May 13, 2008 6:00 AMThe Myth World Cup 2008 has been announced. Beginning in early June players of the classic real time strategy game, Myth II: Soulblighter, will be able to face each other in battle to compete for prizes. Those interested in testing their Myth mettle are encouraged to sign up during the three week registration phase.Have you been looking for a good excuse to dust off that good old Myth 2 cd of yours? Well, now certainly is a good time to do so, because Myth World Cup is here again! MWC08 is now open for registrations. 10 years have now have passed since the first MWC was held and hopefully we can make 10th MWC a great one! The registration will stay open for three weeks and the tournament will start in early June. The tournament is expected to end in August as usual. There will also be money prizes available this year! Head over to the website and sign up your team or go look for one! Click on the link provided below for more information.Myth World Cup 2008Bungie StudiosMyth II: Soulblighter

May 13, 2008 6:00 AMAspyr Media has released a free patch for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for Mac. The 296 MB update brings the game to version 1.3 and introduces a new Front Row Cam option to improve performance on low end machines. The update is available as a free download on Aspyr's site.This is an official update for Guitar Hero III. This patch will update any previous version of Guitar Hero III to version 1.3. This update is recommended for all users. New for 1.3 -New "Front Row Cam" option allows better performance on low end configurations, with smoother gameplay. -Laptop specific optimizations for better performance. -A battery meter icon will display remaining battery charge on supported laptops. More information on Guitar Hero III is available at Aspyr's website listed below.Guitar Hero III 1.3 PatchHarmonixAspyr MediaGuitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

May 13, 2008 6:00 AMBlizzard Entertainment, has announced plans for its third BlizzCon gaming convention, to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on October 10 and 11. BlizzCon is a celebration of the global player communities surrounding Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo franchises. In response to the demand to accommodate more attendees, this year’s event has expanded from two convention halls to three. “Whenever we ’ve been able to meet and interact with Blizzard gamers from around the world, it ’s been a great experience for us, ”stated Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We ’re looking forward to seeing even more of our players at this year ’s BlizzCon and delivering another entertaining and informative event for them. ” BlizzCon will offer a wide variety of activities to help all attendees get the most out of the two-day event. In addition to serving as a gathering place for the different Blizzard Entertainment gaming communities, attendees will be able to enjoy: • Hands-on play time with upcoming Blizzard Entertainment releases • Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers • Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents • Areas and activities devoted to licensed products such as the World of Warcraft ®Trading Card Game • Costume, machinima, and character sound-alike contests with great prizes • Commemorative merchandise based on the Blizzard Entertainment franchises • A silent auction • More exciting activities to be announcedTickets for BlizzCon will go on sale in the next few weeks at a price of $100 USD per person. As the event draws closer, further details will be announced on the official BlizzCon website linked below.BlizzCon 2008Blizzard Entertainment

May 13, 2008 6:00 AMRPG Vault recently published a new article exploring the favorite EVE Online memories of several CCP Games developers. The recollections serve to celebrate the sci-fi MMO's recent fifth anniversary.Huni "TomB" HinrichsenFormer positions: Quality assurance tester, Lead DesignerCurrent position: Super secret agentBest memory of EVE: My first killAs I was flying my brand new Punisher on EVE's second day, I decided a player had to feel some heat from my lasers. At that time, I had been working for weeks with my dearly beloved co-worker Hjortur (AKA Pong) to get the combat experience balanced. I told him I had found my prey, and he described his ship and the scenario; he was flying an Executioner and killing rats at a stargate in a 0.3 security system. He made an evil, low-sounding giggle but still felt kind of sorry for the soon to be killed newbie. I didn't, so I activated my lasers and watched the ship burn slowly. Out of nowhere came the loudest, most painful scream, one no man should ever experience. It came from Hjortur. He was dead. Out of 5,000 players that were currently logged in, I had unknowingly made him the first victim for my lasers. Good times, good loot. Hjalti "Abraxas" DaníelssonFormer position: Customer support Current position: Fiction writer Best memory of EVE: Is that an egg in your pocket? My favorite memory, after years of GM duty, was the one time I risked my job. A player sent in a request for a reward; he claimed to have espied the face of Albert Einstein in one of our nebulas, and was convinced that this was an Easter egg we'd planted. While he was completely sincere about this, he was also very chatty and clearly didn't take himself seriously at all, which was good, because we were very busy at the time, and the only reward I could find for him on short notice was a link to an informational page about psilocybin mushrooms.Head over to the link below to read the rest of the comments.RPG Vault: EVE Online MemoriesCCP GamesTransGamingEVE Online

May 12, 2008 7:03 AMInside Mac Games has posted a review of the find-the-object game Hidden Relics from Toybox Games. Here's a clip from the review:The core of the game is, of course, finding the hidden objects in each location. For each chapter, you are given a fixed amount of time. When I first started playing and I saw that I had been given 30 minutes to find a dozen or so objects on the screen, I thought to myself that even if it is a kids' game it's still way too easy. But shortly thereafter I realized that 30 minutes was the TOTAL amount of time I had to find the antiques (between 40-60) at all 4 locations in the chapter. So you might not want to dawdle excessively in Vienna when you've still got to get to Casablanca, London, and Paris in 20 minutes.Follow the link below to read the full review.IMG Review: Hidden RelicsHidden RelicsToybox Games

May 12, 2008 6:00 AMFactor Software has released a new update for MacPipes X, an action puzzler based on Pipeline. Version 1.2.8 fixes several bugs and updates the help feature. In MacPipes players must connect pipe pieces to reach the required length before the clock runs out.Updates in version 1.2.8:• Fixed the URL for downloading the game when a new version is available.• Improved error handling while purchasing the game via the Kagi Registration Module.• The KRM has been reverted to version 1.0.6 due to unsolved problems with version 1.0.7.• Updated Help.Follow the links below for more information.MacPipes XFactor Software

May 12, 2008 6:00 AMA recent Macworld article provides more information about Aspyr's new Game Agent service. Hosted and managed by Digital River, the Game Agent website will allow users in North America to purchase and download games. The service will not be integrated into the existing utility of the same name at this time."The most important thing to take note of, I think, is that Gameagent.com and the Game Agent application for Mac are, for now, going to be completely separate entities," said Scott. While Game Agent is also what Aspyr is calling its online store, Scott stressed that the online store's capabilities won't be rolled into the application from the start. That's because the store will sell Mac and Windows games, and as it stands right now, Aspyr's Game Agent software is exclusive to the Mac. Because of the limited availability of expensive shelf space in retail locations, Aspyr often has to pull from retailers games that still sell in order to make room for new titles. Game Agent will enable them to continue to sell those games to whomever wants them without having to worry about shelf space. "Right now we're in the process of trying to obtain digital rights to as many older games as we can," said Scott. Scott couldn't provide a count of how many or which games will be available, but she said that Aspyr is hoping to include a number of catalog titles at launch, which should be sometime this summer.Head over to the site below to read more about the new service.Macworld: More Details Emerge About Game AgentAspyr Media

