LINUXGAMES

Platinum Arts Sandbox Free 3D Game Creator has released a gameplay trailer showcasing gamemodes and features. Additionally is a video of kids experiencing Sandbox.

The Gameplay Trailer features Save The Princess, Sidescroller Mode, the Action RPG, Kartmode, powerful particle effects, and many beautiful eyecandy maps. Additionally it is available for download.  Also for viewing is  a video edit compiled of kids experiencing Sandbox.  The father  wrote an article detailing his experiences.  Watch the tutorial video for more information on how to use the powerful in game editing.

NOTE: If you would like to support the project please visit the homepage and vote for the project to be in the top 10 at moddb!

The latest development of Wine, the translation layer capable of running Windows applications on Linux and other POSIX compatible operating systems, has been released. Changes in this 1.1.14 release includes the following:

• Various bug fixes for Internet Explorer 7.
• Many crypt32 improvements, including new export wizard.
• Better support for windowless Richedit.
• Improvements to the print dialog.
• Many fixes to the regression tests on Windows.
• Various bug fixes.

Download: [ Wine 1.1.14 ]

A reader let us know that the roguelike simulator Dwarf Fortress was recently ported to SDL to improve speed, which allowed them to begin work on a beta Linux port. Testers are requested, so check it out and submit feedback in the thread.

Dwarf Fortress has complexities I can’t really do justice to in this space at present, so here’s a lengthy thread discussing it at the SA Forums where you can hopefully see the myriad options the game offers.

A new update for Tribal Trouble 2 beta has been released, featuring a new and faster computer opponent, a new 2 vs. 1 multiplayer island, islands modified for fairness, and it is now possible to play the game on Facebook so that you don’t have to create a Tribal Trouble 2 account if you already have a Facebook profile.

Changes:

• New and more challenging computer opponent.
• New multiplayer island: Masters Crest.
• Beach Assault blue starting area is bigger and has a less narrow entry.
• Domain of the Octopus yellow starting position has a bigger buildable area.
• Golden Hill map changed so both starting positions are equally close to the treasure.
• Facebook login.

Play: [ tribaltrouble2.com ]

Linux Game Publishing sent two press releases, the first regarding a new game, Shadowgrounds Survivor, and the second to announce the launch of their blog:

A new game is on the way! Shadowgrounds Survivor, a third person Sci-fi RPG shooter has been in the works behind the scenes for the last few months, and we are excited to announce that LGP has partnered with Igios LTD to bring this game to your collection!

In addition to excellent graphics, thoroughly satisfying gameplay, and atmospheric sound effects, Shadowgrounds Survivor is the first commercial game on Linux to take advantage of the nvidia PhysX physics library, giving new depth to the feel of the game.

If you aren’t using an nvidia card, do not despair, the game works on other cards!

We will be announcing the beta in the next few days, so keep your eye on this page, and get ready to apply!

And the second:

Like so many before us, LGP is launching a blog. We’ll be posting regular articles, both official announcements and unofficial developer postings.

The Vendetta Online news page has an update regarding version 1.8.55 of the space combat MMORPG:

• Five new missions, appearing in Itani territory.
• 7 items now have greatly enhanced trade destinations in grayspace: Silksteel, Consumer Robotics and others.
• EULA now displays the date it was last modified.
• Mute votes no longer accumulate if the votee is already muted.
• Jettison menu now uses comma-deliminated numbers.
• Fixed a couple of minor lua errors.

Vendetta Online has a free trial period, after which there is a monthly subscription fee.

Screenshots: [ View ] Download: [ Trial client ]

Insanerz Shooter is a 2D space shooter game with invading extraterrestrials you must duel in the blackness of space.

Download: [ googlepages.com ]

Slashdot recently had a discussion about free multiplayer first-person shooters. Being a vanilla Quake 3: Arena fan, I’ve tended to stick to OpenArena more often than not; what are your favorites?

LinCity-NG, a city simulation game, is at version 2.0. Changes:

• water management
• bridges
• changes in savegame format, saves to ~/.lincity-ng/
• improved images
• Updated translations (cs, de, nl, pt_BR, ru, sv)
• Use language specific font if fonts/-<Language>.ttf exists.</p>

Screenshots: [ View ] Download: [ berlios.de ]

The creators of Arkanoid: Space Ball sent in the following:

“Arkanoid: Space Ball” will be a surprise for the amateurs of unusual and picturesque games as Arkanoid and space games. Everybody who wishes to spend time perfectly will take a pleasure in “Arkanoid: Space Ball” too. A futuristic atmosphere, modern techno-style graphics, a dynamical gameplay and an excellent soundtrack give this game as a present for all Arkanoid’s admirers.
You have to clear a lot of platforms-levels soaring in space, and meteorites, spacecrafts and guns of enemies constantly will be threatened your life. Numerous bonuses dropped out from the broken blocks will help you to pass all obstacles: the laser, the rocket launcher, force fields and many other things. Game is distinguished by the features interesting and unusual for classical Arkanoid: horizontally oriented break block formation, moving and shooting bricks, Gravitational anomalies effects to flights of the balls and missiles, etc. In short, whether you are a teenager, student, parent or grandparent, you will instantly fall in love with this exciting game. “Arkanoid: Space Ball” is free to try, which means you buy the game only if you like it.

