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On the one-year anniversary of the original game's (admittedly rocky) release, Strategy First and Cornered Rat have made a very large 1.6 patch available for their massively multiplayer online title, World War II Online. This update is more than just bug-fixes, as the companies hope to regain the support of many gamers burned by the original's instability and resource requirements. Version 1.6 drastically improves the user interface, reduces load times, and makes the infantry mode more appealing.

The full download is nearly 100MB, and with its release comes news on the Mac client. While many Mac gamers may have given up on the MMO war sim, it seems they are still determined to bring it to the platform. World War II Online HQ has the scoop:

With the release of 1.6 for Windows we have entered the last dev cycle for the Macintosh client and have a publishing arrangement in place, which should see the Mac version on the shelves this year. A public preview of the Macintosh client will run prior to its release. Watch for more details soon.

In the coming days we'll be announcing new program to attract more players including a free trial offer and a re-evaluation program for former players. These along with the Recruitment Rewards and Prepay Subscription programs and the previously mentioned Mac preview are designed to do whatever we can to bring more players to the virtual battlefield- but we need your help. Help us kick start the Recruitment Rewards program by telling your friends about v1.6 and the free trial (watch for details).

World War II Online Mac Status

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