May 12, 2008 6:00 AMNexuiz, Alientrap's freeware FPS death match game project, has been updated to version 2.4.2, bringing a variety of changes to the game. The latest version offers the new Onslaught game mode, a new map, and completely new announcer sounds and voices.More about version 2.4.2:• New gamemode Onslaught new available in the menu• Added map for the onslaught gamemode (ons-reborn)• Completely new announcer sounds/voices• Fixed several problems with lagging gameplay/crashes/wrong display of effects• The teammessage binds are available in the menu (if you do not see them delete or rename your config.cfg)• New server tools for rcon and an irc gateway, updated server documentation• Fixed the rotating textures/hud bug on Mac OSX with r_glsl 1• New crylink primary attack and tweaked some other weapons• Implemented uint16 element array support, this hopefully improves performance on Radeon 9500-X300 cards and GeForce1/2 cardsTo download the latest version and learn more about the game follow the links below.Nexuiz DownloadsNexuiz

May 12, 2008 6:00 AMFrictional Games is now offering the full version of Penumbra: Black Plague for Mac in its online store. The sequel to Penumbra: Overture, the first person adventure game continues the horror laden tale of Philip and his quest to unravel the secrets of the past.Penumbra: Black Plague is a first person horror adventure focussing on story, immersion and puzzle solving. Unlike Penumbra: Overture, violence and combat are not even an option - the player has to use his/her wits to guide Philip through his final test, and this makes the game unique in offering a truly dangerous and terrifying experience. Played from a first person perspective and powered by a 3D engine utilising cutting edge technology, Penumbra: Black Plague is a true advancement to the adventure genre. The unique physics system allows for true environmental interaction in a way only comparable its predecessor. The player can open drawers, pull levers, pick up objects and now manipulate those objects in 3D space - all using natural mouse movements, creating a highly interactive and immersive game world. The Penumbra series' central character, Philip, is realistically vulnerable, while enemies are fierce and intelligent. Any object can be picked up and thrown in defence, but the end result might only be to buy some time or, more likely, anger enemies further. Avoiding, outwitting and sneaking past enemies entirely provide the best chance of survival. Penumbra: Black Plague will put players on edge like never before as they explore bizarre and mysterious environments, the unknown awaiting them behind every corner. The world is detailed both in terms of graphical fidelity and narrative character - Penumbra: Black Plague is a horrific experience that will grip players from its opening thrills to it chilling denouement.Requirements:OS: Mac OS X 10.4 or newerProcessor: 1.5GhzMemory: 512MBDisc Space: 300MB free(for demo)Video Card: Radeon 9600/GeForce 4(GeForce4MX not supported)The full version of Penumbra: Black Plague costs $19.95 and weighs in at a hefty 600MB. A demo version is also available. Follow the links below for more information.Frictional GamesPenumbra: Black Plague

May 9, 2008 11:58 AMThe pending release of Fable: The Lost Chapters has inspired IMG's Brad Custer to created a new desktop for the game in his return. Here's what Brad had to say about his desktop, titled "Decisions":With the release of Fable: The Lost Chapters from Feral Interactive looming in the near future there's been a definite theme in my recent requests. I will admit that I also share your enthusiasm for game so I was more than willing to create another desktop for the upcoming title. I was able to design this week's wallpaper with the help of Feral Interactive and my trusty cable modem.To check out his latest desktop, and many more, head over to Custer's Desktops.Custer's Corner

May 9, 2008 6:00 AMDroid Assault is the latest in a series of modern-retro arcade shooter games released by Puppygames. The game attempts to capture the feel of 8-bit games such as Paradroid and Quazatron, with modern graphics and sound. It's available to download now for Mac OS, Windows and Linux. Droid Assault harkens back to 1985 for its gameplay and style, with Puppygames’ signature stylised retro graphics and superbly atmospheric sound effects. Players control a droid infiltrating the Omni-Corp warehouses, in which all of the battle droids have accidentally been switched on and are running amok. Destroying droids earns transfer points, which in turn enables the player to capture more droids using a transfer beam, or capture fixed gun turrets and turn them to his or her own advantage. Eventually the player builds up a small army to assist in clearing out the factory warehouses. The droids you capture run off and start destroying enemies for you! Along the way, droids can be modified with a whole plethora of upgrades and powerups. Droid Assault features: • 50 different levels to blast through • 48 unique enemy robots to capture or destroy • 20 different weapons including disruptors, laser beams, rockets and flamethrowers • 17 powerups to augment and enhance your captured squad • 4 giant boss robots • Online hiscores tableDroid Assault requires Mac OS X and costs $9.95. Click over to the link below for more information.Droid AssaultPuppy Games

May 9, 2008 6:00 AM3D Realms has marked the 16th anniversary of Wolfenstein 3D's release with a discussion of the game and a collection of W3D related trivia. Created by id Software and released by Apogee Software (an earlier incarnation of 3D Realms), the shooter played an important role in the creation of the first person shooter genre.Since it is Wolf's birthday, we wanted to bring you a few small tidbits to mark the anniversary. First up is a recreation of the Episode 3 Boss battle with Adolf Hitler from the game. The unique thing here is that it was done in Lego! There is a current craze in doing things (especially games) in Lego, so why not recreate a classic game? This was done by Wolf fan Ciamoslaw Ciamek. Second up is an old piece of video. It's a TV interview from 1992 by Byron Harris for NBR with Scott Miller & George Broussard of Apogee as well as John Romero (then of id ). It talks about the two companies, and shows some of the background development of Wolf3D. We originally posted this video back in the summer of 1998, you can read that old news story for some background on the video. Wolfenstein 3D is still an item we sell 16 years later. The game has been ported from its PC original to a ton of platforms, including the 3DO, Super Nintendo, the Game Boy Advance, the Macintosh, the Atari Jaguar, and the good old Apple IIgs.Head over to the site below to read more.3D Realms: Wolfenstein 3D's Sweet Sixteen

May 9, 2008 6:00 AMDigital River, a provider of global e-commerce solutions, has announced that it signed an e-commerce agreement with Aspyr Media. Digital River will build, host and manage an online store to support the sale and digital delivery of select Macintosh and PC based products in North America. Aspyr expects the online store, called Game Agent, to launch during the summer of 2008. “Gaming publishers continue to choose Digital River as an e-commerce partner because of the depth and breadth of our world-class e-commerce system and our deep domain expertise, ”said Joel Ronning, Digital River ’s CEO. “We are pleased to be working with Aspyr, a company that industry reporting experts have ranked among the top 15 largest game publishers in the United States. With our experience, we intend to deliver a solution for Aspyr that will make a measurable difference for the company and its customers.” “Digital distribution of computer games is a proven business model and an option that more and more gamers are seeking, ”said Ted Staloch, executive vice president of publishing for Aspyr. “Aspyr has long been the dominant player in the Macintosh gaming space and we want to build on that leadership and create the best possible online solution for our customers. Digital River will deliver a secure and robust online store that will give gamers a satisfying experience when downloading great titles from Aspyr and its partners.”For more information about the two companies follow the links below.Aspyr MediaDigital River

