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An independent game developer has made Transcend available on Mac OS X. Transcend is a 2D retro-style shooter using geometric shapes. Some features of this game is a dynamic graphics engine which is ever changing, music composition, and to create art...or not.

Two features set Transcend apart from other games. First, its dynamic graphical engine, which can smoothly morph from one complex shape to another, produces striking displays. Combining these dynamic shapes with subtle randomizations makes each play through a Transcend level visually different from the last. The second novel feature is Transcend's musical power-up system. As you play through a level, you are simultaneously assembling an abstract visual collage and arranging a unique piece of music. Transcend merges video games with pure art---it can be viewed either as a game or as a multimedia sculpture.

Transcend

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Shrapnel Games has recently announced their intention to add multiplayer capabilities to Salvo!, their strategic naval combat game. To this end, they are currently looking for volunteer beta testers for both the Mac and PC versions of this title.

Interested testers are asked to email Mindi Arnesen a line at mindi@shrapnelgames.com. Note that testers will be asked to thoroughly explore all the required scenarios, and that applicants should specify which OS they wish to test the current beta on.

In addition, a few other features are being added:

• A battle generator, allowing players to select specific maps and ships (or generate their own fleets), set the weather, and more.
  
• Battle tweaker. Change ship locations and build squadrons.
  
• Fog error on some systems now fixed.
  
• Adjusted damage levels.

Shrapnel Games - PR: Major Enhancement To Salvo! In The Works!

Shrapnel Games

Salvo!

Buy Salvo!

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IMG has recently reviewed The Incredibles: When Danger Calls. Released by THQ and based on the hit Pixar movie, When Danger Calls offers players the chance to utilize the various super-powered family members in a variety of tasks.

Here's a clip from the review:

The real appeal of superheroes lies in the key word "potential." The "What if...?" factor, if you will. Live through a blast of experimental radiation and gain infinite strength. Help that wayward alien out of his wrecked starship and be rewarded with a ring of power. Survive puberty and your hormones unleash fantastic mutant abilities. And all that is just the beginning. What happens next—the real story—that's about the potential. Do you achieve something bold and incredible? Or do you squander your gift on the mundane?

IMG Review - The Incredibles: When Danger Calls

THQ

Buy The Incredibles: When Danger Calls

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Blizzard has released another update for Warcraft III and its expansion The Frozen Throne. This latest update brings the fantasy real time strategy game to version 1.20.

Here's a list of what has changed:

BUG FIXES
* Fixed a Bug that disabled Spirit Walkers from resurrecting other Spirit Walkers.

MAPS
* (6)WizardsRetreat
- separated two creep camps near both corner starting locations to prevent them from calling each other for help when one is attacked.
* (6)Gnollwood
- separated two creep camps near merchant buildings to prevent them from calling each other for help when one is attacked.
* (6)BlizzardTD
- Fixed phase-shifting units to behave normally when attacked.
* (12)WormWar
- Fixed a bug that causes player worms to become immobile after using powerups while respawning.

Warcraft III Update Info

Warcraft III Frozen Throne 1.20 Download

Warcraft III 1.20 Download

Blizzard Entertainment

WarCraft III

WarCraft III: The Frozen Throne

Buy WarCraft III

Buy WarCraft III: The Frozen Throne

Gamasutra recently featured a study from the Wheeling Jesuit University suggesting that video games can be effective distractions from pain. The study, titled "Effects of Video Game Play On Pain Threshold And Tolerance," examined the psychological effects of gaming on pain sufferers. The six categories of games examined were action, puzzle, arcade, fighting, sports, and boxing with pain tolerance increases greatest for sports and fighting games. All the games provided some increased tolerance for pain.

"These gaming distractions may be most helpful in children and young adults undergoing painful procedures or suffering from chronic pain, as these individuals comprise the largest gamer demographics," said the study's creator Dr. Bryan Raudenbush.

Gamasutra: Pain Tolerance

In-game advertising company Double Fusion and Nielson Interactive have released findings from a new survey suggesting advertising in games is highly effective in influencing consumer purchasing decisions. The survey suggests in-game ads generate a 60 percent improvement in new product awareness, with 3D advertising nearly twice as effective as 2D "billboard" advertising.

Double Fusion's co-founder and executive vice president for business development, Guy Bendov said: "More and more 18-34 year olds are spending both time and money on gaming, and reaching this highly desirable audience is of the utmost importance for advertisers and marketers. Double Fusion is the only company in the market that offers the 3D insertion capability so it is very encouraging to find that this tool resonates with consumers."

Discussing the latest survey results, Nielsen Interactive Entertainment's managing director for Europe, Henry Piney, said: "The study provides continued evidence that in-game advertising is a medium which brand managers across categories should be exploring, particularly if they want to reach the highly valuable 18-34 year old male audience."

"The study also shows that, by using video games' unique attributes and offering insertions through which players can interact with brands, the advertiser can gain even greater value," he added.

For more information follow the link below.

Gamesindustry: In-Game Advertising Survey

The voting for this years Walk of Game nominees has begun and will continue through the month of October. The Walk of Game is a landmark honoring the icons and pioneers of the gaming industry. Winners will receive a permanent 24"x 24" customized steel star on the Walk of Game located within the Metreon, a 350,000 square-foot entertainment complex in San Francisco.

The voting takes place in two categories: Games and Characters, and Lifetime Achievement. Notable game nominees include The Sims, Doom, Civilization, Myst, and Starcraft. Wil Wright, Sid Meier, and John Carmack are some of those nominated for the lifetime achievement award.

Past winners include Halo, Mario, and Nolan Bushnell. Those wishing to participate can vote by signing up at the Walk of Game website. Members are allowed to vote once per day for the entire month. Winners will be announced in November.

For more information follow the link below.

Walk Of Game

iGame Radio, the Mac gaming internet radio program, is now available as a podcast for listeners who want to hear the show away from their computer.

The latest iGame Radio newsletter explains how to subscribe:

To subscribe to the iGame Radio podcast, all you have to do is visit this URL: http://www.macradio.com/podcast.php and follow the instructions. As long as you have iTunes 4.9 installed, it's a snap. MacRadio will be working in the coming days (and weeks) to make sure that the podcast is compatible with other podcasting tools as well, so if iTunes isn't your cup of tea (what, and you're a Machead?!) or you don't have 4.9, be patient.

iGame Radio

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