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Aspyr announces upcoming Gamerhood application
Aspyr has announced a new application in the works for Mac gamers that will allow them to purchase and download games directly to their Mac over the internet. A wide range of games will apparently be available, from casual titles to the AAA big-hitters. Other features of this new application and system include: Play games without physical CD/DVD media Check user compatibility by comparing machine's hardware against a game's minimum system requirements before purchase Alert users to current Aspyr projects and new games Allow users to register games online Alert users to game updates and provide installs for updates Provide a user-friendly interface and convenient way to organize personal gaming catalog Allow parents to restrict game play and online game store material based on ESRB ratings Provide users opportunity to take advantage of special offers The Gamerhood app itself will be free but only available to North American customers at launch (ETA pending).
Call of Duty 2 demo released
At long last, Aspyr has released a demo of the hugely popular sequel to Call of Duty, the aptly named Call of Duty 2. No matter how badly I wanted to run to the Apple store and pick up the retail version, I knew I would feel horribly foolish if I got the game home only to find that it wouldn't run on my PowerBook. I knew I had to wait for the demo. MacGameFiles has the 665MB file as either a direct download, or a deliciously communal bittorrent file (doesn't the sharing just make you want to hug someone!?). If you've been waiting to try the game before you buy it, there is no better time than the present to kick some virtual Axis butt. [Via The MacObserver]
Mac Civ 4 shipping soon, trailer released
Mac gamers who've had their fill of Civilization III Complete won't have much longer to wait for a new strategy fix. Aspyr Media, one of the largest publishers of Mac games, will be releasing Sid Meier's Civilization IV on June 30 in Mac Universal format. Apple is hosting the official trailer, as well as dozens of other game trailers, in an effort to promote gaming on the Mac. Think different and get civilized! See also: 2K's Firaxis trifecta for 2006 Apple's new portable gaming beast
Mac Quake 4 now shipping
Inside Mac Games reports that Aspyr Media is now shipping the Mac universal binary version of Quake 4. You will be able to run the game natively on either PowerPC or Intel Macs, but you'll need at least OS X 10.3.9. However, if you've already installed the Boot Camp beta and would rather save $10, you could buy the Windows version of Quake 4 instead. Half-Life 2 apparently runs just fine using this method. Mac gaming is at a crossroads right now with the OS decision weighing heavy on the minds of many Mac gamers. On the one hand, you have the higher price and smaller catalogs of OS X games, but without the hassle of Windows partitioned on your system. Then you have that gauntlet of budget-priced gold and platinum PC collections and other Windows exclusives at your local Wal-Mart just waiting for you to take them home.The OS X release of Quake 4 might be the first true test of which route the Mac faithful will take, and other cross-platform titles like Civilization IV could present future dilemmas. What are your preferences regarding the binary vs. Boot Camp solutions?
Game developers react to Boot Camp
Inside Mac Games has a nice roundup of reactions from various Mac OS X game developers on the news of Boot Camp. Reactions on the whole are positive concerning the opportunities that Boot Camp offers, and speculation from the likes of Aspyr, MacSoft, Freeverse and Ambrosia are hopeful that this will help boost the Mac gaming platform even faster.Check out the roundup, as there are some great comments from individuals at these companies that touch on where they think the market is headed, and what we can expect in the not-too-distant future of Mac gaming.
Gamers: Call of Duty 2 available for pre-order
Attention, Mac gamers. Aspyr has made Call of Duty 2 available for pre-order. Featuring all new scenarios, enemies, improved AI and what Aspyr is calling the "...cinematic intensity and chaos of battle" (now doesn't that sound like fun?), Call of Duty 2 should be a worthy sequel to the game many called "Game of the Year." While final system requirements are yet to be announced, you can pre-order your copy via Amazon here. I'm not one for first person shooters, but that's just me.
Quake 4 requirements revealed
At last, Aspyr has finally released the system requirements for the upcoming Quake 4. So, without further ado, you'll need: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later a PowerPC G4, G5, or Intel-based chipset a 1.67GHz or faster CPU 512MB or higher of memory 64MB or more of video memory (VRAM) Quake 4 is built on the Doom 3 engine, and the game's storyline is set just months after the events of Quake II. Aspyr is currently taking preorders for $50.00US.[Via MacNN]
Quake 4 available for pre-order
Last month we got our first hints about Quake 4, and this week Aspyr has offered some more information. It's currently available for pre-order in the US at a cost of $49.99, with an expected shipping date of February 28, 2006. Aspyr notes that final system requirements will be made available 4-6 weeks prior to shipping, which really means any time now. Rest assured, Quake fans, the wait is almost over.[Via MacBytes]