May 9, 2008 6:00 AMid Software has confirmed that production has begun on DOOM 4, the next journey into the legendary DOOM universe. The company is expanding its internal team and is currently hiring new staff work on the highly anticipated title. "DOOM is part of the id Software DNA and demands the greatest talent and brightest minds in the industry to bring the next installment of our flagship franchise to Earth," said Todd Hollenshead, CEO, id Software. "It's critical for id Software to have the best creative minds in-house to develop games that meet the standards synonymous with our titles." The DOOM franchise is one of the most recognizable and important in gaming history, having been named "one of the ten most influential games of the decade" by PC Gamer and "the #1 game of all time" by GameSpy. DOOM 4 will join the award-winning series which has consistently topped sales charts throughout the world. We are looking for talented, ambitious and passionate individuals eager to join our accomplished team of developers working on the industry’s most innovative and anticipated games. For a complete listing of available positions, visit our id Careers page . Resumes can be submitted via email. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.There is no word yet on the possibility of a Mac version of DOOM 4. For more information head over to id's homepage at the link below.id Software

May 9, 2008 6:00 AMIn a recent forum post Spiderweb Software's Jeff Vogel revealed some new information about the upcoming Geneforge 5. The final game in the RPG saga will allow players to bring the war between Shapers and Rebellion to an end. G5 will feature five different factions, six character classes, and a complex storyline.I have done a lot of work on the interface. Geneforge 5 now supports OpenGL and will tap some of the power of your graphics card. In Geneforge 5, you can play the game on any size of monitor and you can play the game in a window. If you have a huge monitor, you can see a huge chunk of the terrain around you. It really makes a big difference. There are a lot of new graphical frills that make things look quite a bit nicer. Of course, these can be turned off on older machines. I fully intend for old machines to be able to run Geneforge 5, though you might need to shrink the play area a bit. There is now customization for the keyboard shortcuts. You can also customize the game area somewhat by moving around or minimizing the party roster and automap. You will not be surprised to learn that many major characters from earlier in the series are returning for a final hurrah (or destruction). You will also get to meet and deal with the mysterious Shaper Council. The chaos of the previous years have caused the leaders of the Shapers to become ... erratic. Perhaps this can be exploited for your gain.Vogel is still working toward a November release for the Mac version of Geneforge 5. Read the rest of his comments at the link provided below.Geneforge 5 May UpdateSpiderweb SoftwareGeneforge 5

May 9, 2008 6:00 AMMacgamestore has announced the release of The Scruffs for the Macintosh on its web site. Developed by Sweet Tooth Games, The Scruffs is an original seek-and-find challenge. After Mr. Scruff loses his job, the Scruffs believe they have no choice but to sell their house and move on. But, Grandpa Scruff reveals that he's hidden valuable artifacts throughout the Scruff home and if they can locate them all they won't have to sell their family home! And, in a surprising twist, Grandpa reveals he's hiding something else too - a shocking family secret! Join the Scruffs on a scavenger hunt that will not only save the day, but will also uncover the secret that will change their lives forever. Features: • Thousands of Hidden Items to Find • 20 Locations to Explore • Innovative Mini-Games • Original Story and Characters The Scruffs for Mac requires Mac OS X 10.3.9+ and is available for $19.95 USD through Macgamestore. A free 60 minute trial Universal Binary demo version of the game is available for download. Buy The Scruffs

May 8, 2008 6:37 AMInside Mac Games has posted a review of the microscopic wargame, Biofilm from Battery Acid Games. Here's a clip from the review:One of the premises of the game I found particularly interesting is the role of resources. Unlike many strategy games where gathering resources is really just a way of getting enough funds to build your army, in Biofilm the "troops" will dwindle and die when they are away from food for too long. This adds a new complication when you are sending troops out on a sortie or commando mission, and raises the excitement level in a way that other RTS-crafters would be wise to consider. There's something quite gripping about watching a small group of starving troops, led by a single "Glower," making their way across an unlit expanse, hoping to find a new nutrient patch and not to run into hostiles.Follow the link below to read the full review.IMG Review: BiofilmBiofilmBattery Acid Games

May 8, 2008 6:00 AMThe 37th Q&A focusing on answers to fan questions about StarCraft II, Blizzard Entertainment's long awaited sequel to the original StarCraft, is now available. SC II will introduce new multiplayer action and a continuation of the storyline.2. Could you tell us more details about the Reapers' mines mechanics? Are they visible for the enemy? Can they be defused, or should simply be destroyed? Do they deal damage to friendly units and to each other? If so, does the explosion of one mine cause the detonation of its neighbors, or they just die, without dealing damage?Yes, the Reapers mines will be visible, though depending on the placement, they can be covered by enemy units moving over them. The mines have very few hit points and can be killed easily. Nonetheless, it is important to note that they are very small, making it more difficult to micromanage those attacks when there are several mines. Mines damage both enemy and friendly units/buildings, so making sure you dont blow up your own Reapers is quite important ;) Mines will not detonate other mines, have a 30 second cooldown, and they currently do 30 damage plus 30 additional damage to armored units (including buildings). Furthermore, the mine is now an upgradeable ability of the Reaper.4. Do Anti-Gravitated Banelings keep their suicidal abilities and act as Scourge?Yes, when Banelings die while being lifted by Anti-Gravity, their explosion will hit air units in its area of effect. This could undoubtedly open up some unique and unexpected strategies in team games.Check out the rest of the Q&A at the link below.Starcraft Forums: SC 2 Q&A Batch 37StarCraft Forums: Ask Your SC 2 Questions HereStarCraft Forums: Q&A ArchiveBlizzard EntertainmentStarCraft II

May 8, 2008 6:00 AMBlackwight has announced the release of HGSE, a shareware arcade-style game that emphasizes observation and tactical skills. The game is a sequel to Hollow Ground, from the Swedish game maker Aescapia. The original game has been preserved in an entirely new and "highly extensible game engine." Three new boss monsters and 13 new maps have been added for this release, and Blackwight promises to add more content in the future.Here are a few key features of the game:• Flexible graphics allow a range from dark grunge to science fantasy.  • Two players can play at once using joysticks or the keyboard. When parents and kids are playing, the gore can be deactivated.  • Tactical opportunities are common and not always obvious. HGSE does not underestimate the player.  • Quick and responsive control.  • Four mercenaries, sixteen weapons, eighteen temporary power-ups and fourteen permanent power-ups allow for creativity in perfecting the mercenary. The player must traverse 40 of the 78 maps chosen in a semi-random fashion to reach an ultimate goal.  • Players can contribute new maps using a separate editor which we plan to release free of charge in the summer of '08.  • A Live Update feature provides an ongoing stream of new material and player contributed maps, as well as minor repairs, should they be needed.HGSE requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher and at least a 400 Mhz G3 or Intel processor. The demo version, offering 16 of the current 78 maps, is available at the website below. The full game is priced at $19 with registered users of the original Hollow Ground able to purchase a registration code for $4.99.HGSEBlackwight

May 8, 2008 6:00 AMThe iPod Observer has posted a new review article examining Yahtzee, one of many titles available for Apple's iPod device. The game brings the classic dice rolling of Hasbro's family game to the iPod with the addition of unlockable levels, multiple game modes, and multiplayer action. iPod Observer gave the game a Recommend rating.The iPod is a personal device: You listen to your music on it, watch your movies and videos, you get podcasts and audiobook that you like loaded up on it. It's a small device with a small screen that is meant for private viewing. Yahtzee, on the other hand, was created to be played with at least one other person, someone you can kid around with. Yahtzee solo just ain't a lot of fun and playing against the computer is no good either. You need another person to play with. That's not to say Yahtzee for the iPod is not a well executed game, in fact I think its a game ideally suited for the iPod. The screen is simple and easy to see, the controls are equally simple and an absolute joy to use, and this version of Yahtzee is faithful to the original, almost to a fault. I also believe that in situations where you and several folks are cramped into a small space for 30 minutes or more, on a road trip for instance, you'd be hard pressed to find a more suitable and fun game to play. You can't hear the dice shaking in the cup, however, unless everyone has earphones of some sort. But then, that might not be such a bad thing because it's likely everyone will be talking anyway.Head over to the site below to read the rest of the review.iPod Observer: Yahtzee Review

