, although they originally planned to ship the Mac version of "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" concurrently with the PC version, they have experienced some "minor delays" and are currently scheduled to ship the Mac version on October 21st. There was no word on what the "minor delay" was. There was also no info on Fallout (we're working on an update for that one too).
http://www.macplay.com
Eidos Interactive To Continue Mac Support
Yesterday, Tikkabik reported that Domark Software, a part of the Eidos Group, continues to work on "Flying Nightmares 2," a flight simulator.
Tikkabik recently had a conversation with Bryan Walker, Simulation Producer for Domark. They asked him about Flying Nightmares 2 and Domark/Eidos' future plans for the Mac:
"The PPC version won't be out until the first quarter, 1998, but it will be a flagship Mac title. We're still planning on dual-platform support for all our simulation titles."
FN2 will support all major 3D cards and will require a PowerPC Mac (PowerMac 7100 or faster), System 7.0, 8 MB available RAM, 2x CD-ROM drive, and a mouse (joystick highly recommended). Visit the Flying Nightmares 2 web page for info, screenshots, feature lists, and a frequently asked questions area.
http://www.eidosinteractive.com/
http://www.tikkabik.com/
http://www.eidosinteractive.com/fn2/fn2.html
Ares Update Posted
Ooops. Anyone who has downloaded the demo of "Ares" (to be published by Changeling and developed by Nathan Lamont) has probably noticed that the demo expired on October 1 and is now unplayable. This little glitch and a few other small matters have been fixed in an update now available from Changeling's Web site.
According to MacRequests, Logicware has announced that it will be porting the runaway PC hit, "Redneck Rampage" to the Mac. This first person shooter, based on the Build Engine (the graphics brain of Duke Nukem 3D), was a surprise hit for InterPlay with it's extremely off color humor and Hee-Haw-on-acid theme.
MacRequests has not yet upgraded this game from "rumored," but we will let you know when the formal confirmation arrives.
To find out more about this game, check out InterPlay's feature page.
A 25-level add-on for Marathon Infinity, "Courier 11," has been unleashed. It should wow Marathon fans with its more cerebral approach, forcing the player to use logic and puzzle solving skills. There's also plenty of action to keep that trigger finger happy.
Courier 11 contains gorgeous artwork, varied settings, and awesome new weapons.
Visit the official Courier 11 Website to see screenshots and download the levels.
According to MacOS Rumors, Microsoft CEO Bill Gates has announced Microsoft's intention "to be the number one game company within two years."
It is unclear what this proclamation means, especially for the Mac market. For some interesting speculation and further details, click over to MacOS Rumors for the full story.
http://www.macosrumors.com/
Daily Levels Get New Address
You can now get your daily dose of add-ons for Duke Nukem 3D, Doom 2, and Quake at Elf's 3D Daily Levels' very own domain.
Change your existing bookmark to http://www.dailylevels.com to get your fix. If you haven't checked out this outstanding site, try it now.
http://www.dailylevels.com
Wizardworks Planning X-Men Quake Add-On, But For Mac?
MacSoft's executive director, Peter Tamte confirmed that WizardWorks is planning to publish a X-Men add-on scenario for Quake (currently planned for a PC release), called "X-Men: The Ravages of Apocalypses." Mr. Tamte indicated that depending on the initial sales of Duke It Out in D.C. for Mac and the initial sales of the PC X-Men product will determine the likelihood of X Men coming to the Mac platform. You can visit the Ravages of Apocalypses web site for more info and screenshots.
http://www.wizworks.com
http://www.wizworks.com/macsoft
http://www.x-men.com/ravages/x-men_ravages_3.html
MacPlay Gives Fallout Release Info
Fresh off of learning about Starfleet Academy's October 21st release date, MacPlay told us yesterday that Fallout, a highly anticipated role-playing game, is due out for Mac around October 14.
Web Site, The Racing Mac, Offers All Things Mac-Racing!
With "Carmageddon" for Mac slowly making its way around the world and into Mac owner's homes and with Bandai's "Racing Days" upcoming release, demand for a specific Macintosh source for racing games is abundant.
The Racing Mac should be your source for such info. The provide the latest news on Mac racing games, as well as offer rumors on future Mac racing titles, a help page for better Mac racing, their own site-of-the-month, chat features, and more. Visit and bookmark this source.
According to Gamespot, the latest game by Douglas Adams (author of the "Hitchhiker's Guide" and "Dirk Gently" series) will not make its announced release date.
