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After seeing a number of unexpected issues with their release of X2 - The Threat, publisher Virtual Programming has released a patch for the space sim. The update is intended to sooth a number of stability issues found in the game.

Here's a list of the changes from their news post:

• Multiple OpenAL issues have been identified and resolved
  
• OpenGL responding with bad lists leading to a crash on Tiger
  
• Bad values creeping into core game leading to crashes
  
• Made Input Setup text for Rockets clearer

X2 - The Threat Patch News

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IMG has posted a review of MacPlay's Luxor, an Egyptian-themed puzzle game. Here's a clip from the review:

Fresh from the minds at Mumbo Jumbo is Luxor, an Egyptian-themed arcade puzzler stuck somewhere between Breakout and Bejeweled. As a series of colored balls roll down a track, you take aim from the bottom of the screen with a sliding ball shooter to make matches, which are then removed from the board. By stacking strings of colors that collapse upon each other, it is possible to execute combos, rack up bonus points, and feel the satisfaction of completeness and release.

IMG Review: Luxor

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Luxor (add to watch list)

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Apple late Tuesday released Mac OS X 10.4.2, the latest version of the Tiger operation system. The new version is available for download via Software Update and can also be downloaded from Apple's web site. According to Apple, 10.4.2 offers “overall improved reliability and compatibility for Mac OS X v10.4 and is recommended for all users."

Here's a brief list of fixes in 10.4.2:

• file sharing using AFP and SMB/CIFS network file services

• single sign-on authentication and reliable access to Active Directory servers

• autologin for managed user accounts

• AirPort and wireless access

• Core Graphics, Core Audio, Core Image, including updated ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers

• Finder updates including finding on Kind and using Slideshow

• synchronizing your iDisk with .Mac

• installation reliability

• managing Dashboard widgets

• Address Book, Automator, iCal, iChat, Mail, Safari, and Stickies applications

• compatibility with third party applications and devices

Apple (add to watch list)

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Blizzard's popular MMORPG World of Warcraft has received yet another large update, bringing it to version 1.6. The version bump contains a large number of tweaks and additions, including class-specific adjustments, user interface changes, and the new areas Darkfaire and Blackwing Lair.

Also included are some Mac-specific tweaks:

• Some optimizations for terrain loading and rendering were added for the Macintosh build.
  
• Enabled multisample support in the video options.
  
• Fixed an issue where inspecting crafted items on other users could potentially show attributes that those items did not have.
  
• Updated the Mac sound code to use memory more efficiently.
  
• Fixed a Mac issue which caused some sounds to become slightly quieter after taking a gryphon ride.

WoW - 1.6 Patch Notes

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World of Warcraft (add to watch list)

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An update has recently been released for Darwinia. Now sitting at version 1.2.2, the update includes a number of small fixes and enhancements, including the following:

• New selection box system
  
• Better Radar Dish behavior
  
• Task manaager improvements
  
• Level editor improvements
  
• Various bug fixes and speedups

MGF - Darwinia 1.2.2

Ambrosia Software (add to watch list)

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Darwinia (add to watch list)

Vanbrio Entertainment has announced that the popular Mac game, Wingnuts, is going mobile. The game has been developed for Qualcomm's Brew solution by developer Ideas From The Deep.

Wingnuts, based on the insanely popular console brand by Freeverse Software, is 15 levels of intense and addictive arcade action. Players must clear each level of enemy aircraft using their on-screen radar, plane weapons and 360-degree maneuverability. The excitement is heightened by supplying players with parachute pickups that provide powerups and additional points.

"Wingnuts developed for the BREW solution is an addictive, intuitive and fun arcade-style game to play," said Amy Torres, CEO of Vanbrio. "We are thrilled to have Wingnuts as our first offering for the BREW solution, allowing us to work with Freeverse Software and Ideas From the Deep and are eager to release more titles for our 2005 lineup."

"We're excited to see arcade titles such as Wingnuts become available to mobile users, which further demonstrate how traditional PC and console-based games continue to expand their presence in the mobile market," said Mike Yuen, director, Gaming Group for QUALCOMM Internet Services. "We are proud the BREW solution is enabling this trend and look forward to working with Vanbrio to bring more of its exciting games to the mobile marketplace." For more information about the availability of Wingnuts by region or network operator, please contact Vanbrio.

Vanbio Entertainment

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