May 8, 2008 6:00 AMA recent article in The Escapist online gaming magazine offers an examination of the declining difficulty in mainstream games. The feature explores the reasons why developers have reduced the difficulty level, the overall impact of the change, and the creation of a niche market for those who still want a punishing challenge.While few go as far as LEGO Star Wars developer Traveller's Tales did, we saw a related attitude rise among games that were traditionally for a limited demographic: an attitude I tend to characterize as "entryist." The math was simple: The cost of making games has risen, but publishers have reached the upper limit of what they can reasonably charge the consumer. This means developers have to work out a way to sell the game to more people while not compromising their core audience in order to stay profitable. Traveller's Tales achieved this by making LEGO Star Wars easier while maintaining enough depth to satisfy experienced players. Newcomers could have a more basic experience and be lured in, while seasoned gamers could go off and do their own thing. The results of the entryist movement have been mixed. Compare what happens when you say "Knights of the Old Republic," which practically beat itself, and "Deus Ex: Invisible War," which was nigh impossible, in a room full of gamers. Fine-tuning difficulty remains problematic for developers. While it may have been satisfactory for System Shock 2 to sell 250,000 units in 1999, sales numbers like that in today's development environment would be disastrous. So while Bioshock plays similarly to SS2, it's far more forgiving if you're not an experienced first-person gamer. Ken Levine was famously quoted as telling the team he wanted his grandmother to be able to complete it on "Easy." Which is all well and good, but there's a problem with entryism: No one appreciates the top end, since everyone follows the path of least resistance. If "Grandma Mode" is available, hardcore gamers are more likely to waltz through the game than attempt a harder difficulty. There's no point to putting yourself through a tougher experience if the end result is the same. Fundamentally, the entryist movement has failed - the bottom level has been lowered, but the top level, the level at which games were originally designed to be played, has been weakened in turn. In short, Mass Effect is not Planescape: Torment.To read the full article follow the link provided below.The Escapist: Hard Times

May 7, 2008 6:00 AMMacgamestore has announced the release of Supercow for the Macintosh. Developed by Russian-based NevoSoft, the game is a colorful side-scrolling action title designed for all ages. Features include professional cartoon actors voicing the game's characters, and a variety of levels and challenges to conquer.Professor Duriarti, a famous criminal, has seized the farm and captured the animals! He cloned them and made the clones work for him to successfully fulfill his diabolical plan of earth's destruction. Through her network of informants, Supercow heard about the situation, and dashed off to save the farm animals. Because after all, who knows how to save the farm better than Supercow? Supercow is an arcade game for the entire family! Features: • Professional cartoon actors speaking for characters • Control game with either mouse or keyboard • Plenty of levels and challenges to beatSupercow for the Mac is available for $19.95 USD through Macgamestore. A free 60 minute trial Universal Binary demo version of the game is available for download.Buy Supercow

May 7, 2008 6:00 AMGame Career Guide has posted a new article exploring the use of physics in computer games. The feature traces the history of physics in games from the early days of Pong to the processor intensive shooters of today.Even before the advanced 3D graphics of current generation video games, physics played an important role in the game experience. One of the earliest examples of successful game physics is in Spacewar, released in 1962. In Spacewar, players control spaceships that fire bullets and missiles at one another while avoiding being shot or colliding with a star. The physics in that game calculates a gravitational pull that arcs the trajectory of bullet fire, and pulls ships toward them. This gives the game a unique feel that even later more technologically advanced games like Asteroids can't reproduce. A decade later Pong brought games to mainstream audiences. While Pong had primitive gameplay -- two paddles knocking a ball back and forth -- it's based on a simple physics calculation that determines where on the paddle the ball will hit and bounces it back at the appropriate angle. Atari knew it was on to something good and used the same game mechanic in a single-player version, Breakout. Instead of trying to beat an opponent, the player tries to destroy stationary bricks. Meanwhile, while the bulk of game makers were designing games set in abstract and alien worlds, a Japanese company was working on a video game with a more human protagonist. Donkey Kong, the first "jumping" game, or platformer, was released in 1981 and garnered a great deal of public attention. Instead of piloting a ship like in Spacewar, or a floating paddle like in Pong, Donkey Kong players control a carpenter named Jumpman.The full article is available at the website listed below.Game Career Guide: Physics In Mass Market Games

May 7, 2008 6:00 AMMacworld's Game Room has published a new review of Return to Dark Castle, the long awaited third installment in the classic action series. The game once again sends players, this time in the form of a new hero, into the Dark Castle to vanquish the Black Knight and his evil minions. The Game Room gave Return to Dark Castle a score of 3.5 out of 5 mice.From the review:Mac gamers who have grown up in the modern era are likely to find many of Return to Dark Castle’s embellishments quaint; the game still sports a fixed resolution of 640-by-480 pixels, for example, though it can be switched in and out of full-screen mode. The graphics are still bitmapped; even the basic interface of the game is extraordinarily “classic” Mac-like. But that’s the charm of Return to Dark Caste for gamers like me who will always have a soft spot in their hearts for this particular game series. Gameplay is surprisingly challenging, especially at higher difficulty levels. Game controls are fairly easy to remember; most of the controls are clustered around the WASD keys, and the mouse is used for aiming and firing your weapon. Z Sculpt developed its own software for managing input from game controllers, which you can download and install if you want to use a gamepad or another device besides the mouse and keyboard (you’re prompted to do so if you click on the input preference). It works pretty well. Return to Dark Castle has very modest system requirements, as long as you’re running OS X 10.3 (Panther) or better. It should run on anything better than a 500MHz G3 or faster, and is a Universal binary so it’ll even run natively on Intel Macs. What’s more, a playable demo is available so you can give it a try before you plunk down $30.Click over to the link below to read the full review.Macworld's Game Room: Return To Dark Castle ReviewZ SculptReturn to Dark Castle

May 7, 2008 6:00 AMAmbrosia Software has announced the release of Uplink 1.6.0. This release brings support for PowerPC and Intel-based Macs, and also provides enhancements to the cyber-hacking strategy game. Improvements and changes in version 1.6.0: • Uplink is now a Universal Binary that runs natively on PowerPC and Intel Macs • Updated game content • Toggle fullscreen and change resolutions in-game without restarting Uplink • Various bug fixes and enhancements Uplink costs $25, requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, and is now a Universal Binary application. Follow the links below for more information.Contraband EntertainmentAmbrosia SoftwareUplink

