In a new feature Apple's Developer Connection takes a look at Aspyr Media's experiences transitioning to universal binary formats capable of running on older Macs as well as the upcoming Intel based systems. The article examines the decision process behind choosing a game to transition to universal binaries as well as some of the difficulties involved in the transfer.

As Director of Development Glenda Adams explains, “We have to be able to ship games in 2006 and beyond as universal binaries. We need to update some older games to run natively on Intel, so switching to Xcode, making the effort to build universal binaries, and then testing on both platforms is vital.”

Apple: Aspyr On Intel Transition

Aspyr Media

Two hot new MacPlay titles are now available through Macgamestore.com. Both titles are available for $19.95.

In Bookworm Deluxe, you link letters and create words to feed the hungry, hungry Bookworm! But watch out for fiery red letters... they’ll burn your library down! It’s vocabulariffic!

In Chainz 2: Relinked, re-enter the exciting realm of link-matching madness with Chainz 2: Relinked, the thrilling sequel to last year's smash hit, Chainz. Jam-packed with 200 levels in two original game modes, and introducing two all new game modes and awesome new power-ups, Chainz 2: Relinked delivers tons of gaming excitement.

Macgamestore: Chainz 2: Relinked

Macgamestore: Bookworm Deluxe

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Got Game Entertainment has announced that November 1st, 2005 will be the official release date for the U.S. version of RHEM 2. The sequel to the original graphic adventure title RHEM, RHEM 2 has its protagonists searching for an artifact hidden within an underground city, and is rife with puzzles and rooms to explore.

Made for PC and Mac, "RHEM 2" joins brothers Zetais and Kales as they explore a hidden city far beneath the earth’s surface. "RHEM 2" features non-linear gameplay, non-violent story, and mind-bending puzzles. Having discovered entry to a hidden underground city, you will venture ever deeper as you explore a maze of clandestine caves, secret rooms, intricate walkways, tunnels and water systems.

RHEM 2

GotGame

Mac users itching to try out the recently covered VoIP utility TeamSpeex can now do so, as a public beta was recently released. Compatible with existing TeamSpeak chat servers, TeamSpeex uses the Speex codec and works alongside both PC and Linux users.

A reader sent us a note to inform us that TeamSpeex requires either a USB or a powered microphone in order to function properly.

Don't know if you were following the TeamSpeex RSS feed or not, but he released a public beta last night. I haven't tried it--apparently Macs need a friggin' USB or a *powered* microphone so the $25 cheapie I bought at BestBuy last night was completely useless to me. I will be exchanging it tonight to try again though!

Update: The file is now available for download from Macgamefiles.com. Follow the link below to grab it from our servers.

TeamSpeex

MGF: TeamSpeex 1.0b1

In a forum post Martin van Balkom, Marketing Guru for Battlefront.com, confirmed that Combat Mission 2 will be coming to the Mac. CM 2 will feature an all new graphics engine and, unlike its World War II tactical wargame predecessor, will be set in the era of modern warfare.

Balkom also mentioned previous experiences with Apple which led to a reluctance to announce a Mac version too early.

One of the main reasons to create a totally new engine is to make it compatible again with whatever Apple has cooked up by then. The reason why we don't want to promise a Mac version right away is that Apple has been cooking a lot - again - recently, and we don't want to be locked into something that we can't get out of. This would be a repeat of what happened with CMx1, as Apple made an about-turn on their 3D compatibility without bothering to tell us, a registered Mac developer (and one of many who found themselves with their pants down back then... being one of the smallest out there, however, it affected us more than others).

So in short - yes, there will be a Mac version.

Battlefront Forums: CM2

Battlefront.com

Aspyr Media and Wideload have released a new trailer for the eagerly anticipated Stubbs The Zombie. The trailer features all new gameplay footage and a clip from My Boyfriend's Back by The Raveonettes from the Stubbs soundtrack.

The Xbox version of the game is currently shipping and the PC and Mac versions are expected to ship within the next few weeks.

To view the trailer check out the link below.

New Stubbs Trailer

Aspyr Media

Wideload

Stubbs the Zombie

Buy Stubbs the Zombie

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Blizzard recently released Brutal Winter, a bonus map for WarCraft III: Frozen Throne, and part of an ever-growing collection of bonus maps. Brutal Winter is a small map using the Lordaeron Winter tileset and is recommended for 1vs1 or 2vs2 competition.

The unforgiving winter is upon us... a time when resources are scarce and flanks exposed. Call forth the warriors, for there could not be a better time to attack than now.

Blizzard Entertainment

WarCraft III: The Frozen Throne

Blizzard: Bonus Maps Section

Buy WarCraft III: The Frozen Throne

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Myst Worlds recently posted Making of Myst video part four, the final chapter of the documentary. In this latest video, we learn about the rush for E3 and the final stages of development for Myst V: End of Ages. Please note, the video is in .wmv format.

To download the video, or visit the Myst Worlds website, click the links below.

Cyan

Myst V: End of Ages

Myst Worlds Website

Making of Myst Part 4 (WMV)

Buy Myst V: End of Ages

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Computer and Video Games is reporting that a cover screenshot of an Italian magazine on a blog has revealed the first pieces of information regarding the highly anticipated World of WarCraft expansion. According to the article, the name for the expansion will be World of WarCraft: The Burning Legion. In addition, there may be a character level increase in the next installment of the world's most popular MMORPG.

Admittedly it's only a few beans but blog site Kotaku.com is carrying a scan of the cover of Italian magazine The Games Machine which proudly proclaims "World of Warcraft The Burning Crusade". And then a bit below that text in the native language which translates to "Blizzard astonishes all carrying us to the seventieth level." Woot!

Computer and Video Games: Article

Blog: Magazine Front Cover

Blizzard Entertainment

World of Warcraft

Buy World of Warcraft

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