Screenshots:

Download: [ wegroup.org ]

Vulcando Games sent in a new update regarding their upcoming massive multiplayer game Celetania:

The beta test for Celetania started Friday, 9th January 2009, and the first week was already very effective. That`s why we opened the universe of Celetania for even more testers today.

We are also presenting you today the space stations of the S.E.C.C.T.S.

You will be able to get a first-hand look at the orbital structures that sustain the power of this warlike race.

Click here for details!

Have fun rummaging through the content!

Lugaru is now available for download at Archive Games:

In Lugaru, players experience the plight of Turner, a rabbit with martial arts skills, as he finds those responsible for slaughtering his peaceful village. In his quest, he uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy involving the corrupt leaders of the rabbit republic and the starving wolves from a nearby den. Turner takes it upon himself to fight against their plot and save his fellow rabbits from slavery.

To celebrate Lugaru’s launch, the price has been reduced for this week only — from $19.95 to only $9.95!

Also, if you were experiencing issues running Archive Games in the past couple of days, a new build has been compiled with fewer library dependencies. As always, Archive Games appreciates any bug reports if you encounter any problems! :)

The developers of Lugaru, Wolfire Games, is also developing a sequel for Linux, Overgrowth. Moreover, their most recent blog entry discusses game theory as applied to game design.

We received a release announcement for Between the Worlds, a hidden object style game:

Description:
A quiet American city has been struck by an inexplicable crime wave. As a seasoned detective, you are the city’s last hope. Gather clues as you seek objects hidden amidst 18 unexplored crime scenes, and decipher puzzles that lead ever closer to the criminal mastermind. The city is counting on you to scour each clue-filled alley and cave, and decode the secrets within as you discover a true sense of mystery and intrigue while travelling Between the Worlds!

Screenshots:

Version 0.6 of the naturally themed SuperTuxKart is out. The improvements outlined in the changes are improved physics, powerups, tracks, new multiplayer game modes, art assets, player AI, and audio. A Youtube video of the improvements is included after the break.

Screenshots: [ View ] Download: [ sourceforge.net ]

Read the rest of this entry »

The 7.3 update (Release notes) of the venerable Mesa 3D library is now available at the project’s antiquated homepage.

Archive Games is a game distribution project; there are already a few titles available.

Another reader let us know about Kartofel:

It’s an arcade game with an element of puzzle. The objective is to connect the numbered dots in order, without crossing over yourself. If you enjoy playing it, please feel free to drop me a line at pfedor@fuw.edu.pl

As mentioned previously, ModDB is having their annual awards for mods and indie games; consequently, a reader sent in this reminder:

Seeing as Savage 2 is the only one playable natively on Linux (it has a native 64-bit build even) right now, one might as well support the game :)

Click on ‘Indie Games’ under the top 100 released indie games of the year, and then scroll down to click the ‘Vote’ button. It’s best if you register an account to vote with – guest voting is only allowed once per 3 hours.

Edit: Thanks to calimer for pointing out that Platinum Arts Sandbox has also been nominated – sorry about the oversight!

Linux Games now has a twitter feed you can follow. You can also follow some of the editors of LinuxGames individually, Crusader and TimeDoctor. Let us know if you like it in the comments or on twitter.

Oddlabs has updated Tribal Trouble 2 beta with new features and fixes. This release includes an extension to the bank that allows players to trade oddies and points with each other, making it possible to put in an extra effort to get all game elements for free. The Domain of the Octopus island has been changed to be more fair, and a new option has been added to all multiplayer islands that allows empty spots to be filled by computer players so it is easier to quickly start a match.
Whats new:

• Bank trading: Use points to buy oddies from other players.
• Multiplayer with the computer: Fill empty spots on the island with computer players.
• Domain of the Octopus fix: Red tribe is farther from the center and the center can no longer hold a base.
• Bug fix: Players that quit before other players start up will no longer make others wait forever.

Play [ http://TribalTrouble2.com ]

This post was submitted by oddlabs.