May 6, 2008 7:00 AMInside Mac Games has posted a review of the building sim Build-a-Lot from Red Marble Games. Here's a clip from the review:Two game modes are supplied: Story mode and casual mode. In story mode a certain amount of objectives must be met, such as earning $250,000 or building a specific kind of house. For the most part the idea is to generate a set amount of rental income per month. As you progress through the levels you will move from town to town, meeting a different mayor in each area. The fact that they constantly "help you out" with tips even though you have to complete a tutorial to play can get a little annoying, I do not like being treated like an idiot! Though again, this is a casual game and most players won't be as game-literate as some.To read the full review, follow the link below.IMG Review: Build-a-LotBuild-A-LotRed Marble Games

May 6, 2008 6:00 AMIndependent filmmakers Patrick A. McIntire and Adrian Vanderbosch recently unveiled a daily blog chronicling their efforts to bring Cyan's Myst franchise to Hollywood with a big screen adaptation of the popular exploration puzzle title. Code named Project Passage, the endeavor spent its infancy gaining endorsement from Rand Miller, CEO of Cyan Worlds and creator of Myst. Now, a full narrative of the project’s every turn is available on the new blog site."When we first approached Rand about doing a website telling our story, he was elated. We found that his ideas in its execution mirrored our own - to really expose the blood, sweat and tears that go into a process like this" says Mr. McIntire. The online journal exposes his and Mr. Vanderbosch’s hopes, goals and fears without apology, forming an emotional bridge to the readers. "There is a large misconception that the Myst movie will be just a rehash of the game" Vanderbosch says from his home office in South Bend, Indiana. "Some people who grew up with the game just aren’t familiar with the huge fictional universe that Cyan developed as the backdrop for Myst" That backdrop, portrayed in three novels published by Disney’s Hyperion throughout the 1990s is the focus of the film in development. Myst: The Book of Ti’ana, the basis for the motion picture, tells the story of a prideful civilization known as the D’ni who live in a large cavern at the center of the Earth. Their ability to magically create and travel to worlds they describe in volumes of linking books forms the epicenter of their social, political and religious structures - that is until young Anna from a world away shows up at the city gates. "Ti’ana is about how one challenge to a society’s beliefs can expose the cracks in its facade and unravel its very fabric. The story is about a people and their fear of losing their identity" Mr. Vanderbosch recounts. "Identity is very important" McIntire says in support of their unorthodox approach. "We’re new players in the game, and instead of masquerading as big-wigs, we’re honest about where we come from" That place is the middle of the Midwest - about 3,000 miles from the studios. "We may be strangers to Hollywood, but Myst isn’t. Just in the last couple of years, Cyan has entertained many conglomerates as suitors. I think our approach was a breath of fresh air"To learn more about the project and how it began click over to the site linked below.Myst Motion Picture Journal

May 6, 2008 6:00 AMTheDigitalLifestyle.tv has unveiled a new webpage devoted to reviews of every game currently available for Apple's iPod multimedia device. The video reviews offer brief summaries of the gameplay and opinions on whether or not the title is worth purchasing.If you've been reading the blog for awhile, you know from time to time we'll post a new review of an iPod game. Well, at long last, and after many hours of fun (but also frustrating) gameplay, we have reviewed every single currently available game for the iPod. So, no need to buy a game to find out it's a dud, or wade through the hundreds of comments on the iTunes store.Click over to the link below for more information.TheDigitalLifestyle.tv: iPod Game Review Page

May 6, 2008 6:00 AMTenderfoot Games recently announced that an open beta version of Wild West Online: Gunfighter is now available. In the game players take the role of a gunslinger in the 19th Century American West. As gun fighters, players engage in duels, working their way across hundreds of towns and territories as they make a name for themselves. Wild West Online: Gunfighter offers players the option to hone their skills against human or computer-based opponents. Although set in a rich, 3D environment Wild West Online: Gunfighter can be played right from a web browser, making it highly accessible. "Wild West Online: Gunfighter is not just a quick-draw test of reflexes," says Ariel Butler, Executive Producer for Tenderfoot Games. "The outcome of gun battles hinges on players' tactical decisions, actions, and their appetite for risk leading to the decisive moment." Butler added, "Wild West Online: Gunfighter is a game that's easy to learn but has a lot of depth. Because each gunfight can be played out against an opponent in just a few minutes, it's a great way to take a break from work, or lose yourself in an evening of absorbing action as you find yourself saying, 'Just one more fight and then I'll log off!'" In Wild West Online: Gunfighter, players acquire items and skills that improve their gun fighting ability over time. The game is playable for free, with players having the option to purchase Golden Eagles, the game's premium virtual currency, to purchase special items or speed the rate at which they acquire new skills and abilities. Players are also able to purchase items using Scrip, which is awarded to everyone for free play. Wild West Online: Gunfighter is a key part of the Wild West Online multiplayer game experience, which, when released, will offer players an immersive and wide-ranging selection of period-authentic activities.The open beta of Wild West Online: Gunfighter is available for Mac OS X 10.4 and higher, and is available at the website linked below.Wild West Online: Gunfighter

May 6, 2008 6:00 AM1UP.com has posted a new preview of Blizzard Entertainment's upcoming StarCraft II. Based on the experiences of two editors who battled against one another using an early version of the game, the article offers a player's perspective of the changes coming to the popular RTS franchise.Milky: Back in the day I would play online and always pick "random" as my race. That's how confident I was in my grasp of each race's tech tree. But this time around, I truly believe that anyone who picks the Terrans has their work cut out for them. Terrans of old at least had a fairly easy-to-manage grid, even though building 50 supply depots was a mess no matter where you put 'em. Now, with the new, highly detailed 3D graphics, organizing a Terran base is a headache. Big buildings, which look totally cool, often don't have any function of their own, but enhance whatever they're attached to. It'll take some getting used to, and no matter how I laid things out, it always still seemed like a mess. But the multiple rally points, depending on race, and the new automated commands, like being able to set SCVs to auto-repair if in the vicinity of damaged units, are life-savers. Jeff: Yes, auto-repair is cool! One of those small ideas you wonder how you lived without previously. Same with the multiple rally points -- that one I'm surprised hasn't showed up in other RTS games that I know of. Terrans have always had problems of sprawl and unwieldiness, but, hey, at least now the supply depots have some functionality and strategic importance to them rather than just being lumps hogging up valuable map space. I will say that not only is it to be expected that you're not confident in all the races yet, it's also, obviously, a very good thing that you aren't, because it points to just how much Blizzard's changed and added, even for a veteran like yourself.Head over to the link provided below to read the rest of the preview.1UP.com: StarCraft II PreviewBlizzard EntertainmentStarCraft II

May 5, 2008 6:00 AMGrubby Games has announced its latest title, The Amazing Brain Train. The game challenges players with 15 different brain challenging games, in 5 categories. Brain Train features three different play modes, 32 trophies to unlock, and an online scoreboard. All aboard! Power up your intellect and embark on an epic quest aboard The Amazing Brain Train! Fueled by your mental energy, Professor Fizzwizzle's Brain Train will take you on a brain-boosting adventure! Put your mighty mind to the test and see how far you can go! When you download the free demo of The Amazing Brain Train, you have tons of fun in store:• 15 different brain games, in 5 categories!• Three different ways to play: Quest Mode, Test Mode, and Practice Mode!• 32 unique trophies to unlock! Strengthen your brain and achieve them all!• 16 categories of brainy high score competition! Compete with players around the globe!• Easy to play - Each game is demonstrated visually; everything is easy to learn!• Highly customizable controls - Play the game however you want to!• 60 day money-back guarantee: No risk!Requirements:• Mac OS X• 500MHz or or faster processor, Intel or PPC Mac• 256MB RAM• 36MB hard drive spaceThe Amazing Brain Train costs $19.95. A free demo version is available from the Grubby Games site listed below.Grubby GamesThe Amazing Brain Train

