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Virtual Programming has updated the recently released demo of Savage: The Battle for Newerth after some users reported having OpenGL issues and the game failed to open. Since the demo was released there have been several comments left on the Macgamefiles.com comments board with users being unable to open the game at version 1.0. This update to 1.01 should fix this bug.

Here's exactly what has changed:

Fixes/Changes

• 1.0.1 fixes some OpenGL problems people were having. If you couldn't get Savage to run, try this version.

MGF: Demo - Savage: The Battle for Newerth

Virtual Programming

S2Games

Savage: The Battle for Newerth

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IMG has posted a review of id Software's DOOM 3 for the Macintosh. Ported to the Mac by Aspyr Media, the game easily one of the most hyped games in recent memory, DOOM 3 delivers on graphics but suffers from linear and unspectacular gameplay. Is this a must have game? It really depends on what type of game you're looking for and what kind of hardware you have.

To check out the review, follow the link below.

IMG Review: DOOM 3

id Software

Aspyr Media

DOOM 3

Buy DOOM 3

Blizzplanet.com has posted an article about the upcoming issue of PC Gamer that will include the first-ever look at Flagship Studios' Hellgate: London. The game, which has been in development for 2 years, is being created by former Blizzard North employees who previously worked on the best-selling Diablo II. According the to article, the game will "most-likely be available on both PC/Mac computers."

Although Blizzplanet.com wasn't able to post screenshots from the PC Gamer feature, they included a number of interesting details:

London was chosen for its dark and gothic athmosphere that match the hell-bent storyline of the game. The RPG is set five years after an apocalyptic battle between humans and demons. When the hellish creatures won the war, the survivors took shelter underground. London has many catacombs, sewers, subways which give a proper dungeon atmosphere. Heck, I remember "American Werewolf in London", and "Jack the Ripper" when I was a child, and I was pretty spooked with the London natural frightening-qualities, grayed and thick-misty athmosphere.

Characters and genre will be customizable

Approximately 50 levels of pure action.

Single player and Multiplayer(Bill Roper has many times mentioned in the past, that they aim to offer a service similar to Battle.net)

FPS(First-Person Shooter) and Third-person modes will be available. Similar to World of Warcraft where you can choose either camera mode on the click of a button. This is a great idea for those who wish a Half-Life/Counterstrike feel or a Diablo II feel.

Like Diablo II, the landscape and paths will be randomly generated, offering replayability

London landmark locations will be found throughout the game (I guess the Big Ben clock will be one of the ruins / locations).

Quest system is not linear, therefore you will have random paths and different outcomes. You choose which quest to take. This seems to be similar to World of Warcraft and Diablo II quest system.

Skill points are gained each Character Level you grow and points may be applied to your Class Talents Tree: Weapons/Spells, Auras(passive) or Combo Moves(which interact with critical strikes).

Weapons will have different stats depending of your Character level and other factors. Even if you have the same weapon as another player, both weapons will differ in stats. I assume points you set into Class Talent Tree will affect the stats and critical strike chances on weapons; and also special gear you wear may affect somewhat your weapons and abilities stats, same as in World of Warcraft. For those who loved Diablo II's built-in slots (known as sockets) on weapons, you can add stats and attributes to your weapons via special items that you drag onto the weapon built-in sockets. It is not clear how, but it reminds me of Diablo II runes that modify the overall stats of Weapons and Armor gear.

Hits, misses, and damage will vary according to your overall Gear stats, and Class Talent Tree stats. This makes a player's character unique and different to other players's that are the same level. Basically, a FPS veteran will have a hard time against a newbie that is well equipped and sets Talent tree points smartly.

Inventory bag to store items and weapons

Lastly, Multiplayer mode aims to have somewhere between 16 to 32 players support. This may vary as the game is still in development, therefore this could change. What sounds exciting is that their previous game, Diablo II had competitive ladder. It would be interesting to find out if Hellgate: London will offer support for LAN, tournaments, ladder, etc.

Blizzplanet.com: Hellgate: London Unveiled

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Project Magma has announced the release of a new update and demo for Bungie's Myth II: Soulblighter. The update builds on the already-excellent gameplay of the classic title by adding new features and fixing long standing bugs.

The Project Magma team has also released a new demo that takes advantage of all the improvements Myth II has received throughout its lifespan, and sporting two solo levels and multiplayer capability.

To grab the update or demo, follow the link below to our sister site, Macgamefiles.com.

Bungie Studios

Myth II: Soulblighter

Myth II: Soulblighter 1.5.1 Update

Myth II: Soulblighter 1.5.1 Demo

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Apple has posted a new game trailer of Virtual Programming's X2: The Threat. The game is a space simulation of breathtaking depth and scope where the player takes on the role of a pilot indigenous to the X-Universe.

To check out the trailer, please follow the link below.

Virtual Programming

X2 - The Threat

Apple: X2: The Threat Trailer

Buy X2 - The Threat

Richard Bannister, maker of various Mac software including emulators and audio software, recently released a new version of his Audio Overload software. The new version makes a number of changes and improvements, including:

• (Mac) Switched back to Platinum interface.


• (Mac) CPU usage is a bit more realistic now.


• (Mac) Added elapsed time display to the main window.


• Added support for revision 2, 3, 5 and 6 YM files (Atari/CPC/Spectrum).
• For some useless trivia, this feature was written on my PowerBook during part of what became a seven hour delay in Chicago O'Hare international airport.


• R. Belmont added support for MDX files (Sharp X68000).


• R. Belmont added support for Adlib RAW files (Old x86 games).


• R. Belmont added support for MOD files (Amiga tracker format).


• Added support for LZH (needed for YM files).


• Added the ability for tracks to signal when they're completed. GYM, MOD, RAW, VGM, and YM only for now.


• Added channel configuration options for the YM2612 core when used with VGM files.


• Added channel configuration for individual channels on the NES VRCVI chip.


• The SNDH engine now uses the same PSG code as the AY and YM drivers. The old code has been removed.


• Resolved an issue with a small number of zipped files failing to decompress properly.

New Audio Overload 2.0 Beta Out

Bannister

Apple has revealed it is seeking programmers to improve Mac OS X's OpenGL implementation. An entry at the Apple jobs mailing list dated March 24th is looking for:

"a diverse set of talented engineers who would like to be a part of the fast paced world of 3D graphics. Apply your skills to help make Mac OS X the best OpenGL implementation in the industry."

- OpenGL extensions
- Software renderer
- Automation test tools
- Developer tools
- OpenGL ARB specifications
- Maintainance and bug fixes
- Work with chip venders
- OS integration
- Developer support

This latest round of job openings at Apple is a good sign for the Mac gaming industry. Graphics driver updates are integrated into OS X, which means Apple has to work closely with ATI, nVIDIA and game developers to ensure that the latest games run fast and with all the latest technologies available.

To read the full job listing, click the link below.

OpenGL Engineering Postitions Available

Apple

ATI

NVIDIA

DOOM 3

Buy DOOM 3

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