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In a press release and blog post Valve Software has announced the delay of Portal 2 as well as today's Steam release of the team based first person shooter Team Fortress 2 for Macs. The sequel to the unique puzzle title, Portal, has been rescheduled for a 2011 release.

Team Fortress 2:
Team Fortress 2 (TF2), the title PC Gamer's editors have called the most fun game ever made, is now available for the Mac via Steam, a leading online platform for games with over 25 million accounts worldwide.

Like all the titles Valve have brought to the Mac platform, TF2 features Steam Play which allows gamers to make one purchase and play the game on both the PC and Mac. In addition, TF2 supports cross platform play -- so Mac gamers can play against/with PC gamers.

Those who play TF2 on the Mac will receive a free set of "earbuds" for their player character. Purchase the game this weekend on either platform and save 50% off the regular price. Or, try it via the Team Fortress 2 Free Weekend happening now on Steam.

In addition to all the TF2-Mac goodness, a new single-player training mode has been rolled out for both PC and Mac.

Portal 2:
Representatives from both companies acknowledged that public safety concerns factored into the decision. They went on to say that even though Portal 2 will arrive slightly later than planned, all life on earth won't instantaneously stop as every molecule in your body explodes at the speed of light, which is what would happen should a rip ever appear in the fabric of Valve Time.

"Also, the game will be even better," they added, missing an historic opportunity to create the first product delay press release to mention that a product is being delayed to make it worse.

Valve Software

Portal 2

Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2: The Mac Update

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Aspyr Media recently announced a limited time discount on three id Software first person shooters available from its GameAgent online store. Until June 16 Doom 3, Quake 4, and Quake Wars are available for $9.99.

Id Software is responsible for some of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed video games of all time. Ushering in a new era of interactive entertainment with genre-defining blockbusters like Wolfenstein 3D, DOOM and QUAKE, id has secured itself a place in gaming history as one of the fathers of the modern video game. Mac gamers have been lucky enough to get native versions of many of these video game classics and this week's special brings DOOM 3™, Quake 4™ and Quake Wars™ direct to your doorsteps for only $29.97. Play in the dark, turn up the res and prepare to be scared by these action favorites...

GameAgent

Aspyr Media

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Apple Games has posted a new feature article on The Sims 3: Ambitions, the latest expansion for the popular sim series. The add-on allows players to pursue a variety of paths and careers in their Sims’ lives and take direct control over their work and choose how to spend their days. Apple's article includes an overview of the game, as well as a list of the new features offered in Ambitions.

What do your Sims do while they’re at work all day? Previously, you could only choose a career and make a few basic decisions to nudge their jobs in certain directions, but now with the Sims 3 expansion pack Ambitions, you can follow your Sims as they fight fires, hunt ghosts, investigate mysteries, and more.

And like everything else they do away from home, their interactions with other Sims while working will affect their domestic relationships. A doctor who intervenes while a rich neighbor’s child is choking may find herself with not just new friends but a healthy Simoleon bonus too, while an architectural designer who doesn’t listen to his clients’ requests may find himself on the outs with them.

Apple Games: The Sims 3 Ambitions

Electronic Arts

TransGaming

The Sims 3: Ambitions

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TopWare Interactive and Reality Pump recently released a new Two Worlds II newsletter. The 21st edition of the newsletter includes information about the game's spellcasting system, an interview with Mirek Dymek, and a glimpse of locations from the game.Two Worlds II will send players to the unexplored land of Eastern Antaloor and will feature detailed graphics, an active combat system, and a complex storyline.

AP: How is the progress on the epic RPG "Two worlds II" coming along?
Mirek: Excellently! We are right on target, and currently focused on balancing a number of features and of course fine tuning the various aspects of the game. First up on the list finalizing the intuitive game controls, and ensuring the structured and organized design of all game menus. We have recently made significant alterations to the interface of the CRAFT Tool feature, which helps players more readily identify the numerous actions possible with regards to a single piece of equipment. Whether destroying, upgrading, or re-colouring - all options and item requirements, such as colour dye pots for painting equipment or materials for upgrading, are shown in the very detailed item description.

AP: Is there a possibility of new features being added as you fine tune the game?
Mirek: The main features of the game are already in place and implemented already of course. Despite this fact, we are constantly evaluating possibilities for new content and goodies, assuming they make sense and are within reason. If someone on the team has a cool idea for a side quest, we do our best to integrate it into the game. Often times some of the best of these decisions come really spontaneously.
Another area where we've continued to expand is mini-games. We've added a number during the last few weeks. There are now 6 different dice games alone, so you'll have plenty of chances to blow your hard earned auras in the taverns across Antaloor playing Poker, Hearts or Cubilete! ;-)

Two Worlds II Newsletter

Two Worlds II

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