May 5, 2008 6:00 AMBlizzard Entertainment has taken the wraps off its newly redesigned Official Blizzard Store. The overhaul includes the introduction of Blizzard Accounts which will allow users to download full versions of Blizzard games after they have entered the CD-Keys, and serve as a place for fans to sign up for future beta tests. In addition to the new accounts the store also includes a more complete offering of Blizzard licensed products, from board games to strategy guides.1) Your Blizzard Account is now the main place for you to enter Blizzard's Beta-Test Eligibility Lists. So make sure you setup an account and tick the box inside your Email settings to enter yourself into the Blizzard Beta Lottery. 2) A major new function now available is the ability to download copies of Blizzard games that you have previously purchased. You need to log into your account page and then go to the Games tab. Inside you'll be able to input the CD-Keys from StarCraft, StarCraft Battlechest, StarCraft Anthology, Warcraft III, Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, Warcraft Battlechest, Diablo II, Diablo II: Lord of Destruction, Diablo II Battlechest (Diablo II downloads will be made available soon) or World of WarCraft, though WoW client downloads are still handled through the WoW website. The Store now also features most of the Blizzard Licensed Products, including: Board Games, Figurines, Novels, Strategy Guides, and Misc. other products. A new StarCraft Anthology was released, basically a digital download of SC & SC:BW, without the added expense for the BattleChest that includes Strategy Guides. Follow the links below to check out all the new features.Blizzard Online StoreBlizzard Account SignupStarcraft.org: New Blizz Store NewsBlizzard Entertainment

May 5, 2008 6:00 AMComputer and Video Games has posted a hands-on preview of Blizzard Entertainment's upcoming StarCraft II, the eagerly awaited sequel to one of the most successful real time strategy games available. The feature offers a look at some of the new units in action, an explanation of the Zerg Queens new abilities, and comments from Blizzard's Dustin Browder and Chris Sigaty. If the original StarCraft's multiplayer games had one shortfall, it was the sense that there was a set formula for victory; an optimum order in which to construct buildings and units that simply couldn't be countered if built quickly enough. With StarCraft II's multiplayer games seeming to head down a similar route, I asked Sigaty about this design choice. "StarCraft II is a fast game, a mean game, it's all about attack," he explained. "We tried to add in tougher base defences, but it stopped people rushing. They just hid behind their base and no one attacked for a very long time. Whenever the game defences get too strong the game suffers. "If you're not as good as someone else you're going to lose, just like in any other sport. If you try to hit a baseball thrown by a professional pitcher, you won't have a good time and in the same way if you play a professional StarCraft player you will get trounced." With much balancing still ahead, and with the implementation of a collection of player aides that could help level the playing field for newcomers (check out the Learn Don't Burn boxout for more) it's more than possible that my niggling concerns will become moot by the time the game ships. Here's hoping.To read the full article head over to the link listed below.CVG: StarCraft II PreviewBlizzard EntertainmentStarCraft II

May 5, 2008 6:00 AMFactor Software has released a new update for Germs, its color matching puzzle title. Version 1.3.1 fixes several bugs and updates the help feature. In Germs, the player picks up germ sprites from a "culture dish" and arranges them on the gameboard in patterns of the same color to make them disappear. Updates in Germs 1.3.1:• Fixed an issue that caused the monitor color depth not being properly restored after changing the option for setting the display to thousands of colors while in full screen. • Fixed the URL for downloading the game when a new version is available. • Improved error handling while purchasing the game via the Kagi Registration Module. • The KRM has been reverted to version 1.0.6 due to unsolved problems with version 1.0.7. • Updated Help. Head over to the site below for more information about the game.GermsFactor Software

May 2, 2008 6:38 AMInside Mac Games has posted a review of the hidden object game Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate from Big Fish Games. Here's a clip from the review:Find 3 stars, a duck, a trowel, a pair of soiled underpants, a speaker, 2 headless kittens, a microscope, a Dingman mouth gag, 3 snakes, a grand orrery, and a lightning bolt.Ok, I admit to taking some liberties with the list to liven it up a bit. But what do 3 snakes and couple of ducks have to do with discovering the murder plot?? Oh, never mind, it's better to just go with the flow. Hmm, I wonder if anyone has thought about an adult version of this type of game? Anyway before I distract myself with the possibilities, that's the idea and it sounds pretty easy.Follow the link below to read the full review.IMG Review: Mystery Case Files: Madame FateMCF: Madame FateBig Fish Games

May 2, 2008 6:00 AMGamasutra recently published an article examining the current state of the indepent game market. Specifically focusing on "casual games," the article offers an examination of the types of players who use casual games, and the struggles unique to developers trying to be noticed in an increasingly crowded marketplace.The PC platform where independent gaming started is the platform of biggest revenue for casual games. But casual games downloads are going through a crisis. There is a number of good studios cranking out a far higher number of good games than the audience can consume, creating a glut of good titles and reducing the shelf life of every title. This crisis is accentuated by the fact that portals haven't turned out to an Amazon or Netflix model; instead, they pushing the same top 10 to every user, regardless of the user's tastes. This has forced portals to look only for titles that appeal to the vast majority of people. Genres like time management, hidden object, lightweight adventure, puzzle, and simulation are well accepted by the audience, and if you can innovate in these genres then you have a good opportunity. Just keep in mind that in order to make your money back you need to stay a good number of weeks in the top 10 of the major portals, and that means that you need to reach at least top five in most of them to have enough momentum. Every other genre is likely to be rejected by the mainstream portals. And it's because it's a chicken and an egg situation: with their "one top 10 for everybody formula" they have only been able to convert their original audience to paying customers: 35+ females. It's not that males aren't playing casual games; in fact, the Casual Games Association, in their last market report, showed that 48% of casual gamers are male -- but 76% of casual gamers who pay for a downloadable game are female.To read the full article click over to the link provided below.Gamasutra: The State Of Indie Gaming

May 2, 2008 6:00 AMPopCap Games, a developer and publisher of casual games, announced that continuing through May 11, 2008, the company will honor Mother's Day by donating 30% of the price of each game sold on its website to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the global leader in the fight to end breast cancer. The monetary goal of the Mother's Day fund-raising drive is $100,000 - and if that goal is met, all consumers who participated (by purchasing one or more games) will receive a free gift from PopCap."For more than 25 years, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has been on a mission to end breast cancer forever," said Katrina McGhee, vice president of marketing at Komen for the Cure. "Partners such as PopCap are an integral part of that mission, helping us reach millions of consumers with life-saving breast health messages and raising funds that support breast cancer research and community health programs." "For this year's Mother's Day promotion, we wanted to make a significant contribution to a cause that relates directly to mothers, and this seemed like an ideal way to do that," said Ben Rotholtz, vice president of marketing for PopCap. "Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer, which obviously affects many mothers and their families. If the contribution we make saves even one life down the road, it will be a success in our eyes." In the earliest days of the company, PopCap's founders used their own mothers as "sounding boards" for games in development. "We would set our moms down in front of PCs with early-stage versions of games such as Bejeweled, and just leave them there for awhile," recalled Jason Kapalka, one of PopCap's co-founders and the company's chief creative officer. "If they were still playing when we returned, we knew we were headed in the right direction with a game that could appeal to a very wide audience." PopCap continues to use mothers and grandmothers in the testing stages with each of its games, and more than two-thirds of the company's Beta Test Group comprises adult female consumers.The promotion is automated from the customer's standpoint; they pay the standard price of $9.95 to $19.95 per game, and thirty percent of that purchase price is directed to the charity. Even gift certificates purchased during the promotion will apply. The promotion officially ends at midnight, Pacific Daylight Time, on May 11, 2008.Click over to the links below for more information.Mother's Day PopCap PromotionPopCap Games