Simon & Schuster Interactive, the game's publisher, has announced that "Starship Titanic" will be released in February 1998 rather than November 12 due to "production bottlenecking." A spokesman denies that there have been any technical problems. "We don't want to rush the title just to get it out by Christmas."
http://www.gamespot.com
http://www.simonsays.com/
http://www.starshiptitanic.com/
Blizzard Speaks Out on MacDiablo's Progress
In a rather humorous USENET posting on Monday, Blizzard Asst. Producer Brian Love replied to a gamer's request for any news on the progress. What follows is his post:
"It's not done yet. It'll be done when it's finished.
"It'll be finished when you see the announcement on the Blizzard web site. For those of you who don't have web access, it'll be finished when it shows up in a store near you.
"There will be a demo, it's not done yet either. It'll be done when it
appears on the Blizzard Web site. For those of you who don't have web
access, it'll be done when it shows up in an issue of IMG, the MacAddict CD-ROM, and any other CD's we can get it on.
"I'm sorry I can't be more precise, but software development defies
deadlines. We have the Mac Diablo team chained to their Macs. We bring them copious supplies of JOLT, Mountain Dew, and Fast Food from Del Taco, Arby's and Carl's Jr. They whimper about seeing their families, and we just tell them to code faster.
"<hyperbole marked for the humor impaired>
"Seriously, we're all working hard to get Mac Diablo out the door as soon as possible. Don't believe Cyberian Outpost (or any other retailer) about any release dates they offer. When Mac Diablo goes "GM" we'll announce it on the web site, it will then be in stores anywhere from 72 hrs to one week later.
"Thanks for your patience,
Brian "Doc" Love
Asst. Producer
Blizzard Entertainment"
Needless to say, everyone is waiting anxiously for the release of the game, and we'll be the first to bring the news to you.
http://www.blizzard.com
http://www.macaddict.com
Arena Ready for First Look
Mark Enlow, the author of "Visage," has posted a very early development version of "Arena," his random Quake map generator.
In order to use the maps that you create with Arena, you will need Mark's other Quake utilities "QBSP, LIGHT, and VIS," for compiling Quake maps. You can find the utilities and the documentation on the Visage download page.
There is still much more work to be done on Arena, but for now it can create some really fun deathmatch maps. Watch the IMG news page for information on future versions of Arena when they're ready.
Actual Entertainment, "developer and publisher of games that are actually entertaining," has just announced that its flagship game, "GUBBLE," is just about to be released in the retail world for the Mac.
If you're unfamiliar to the game that has been a sleeper hit on the PC side, GUBBLE is an addictive arcade game that's best described as a 3-D Rendered Pac Man. Stop by Actual Entertainment's web site and give the demo a try. Look for the retail version in stores and catalogues across the country by the end of the month.
http://www.ActualEntertainment.com
From J.R. To ER, You Don't Know Jack: Television Covers It All
Yes, those crazy quiz show party game creators Jellyvision, Inc. and Berkeley Systems have teamed up again to bring you YDKJ: TV, which covers 50 years of television trivia. YDKJ: TV has all the sarcasm you've come to expect from the YDKJ series, and your favorite question types are there as well (fill-in-the-blank, gibberish questions, jack attack, etc.).
The trivia game contains 800 questions that test your knowledge of all aspects of the boob tube including, TV celebrities, sitcoms, infomercials, mini-series, soap operas, morning shows, cartoons, TV dinners, and more.
One to three players can play on a single keyboard. System requirements include a 68040 Mac or any PowerPC Mac; System 7.1 or later, 16 MB of installed RAM, 16 MB free hard disk space, double-speed CD-ROM drive (or faster), and a color monitor capable of at least 640x480 resolution with 256 colors.
You Don't Know Jack: Television (hybrid CD-ROM) is expected to hit the shelves in early November. The anticipated street price is $29.99. Visit Berkeley System's YDKJ: TV Web page for more.
http://www.berksys.com
http://www.berksys.com/lite/products/jack/tv.html
Berkeley Systems Preps You Don't Know Jack Volume 3 And YDKJ: Huge
So you still haven't experienced the Jack Attack?...or you just can't keep up with all of these trivia CDs from Berkeley? Well, your problems are about to be solved. YDKJ Volume 3 is a collection of challenging (and sometimes irreverent) trivia questions in a quiz show format. This volume contains new features, graphics and question types. "Super Audio" is a question type involving an audio-based question; "ThreeWays" is a question type that allows more than one contestant to buzz in on DIS-or-DAT questions; and "Impossible Questions" is a question type that gives you big bucks if you answer it correctly.
