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PlayMyth has announced the release of a very early build of Myth III: The Wolf Age with updated online play via their own servers. The game's beleaguered multiplayer received criticism after its release, and the PlayMyth team is hoping to rectify this with bug fixes and tweaks to gameplay. Those who would like to test out this alpha release can do so now, but you will need to grab it via PlayMyth's Hotline server.

Here are instructions:

If you would like to take part in testing Myth 3 - get your hotline client ready and go to the MythDev Hotline Server

Once there you can download the Myth 3 build 172 alpha that features support for PlayMyth.net. It's not perfect (hence it's alpha) but you can get either a PC or a Mac installer that will give you all of the files you need to get online and get playing

The MythDev hotline server is located at: hotline.mythdev.com
Enjoy

MacSoft (add to watch list)

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ATI has made the SMARTSHADER demos they use at tradeshows available for download. These applications run in real time and demonstrate the Radeon 8500 and 9000's advanced hardware capabilities. The package contains 5 impressive demos: Fur, Brains, Bubbles, Ocean, and Tubes. Perhaps the most impressive (and most interactive) demo is Fur, which is a 3D rendering the letter "X", clad in Jaguar fur. Hitting "+" on the numeric keypad changes the model to a torus or a mask (make sure to turn off the alpha test by pressing "a"). You can turn various features on and off, as well as grow and shrink the fur as you please. If you want to stress your video card, try running several demos at once.

Below are the minimum system requirements:

• Power Macintosh computer with AGP & supported ATI graphics card

• RADEON 9000 Pro Mac Edition
• RADEON 9000 Pro (Built-In)
• RADEON 9000 Mobility (15" Titanium PowerBooks)
• RADEON 8500 Mac Edition

• Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar or newer (10.2.x)
• 128MB of System Memory (RAM)

Download SMARTSHADER Demos (12.6 MB)

Radeon 8500/9000 Mac Edition Demos

Radeon 9000 Pro (add to watch list)

Radeon 8500 (add to watch list)

ATI (add to watch list)

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Aspyr's Amy Torres sent IMG a note today to let us know that the company is working on a new patch for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 that will incorporate multiplayer support through the popular online gaming service, GameRanger. In addition, the patch will also have full support for Force Feedback.

Torres went on to say that the patch is currently in extensive testing and should be released within the next two weeks. We'll keep you posted and we'll let you know as soon as the patch becomes available.

For more information on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, be sure to check out our preview of the game and be on the lookout for a review of it soon on IMG.

IMG Preview: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3

Aspyr Media (add to watch list)

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (add to watch list)

The IMG Store is now carrying some of Freeverse's recent released games including Payback, Wipeout 2097, and Kickoff 2002.

Payback lets you have all the fun of automobile thievery and random violence without any of the pesky life-changing consequences. With an astounding array of weapons, an assortment of cars ready to be stolen, and a kickin' soundtrack to pass the time in your new ride, Payback is the ultimate mayhem-making, hell-raising game for the Macintosh!

Each of the the titles is available for $29. To learn more, head over to the IMG Store.

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Apple's popular games site has posted a new feature on The Feeble Files. The game is available through MacPlay as part of their value series.

Here's a clip from the feature:

In a point-and-click adventure game, you use a cursor to pick up, use (sometimes in conjunction with other objects), and examine objects, as well as interact with other characters. You also use the cursor to click on places where you want the main character to go. In this game, you direct Feeble to grab items that will help him solve puzzles as well as interact with dozens of his fellow Citizens as he travels through more than 80 environments.

Every time Feeble converses with another Citizen, you choose from several possible responses, each of which carries the discussion in a different direction. Over 20 actors recorded in excess of 6,000 lines for the game.

Apple Feature: The Feeble Files

Runesoft (add to watch list)

The Feeble Files (add to watch list)

Originally developed by Mark Herman, Autokrator is a board game-inspired computer strategy title in which you command the Spartan or Athen armies in the Peloponnesian war. Still in its pre-alpha stages for OS X, scant little is available. More info is coming, including full implementation of the original board game's rules and possibly open-sourced code.