May 2, 2008 6:00 AMBrad Custer, our resident desktop guru, wanted to pass along the news that Custer's Desktops will return next week after his brief hiatus. He's been upgrading his computer system and will be back with another great wallpaper then. So, be sure to keep those requests coming in.Until then, stop by Custer's Desktops to check out the large selection of desktops already available.Custer's Corner

May 2, 2008 6:00 AMHothead Games has announced that the Mac, Windows, and Linux versions of Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One have reached gold master status and are planned for worldwide download via the new digital download service Greenhouse later this quarter. In celebration, Hothead gave some infamous Penny Arcade characters a new look and let them loose on the unsuspecting websites rainslick.com, hotheadgames.com, and playgreenhouse.com for the public to enjoy.Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is an RPG-adventure game set in the comic-book-meets-pulp-horror-meets-H.P. Lovecraft deranged 1920s universe of New Arcadia, delivered to gamers via accessible episodic releases. Players join Gabe and Tycho, the crime-solving team of the Startling Developments Detective Agency, to combat savage enemies and solve mysteries hidden deep in the sinister heart of New Arcadia. The game is the result of close collaboration between Hothead Games and Penny Arcade, featuring distinct artwork and characters designed exclusively by Mike “Gabe” Krahulik, story and dialogue by Jerry “Tycho” Holkins, and both brought to life by the Hothead team.Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is priced at $19.95, with a rating of “M” for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board for all platforms.Hothead GamesPenny ArcadePenny Arcade AdventuresGreenhouseRainslick

May 2, 2008 6:00 AMTheDigitalLifestyle.tv recently released a new video review of Mahjong for iPod, one of a growing number of titles available for Apple's portable multimedia device. The tile matching board game features 72 different layouts, 3 game modes, and a Next Move hint option.More about the game:Mahjong is based on the venerable Chinese board game that achieved worldwide popularity in the 1920s. EA Mahjong is as simple as solitaire and will appeal to new and experienced players alike. Match sets of tiles together to clear them from the board and move to the next level. Clear the levels and collect all six gems of Wisdom to achieve the coveted rank of emperor. Features:• Gorgeous graphics and animations that reflect the rich ambiance of Mahjong.• Up to 72 different tile layouts regrouped in 6 themes.• 3 game modes (Single Player, Pass n Play, Emperor's Challenge?• Master spheres of knowledge, ascend through levels and collect gems.• Next move hints.Follow the link below to check out the video.TheDigitalLifestyle.tv: iPod Mahjong Review

May 1, 2008 6:00 AMA recent post on The Boy Genius Report site notes the achievement of Polish developer Binary Core, which managed to develop the iQuickBlock game for Apple's iPhone in a swift six hours of work. The game challenges players' reaction speeds as they work to keep the orange block from colliding with any green blocks on screen.iQuickBlock was the very first game to be developed for the iPhone in Poland… And it took all of six hours to throw together. Is the iPhone the easiest mobile platform in existence when it comes to development? Polish Developer Binary Core slapped this addictive iPhone game together in no time back at the Newest Mobile Technology Lab held at Warsaw Technical University. It was built using the Cygwin iPhone Toolchain and Notepad++, and all testing was performed using WinSCP and PuTTY. All this in less than six hours. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard developers sing praises when it comes to Mobile OS X and our guess is that it won’t be the last.To learn more head over to the sites listed below.The Boy Genius Report: Is It Really That Easy?Psiloc: iQuickBlock For iPhoneApple

May 1, 2008 6:00 AMA new interview with EA's Rod Humble is now available from Rock, Paper, Shotgun. The Q&A covers a range of topics related to The Sims franchise including discussion of the upcoming third installment in the series, the sometimes hostile reception from the gaming press to the many Sims expansions, and the reasons why players enjoy torturing their digital creations.RPS: Something that’s always struck me about The Sims is how the world has this slightly Stepford Wivesy feel, this strange sanitisation. It’s a world without misery, without horror. Why is that?RH: We’ve talked about this internally, this tone. So for instance the ideal homeless person in The Sims would be the wise, crusty old soul with fingerless gloves, huddled around one of those barrel fires. Quite the gentleman-of-the-road philosopher, rather than anything edgy. We do have this semi-idealised version of the world. It’s very deliberate, it has this tone of a certain kind of whimsy and a certain kind of safety. It also helps you look at the world a little bit differently, and that leans into our perspective of The Sims. Well, they’ve been called internally, “hamsters with jobs.” In one way you’re meant to role-play them, but in another way you’re meant to be looking at them, and have a certain amount of distance. RPS: So do people draw this distinction?RH: When you talk to Sims players, as we do quite a lot, quite often you’ll see they change perspective, from first-person to third-person. So if they’re describing a play session, they’ll say for example: “I went out on a date, but my Sim messed it up.” They’ll change that perspective mid-sentence without noticing. That again is deliberate – as a game it’s trying to sail close to the edge, between are you role-playing, or do you have these little creatures at arm’s length, as a separate entity putting things into this world.Read the full interview at the link provided below.Rock, Paper, Shotgun: Dinner With Rod HumbleMaxisAspyr MediaThe Sims 2

May 1, 2008 6:00 AMThe Guardian has published a new interview with legendary game designer Peter Molyneux. This time the talkative designer discussed the reasons why most game designers remain anonymous, as well as the pros and cons of having a well known name behind a project."I don't think publishers like there to be people attached to a certain franchise," he says. "I don't think they want Peter Molyneux known for the Fable franchise and they don't particularly want a famous person attached to any franchise – because if that famous person leaves, they can take the franchise with them." Molyneux also thinks the few new names prove a point. For example, CliffyB rose to prominence with the success of Xbox 360 hit Gears of War. The difference is that Epic, its creators, is an independent company. With the decline of the indies, who are being absorbed into larger publishers, there are fewer names around: instead, the talent shines beneath the publisher's bushel. Head over to the site below to read the rest.Guardian: Peter Molyneux Interview