Those of you who have not experienced the You Don't Know Jack trivia quiz show can still redeem yourselves...You Don't Know Jack: Huge is a combination of the original 800-question YDKJ, the YDKJ: Volume 2 and Volume 3. This gives you access to over 2400 questions in one collection.
Volume 3 and YDKJ: Huge both support 1 to 3 players on a single keyboard. Their system requirements are the same as YDKJ: TV (above). Both the YDKJ: Volume 3 and YDKJ: Huge (hybrid CD-ROMs) expected release dates are around October 20. Visit the YDKJ-Volume 3 web page and/or the YDKJ: Huge Web page for more info.
Combat Simulations Offers Interview With Parsoft On Upcoming Game
Len Hjalmarson and Neil Mouneinme of the PC flight sim Web site, "Combat Simulations," conducted an interview with Parsoft, concentrating on Parsoft's upcoming title, "Fighter Squadron: Screamin' Demons Over Europe." The interview is lengthy and provides lots of details on the features, characteristics, graphics, and other details about the simulation. It goes into some detail about the built-in mission editor, features and levels of play (arcade, normal, hardcore), as well as the Openplane technology to allow players to build their own WWII planes (not included in the game) and save them for use by others.
It is known that Mac beta testing for this title has been delayed until late November due to extensive database and graphic programming involved.
http://www.combatsim.com/
interview: http://www.combatsim.com/fs_int.htm
http://www.parsoft.com/
According To Blizzard Source, Battle.Net Will Support Mac Diablo
During a chat at efnet (#macdiablo) recently, a Blizzard source indicated that Battle.net internal testing on Mac Diablo was in its beginning stages. Battle.net provides an arena for Blizzard customers to chat, challenge opponents, and initiate multiplayer games, at no cost to the user. There is no hourly or monthly fee to use Battle.net, and there is no startup charge. To play a supported game over the Internet with other players worldwide, simply select the Battle.net option from within the game.
http://www.blizzard.com/
http://battle.net/
Steve Jobs Indicates Games ARE Important For Apple's Success
The Webintosh Web site recently offered coverage of Steve Jobs' keynote address at the Seybold Conference in San Francisco this past Thursday. Webintosh indicated that at some point during the conference, Jonathan Seybold raised the question to Steve Jobs on how Apple was hoping to regain the consumer market share.
Jobs said that the reason for this loss was because their low-end machines that were being produced were only "OK" and Apple had a previous problem with attracting the developers who concentrate in consumer software (including game developers).
Jobs said the key for Apple was to attract this segment of developers, and even said that many, if not most, were making a fundamental shift to accept the Mac, which would be evident this Christmas. We'll see.
http://www.webintosh.com/
GT Purchases Microprose, Potentially Good News For Mac Gaming
According to a Reuters news report Sunday, GT Interactive Software Corp., agreed to buy rival Microprose Inc. (once named Spectrum Holobyte) for about $250 million in stock. GT has been looking to gain a bigger share of the video game business, and this deal would make GT Interactive the second-largest U.S. game software company, behind Electronic Arts Inc., with more than $500 million in annual revenue.
Why is this news potentially good news for Mac gamers? Well, MacSoft is the Mac gaming division of GT Interactive, and since MacSoft publishes GT Interactive's Mac titles, this deal could open up more Microprose game ports to the Mac. Only time will tell. We'll find out if MacSoft has any comments on this deal and will report it here.
http://www.gtinteractive.com
http://www.microprose.com/
http://www.wizworks.com/macsoft
Peter N. Lewis Ventures into Gaming
Peter Lewis and Stairways Software, the same person who brought us such essential Internet utilities as MacTCP Watcher 2.0, Anarchie, and Internet Config is currently beta testing his first entry into the gaming market.
Called "Greebles," Peter describes it as a multi-player network game based loosely on the Pengo genre (like Rubble Trouble and Bubble Trouble) (or if you're not familiar with that, then PacMan is probably the closest well known example). It includes 100 levels, so you can play by yourself, but it's most fun playing with friends (up to four on each Mac, or over a network (Ethernet is recommended) of up to nine machines).
Transfix Launches New Highscores List
Transfix has re-done their Mac Game Highscore List and it's better than ever! Players can submit scores for the following games:
• Apeiron
• Barrack
• Bubble Trouble
• Maelstrom
Submitting a score is now very easy and we've seen great response so far. If you have a score, be sure to submit, the only thing awaiting you is fame.