Peloponnesian War is a game based on a board game published in 1991 by Victory Games simulating the events of the war between Sparta and Athens for supremacy in the Mediterranean. With the agreement of the copyright holder (and author) of the original game, Mark Herman, this game is going to be distributed freely. I might also open the source code, depending on Mark's OK, as the game implements his rules. If you'll like to give it an early try (Mac OS X only), please visit the link below. Currently, the game implements "operations", both from the player and the computer; I am working now on the "end of the turn" phases and it will then be playable. In the meantime, the UI is only temporary. After I clean the map, players will be able to input a target for their operation by clicking it. For now, they must select a city in a listbox.

Autokrator Screenshot/Website

iDevGames (add to watch list)

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This week's desktop, courtesy of IMG's hardworking desktop man, Brad Custer, focuses on the upcoming Aliens vs. Predator 2. The sequel to the popular Aliens vs. Predator, the game looks to introduce even more atmospheric sci-fi action, once again allowing gamers to experience combat as a vicious Alien, well-armed Marine, or mighty Predator.

The desktop itself features all three species embattled in a 3-way free for all, and features images courtesy of publisher MacPlay:

This week one I decided to create a desktop from a game that I'm looking forward to Aliens vs. Predator 2. I've actually secured some artwork a few weeks ago for it, but I decided to meet my viewers' requests first. Thanks to Josh over at MacPlay for supplying a cornicopia of artwork to create this week's wallpaper. I simply entitled it "3 Deadly Foes" and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it.

In related news, Custer has also created a desktop honoring the late crew of the Columbia. Those interested in obtaining a copy can contact him via e-mail.

Custer's Desktops

MacPlay (add to watch list)

Hyperion Entertainment (add to watch list)

Aliens vs. Predator 2 (add to watch list)

Buy Aliens vs. Predator 2

PowerLogix has drastically cut the prices on their line of processor upgrade cards for AGP Power Macs. Here is the new pricing structure of the PowerForce G4 series:

Single Processor for AGP Power Macs to Quicksilver:
800 MHz formerly $399, now $329
1.0 GHz formerly $599 now $499
1.2 GHz formerly $799 now $619

Dual Processor for Power Mac G4 AGP, Gigabit Ethernet:
Dual 800 MHz formerly $899, now $749
Dual 1.0 GHz formerly $1099 now $899
Dual 1.2 GHz formerly $1399 now $1099

Dual Processor for Power Mac G4 Digital Audio, QuickSilver:
Dual 867 MHz formerly $899, now $749
Dual 1.0 GHz formerly $1099 now $899
Dual 1.2 GHz formerly $1399 now $1099

Press Release: PowerLogix Slashes Prices on the Fastest CPU Upgrades

PowerLogix (add to watch list)

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Raven Software recently noted in their forums that they are in the process of moving to a new Soldier of Fortune 2 server. The post notes that some people may have problems getting server lists, but that by early next week everything should be fine.

Here's the post:

This post is to let everyone know that the master server is going to be moving out of the raven offices and into a real co-lo site. Unfortunately during this move there will be some issues.

Starting sometime tomorrow we will issue the request for the DNS change. The master server at raven will still be running as will the new one at our co-lo. As the DNS propegates some people will be talking to one master server and some to the other. This means that you may not be seeing the whole list of servers for a bit while they propegate to the new DNS. However, you should still be able to connect to any of the servers on your favorites list.

DNS usually takes 24-48 hours to propegate but can take up to a week sometimes for some providers. We ask for everyones patience during this move.

Early next week we will finally shut down the old master server and field any remaining issues with people still talking to the wrong one as they come up. If your are a server admin and your server is no longer listed next week then try restarting it and see if that fixes the problem (the old dns result may be cached by the dedicated server).

Again, we ask for everyones patience during the next week and we will try to make sure things go as smooth as possible.

IMG Review: Soldier of Fortune II

SOF2 Server Downtime

Omni Group (add to watch list)

Raven Software (add to watch list)

MacPlay (add to watch list)

SoF II (add to watch list)

Buy SoF II

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