April 30, 2008 6:00 AMApple Games' latest feature travels the desert sands in the Egyptian themed adventure game, Ankh: Heart of Osiris. The 3D graphic adventure gives players the task of once again aiding young prince Assil, this time in recovering his stolen Ankh. The article includes an overview of the game's features and a collection of tips and tricks.From Cairo’s bazaar, with its assortment of odd merchants, to the city’s Wild Mummy bar, Assil has been the talk of the town. The impetuous youth turned a death curse into a brush with fame when he traveled to the underworld, thwarted Osiris’ fiendish plans, and had the curse removed. He turned down a grateful Pharaoh’s offer of half of Egypt and his daughter’s hand, preferring instead to try his luck with Thara, the Arabian ambassador’s daughter. He even managed to keep ownership of the Ankh, which originally cursed him when an awakened mummy hung it around his neck. When we caught up with Assil, however, his luck had taken a turn for the worse: He had woken up in a dingy alley with a hangover, the Ankh gone. Scruffy-faced and out of sorts, he nevertheless agreed to let us accompany him for a while as he tried to figure out who stole his treasure. If there’s one thing we know about this son of a pyramid architect, it’s his penchant for getting into trouble and undertaking a few madcap adventures to pull himself out of the mess.Read the full article at the link below.Apple Games: Ankh Heart Of OsirisAnkh: Heart Of OsirisRunesoft

April 30, 2008 6:00 AMElectronic Arts’s and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have announced that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince game will be released later this year to coincide with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book. In the game players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards the story's climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince. “We believe that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game represents a milestone in the movie tie-in genre,” said Harvey Elliott, Head of EA Bright Light studio in the UK where the Harry Potter franchise has its home. “Building on the technological advancements of previous games in the series the team here is working closely with the filmmakers to create an immersive interactive experience that captures the story, the action, the excitement and, above all, the fun of the film. ” “Working with EA, we look forward to offering fans a compelling Harry Potter video game, one which captures the thrilling storyline and high visual quality of the movie,” said Scott Johnson, Vice President, Business Development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The adherence to the rich fiction is a trademark of this franchise and with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fans will experience the most authentic and enjoyable game in the series to date.” In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release in time for the movie launch this fall for a variety of platforms including the Macintosh.Electronic Arts

April 30, 2008 6:00 AMA recent study from East Carolina University supports the idea that casual games have positive health benefits for players. The 6-month randomized, controlled study revealed that games such as Peggle and Bejeweled can reduce stress and depression in those who play them.ECU's study yielded significant findings and identified potential therapeutic applications of casual games as a means of addressing serious mental and physical disorders. The study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and full results will be presented at the Games For Health Conference by Dr. Caremen Russoniello, associate professor and director of the Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Center at ECU. He says: "I've conducted many clinical studies in the area of recreational therapy in the past, but this was the first one seeking to determine the potential therapeutic value of video games. The results of this study are impressive and intriguing, given the extent of the effects of the games on subjects' stress levels and overall mood. When coupled with the very high degree of confidence we have in those results based on the methodology and technologies used, I believe there is a wide range of therapeutic applications of casual games in mood-related disorders such as depression and in stress-related disorders including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Granted, this study was a first step and much more needs to be done before video games can be prescribed to treat medical conditions. However, these exciting results confirm anecdotal evidence that people are playing casual video games to improve their mood and decrease their stress, and herald casual games' potential in health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment of stress- and mood-related disorders."Head over to the Worthplaying page at the link below to read more.Worthplaying: Casual Games Scientifically Proven to Relieve Stress

April 30, 2008 6:00 AMSpiderweb Software has unveiled a new secure online store for selling its many RPG game offerings. The shareware developer is responsible for a variety of titles, including the Avernum and Geneforge series. The store is still in beta testing and Spiderweb is asking for feedback from those who try it.Our new, secure online store has just entered beta testing. If you are about to order one of our products and would like to help us out, please enter the store and purchase it here. If you have any comments or problems with the store, please let us know.Click over to the links below for more information.Spiderweb Software Online StoreSpiderweb Software

April 29, 2008 6:00 AMbit-tech.net recently posted a hands on review of CodeWeaver's CrossOver Games. The software allows users to play some Windows games on their Intel Macs without having to install a copy of Microsoft's operating system. The review includes screenshots of CrossOver Games in action.Unsupported games are a broad topic on Crossover Games...mostly because there are so damn many. Anything that is not specifically listed and advertised is considered 'unsupported.' Does that mean they don't work? Absolutely not. However, caveat emptor. Several games actually don't work, and that's putting it lightly. What I'm quite surprised about are the games that do work – and I'd dare say that the list is bigger than those that work in Vista! Functional games are pretty much anything that's been made from 2005 or earlier. These engines are all using stable code and standard API calls from DirectX 9.0c or previous. Pretty much anything that runs DirectX 8.0 or older runs with no issues, even many Windows 95/98 games that did not play well with XP or Vista without serious tweaking. "New games" really depend on the engine – anything based on the Source or Doom 3 engine seem to run without a hitch. Games with their own high-end engines are quite hit-or-miss - Bioshock did not run at all, while Neverwinter Nights 2 did not run due to a possibly fixable problem with the .NET Framework 2.0. I've not had the opportunity to actually fix that problem, but it is indeed reportedly fixable.Head over to the site below to read the rest of the review.bit-tech.net: CrossOver Games Hands-On ReviewCodeWeavers

April 29, 2008 6:00 AMWorthplaying recently posted several new screenshots for Wakfu, an upcoming tactical MMORPG from the creators of Dofus. Taking place in the same world of the flash based Dofus, although far in the future from the events of the original game, Wakfu will feature a cartoon based visual style and an environment which responds to player actions.The story of Wakfu takes place a long time after that of DOFUS. An ogre named Ogrest gathered all the six Dofus and gained boundless powers. The ogre offered his beloved the dragon eggs. But she turned down the present though worthy of the gods themselves, and Ogrest started shedding tears of rage and pique. The tears of the ogre made the ocean level increase so much that parts of the World are now submerged to the inhabitants' great displeasure. Now gods and heroes of the World are starting a new adventure before reaching Ogrest and confront him in an ultimate fight! In Wakfu, the player will discover a vast world inhabited by all sorts of surprising creatures. Game servers will be able to host up to 25,000 players simultaneously.View all the screenshots at the site linked below.Worthplaying: Wakfu ScreenshotsWakfu

April 29, 2008 6:00 AMGypsy King Software has released version 1.3.0 of Blackjack Gold, its blackjack casino simulation software. The new update allows OS X Leopard users to enjoy the gambling game, which gives players the customization tools to simulation virtually any casino environment.Blackjack Gold is a full featured blackjack game loaded with options that let you simulate virtually any casino. Animations, a genuine blackjack dealer's voice, keyboard shortcuts, over 80 different card back images, king and queen faces include leaders from many different countries, and blackjack variations offer a realistic blackjack game for both novices and pros. Play the popular blackjack variations of Spanish 21, Super Sevens, Double Exposure, European Blackjack, Over Under 13 and the blackjack wheel. Choose from preset casino conditions including Atlantic City, Mississippi Gulf Coast, various Las Vegas options, or Easy, Medium, Advanced. Blackjack Gold offers several card counting systems and the ability to add your own. Highly customizable. Configure the players, cards, betting options, and casino conditions. Set your own bankroll, table minimums and maximums, card shuffling options, penetration, and choose your own seat at the blackjack table. Create your own computer player strategies and test them against the casino.The game costs $19.95 requires Mac OS X. A free Lite version of the game can be downloaded from the website below for those who want to try before they buy.Blackjack GoldGypsy King Software