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A recent update to the Master of Orion III site notes the PC version of this awaited strategy title will be slightly delayed beyond the previously quoted November date, though they expect to be Gold Master in a matter of days. Apparently some last-minute multiplayer bugs have been found and resolved, though extra testing is needed to ensure a good user experience. A little digging in the Infogrames forums also reveals a quick status update from Quicksilver's Rantz Hoseley on the Mac version.

Hoseley assures Mac users that both versions are still being done simultaneously and that it's now on MacSoft's plate to reveal an exact release date. Here's part of his post:

Macsoft is the publisher for MOO3 for the Mac, and we're still waiting to hear on a firm release date from them. As soon as we have one, we'll let everyone know.

Master of Orion III: Revised Release Date Announcement

Infogrames Forum: Mac Status

Master of Orion III Backstory

MacSoft

Quicksilver Software

Master of Orion III

Buy Master of Orion III

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Today, IMG has posted an in-depth review of MacPlay's vintage first-person shooter, Hexen II. Written by IMG's Richard Hallas, this review discusses all one needs to know about the world of Hexen.

Here's a clip:

At the outset of the game you must choose your player class from one of four different categories: Assassin, Crusader, Paladin or Necromancer. Each class has its own set of abilities which will affect the way you play the game, not to mention its own set of four unique weapons.

The Assassin is adept at stealth attacks, can move almost silently and becomes almost invisible when standing in shadows. Her weapons consist of a katar (dagger), a hand crossbow for range attacks, explosive grenades and the Staff of Set. This high-level weapon can either fire magical energy (with the ability to charge up the power by delaying the shot) or can let loose razor-sharp chains.

MacPlay

Raven Software

HeXen II

IMG Review: Hexen II

Buy HeXen II

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The Spiderweb Software web site has been updated with word of a new beta for Avernum 3. Version 1.1.2 fixes issues some users were encountering, along with adding faster fighting in the game. Here's the update:

A beta version of Avernum 3 v1.1.2 for Macintosh OS X is now available. It fixes some problems introduced with Mac OS X 10.2.1 and also makes combat go faster when playing at Fast speed. If you download and try this out, please drop us an E-mail to let us know if it works all right or not.

Avernum 3 1.1.2 Beta

Spiderweb Software

Avernum 3

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The latest Shadowbane Bard's Tale was recently posted on the Shadowbane website. As with previous tales, this latest Bard's Tale takes a look at the latest happenings in the Shadowbane game world from the perspective of one of its characters. These stories highlight the main aspect of Shadowbane that makes it stand out, the ability for the players themselves to write the history of its world.

This tale focuses on revent conflicts, here's a preview:

My dearest Turlindiel Callromir,

While visiting the city of Knights Bridge as part of the ongoing Aerynthian Codex project, I have found the streets awash with the tidings of a new war raging across Tyrranth Major. The details of these engagements make my head spin - you know me to be most uninterested in the makings of war, and unimpressed with those who have a propensity for the shedding of blood. I care little for the company of generals and their strong arms. But one tale has arisen from this conflict that has captivated the fancy of most everyone who has ears to hear.

You see, the now infamous leader of the Burning Legion, the one who goes by the name Bone Dancer, is rumored to be afflicted with a shape-shifting condition. Specifically, he has become a Wererat!

Some say he really is a vermin who can take the shape of a man, but I have seen little to support that assertion. Although, I can admit that the notion is not yet completely discounted.

Shadowbane Bard's Tale

Ubisoft

Wolfpack Studios

Shadowbane

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As reported almost two weeks ago, Freeverse Software is holding a contest for all Arcane Arena players.

Players are invited to find Freeverse President Ian Lynch Smith's iPod hidden away as a treasure somewhere within the game's maps. The prize for finding the iPod in the game is receiving Ian's own iPod, containing the entire album of Jared, Butcher of Song. Whether or not that's an incentive to finding the prize remains to be seen.

As added incentive, Freeverse is releasing clues on a regular basis, hinting at the iPod's hiding spot. The clues so far:

The first hidden iPod clue: "...some say in ice..."

The second hidden iPod clue: "The i is not to be found with the eye.
In the words of the short guy, 'there is no try...'"

The game, which was recently updated to version 1.0.5, is a free download from Freeverse's web site. Players can try the game for free with unlimited re-incarnations, however a registration fee of $29.95 US is required for players wanting to progress beyond the fourth level.

Freeverse Software: Second iPod Contest Clue

Freeverse

Arcane Arena

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