SANS DIEU RIEN  I think there's a folder labelled Gambit, perhaps in the Library folder? I totally forgot how I did it. Do a search for a Gambit folder and see if there is a Save folder in there...Perhaps right click on the Application and look at Contents?  
(Version 1.0.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I'm having problems with the Hebrew fonts. I downloaded some Hebrew lessons. I go to Preferences, under Francias hit Set, I change it to a desired Hebrew font. Nothing happens, just a Romanized font. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?  
(Version 4.2.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Sad to say I haven't returned to DEFCON in a couple of months now...It got boring, quickly.  
(Version 1.4.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  After three years, still bummed that there's no multiplayer! :'(  
(Version 1.2)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Fun unique game, but wish it had multiplayer...  
(Version 1.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Looks good...and intense. Looks like the developer is still updating!  
(Version 1.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  After the download, I get an error that says, "It is not supported on this system." I can't find any system requirements on the site.  
(Version 2.80)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I purchased Defcon with the idea of modifying it, but alas, it ain't user friendly! All the mod tools are currently for PC users. This makes it quite difficult as most of the boundaries and cities are based on a coordinate system (x,y). I had great plans for a plugin or mod, but am running against a brick wall.

The current theme is fun, but does get dreary after a while. However, I'm finding myself returning back to Defcon every couple days or so.  
(Version 1.4.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  This is a great product that will satisfy those who hunger for number puzzles. The four main puzzles showcased at three levels of difficulty are: Sudoku (9X9 grid), Kakuro (8X8, 10X10, 10X12, 12X14), Futoshiki (5X5, 7X7, 9X9), and Hexagons (9X9, 11X13).

Amigos Number Puzzle shines with its print option. ANP has the ability to create one or multiple boards per sheet of one type of number puzzle, with further options to print complete solutions, or include the answers you have already started. I've already printed some puzzles for the family to join in the fun!

There is a save and load option; however, I can't find an option where I can input a puzzle from another source to solve. I'm sure from such a responsive developer, that this is sure to be a future feature.

Because of the developer's quick response, I went ahead and purchased Amigos Number Puzzle for only $15.

Again, there is no snazzy music or graphics here--just unlimited puzzles to be solved!   
(Version 1.0.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I just contacted the developer yesterday, and he responded today! It looks like the developer is serious about his product, "I may in the future add player stats to the program, although I am not sure when that feature will be added."

For four number puzzles of various sizes, unlimited puzzles, print and save options, unique solutions, and a very responsive developer as well, in my opinion, Amigos Number Puzzles is worth the $15!  
(Version 1.0.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I wanted to try out the demo, but it says, "You have 60 minutes left" and only give me the option to buy or quit!  
(Version 1.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  It's coming to a point where Sudoku software programs are now selling us different variants and unique interfaces.

The strength of Ancient Sudoku is the interface. The player has the option of what type of input to enter each number--my favorite being the circle option with a CLEAR mode! But Ancient Sudoku does not go beyond the standard 9X9 Sudoku.

The music is nice as well. And player savings are an added treat!  
(Version 1.2)

SANS DIEU RIEN  No music, nor glitz. This is an awesome deal as this program contains four popular number puzzles: Sudoku, Kakuro (Cross Sums), Futoshiki, and Hexagons-all in various sizes! You can also input other puzzles as well from newspapers, etc. Yes, there is even a save file option!

The layout is drab, but gets the job done. I only wish the author had a way to integrate stats and players' high scores. Otherwise, I'm not sure as to why there is a timer.  
(Version 1.0.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  A lot of features, but why did the author put in the word "web" when it says it's offline? It's very similar to the author who entitled his, "Best Kakuro." I can only guess that these are a ploy to put them higher up the Google search Chain.

A lot of features that may be for those who are bored with the standard 9X9 size puzzles. Check out your other options; there are more.  
(Version 1.2.2)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I am a bit reluctant to purchase MacKakuro as the publisher offers a $7 upgrade for each whole version (e.g. if you purchase 2.x it will be an extra $7 for 3.x).

I guess independent game companies need more money. If you really believe in this product then it won't be an issue.  
(Version 3.0.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Sudoku by Dracosoft is stylistic and pleasant. The display, fonts, and layout keep a unified theme.

There are three modes: Classic, Random (the squares are no longer squares), and Chaos (the squares are now scattered across the board with only the background colors to give you a hint). All modes have three difficulties; however, all are only on a 9X9 grid. High scores are recorded on each mode.

Sound is very minimal, as there is just a pleasant clicking response.

You can always pay more for added features, but for only $10, this could whet your Sudoku appetite!  
(Version 1.2)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I'm sorry to say, but I'm new to Sudoku. I've avoided many puzzle games, writing them off saying, "It's just not for me." Jumbling numbers around in squares and lines didn't appeal to me.

Now, I can see the attraction. There are so many variants out there, more than I realized. Crystal is one pleasant variant. Instead of numbers, one uses colored shapes that add more eye candy. There are four difficulty levels, and all completed games are saved to a high score table. This is nice especially if you're competing against members in your family!

Crystal only allows a 9X9 grid, and the sound makes a repetitive clicking noise. But be aware, one can only hear it if the volume is high! I quickly turned it down before I continued the game, just in case...

If you're new to Sudoku, as I am, this free version of Sudoku is worth the try.  
(Version 1.0.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Just notice that the developer is in deed live and well. There is an update to his site.  
(Version 3.2.2)

SANS DIEU RIEN  There are other types of scoring methods: Default (2pts. for every million killed, -1 for every million lost), Survival (1pt. for every million not killed in your territory), and Genocide (1pt. for every million killed).

I hear the game really shines online with other players, and in Diplomacy mode. But I'm bummed that even in an alliance, there can only be one winner! I hope in future versions there can be an option to have an alliance victory of only two players.  
(Version 1.4.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I've been playing the Demo for over three days now, and I don't think it's that boring as the previous reviewer said. There are several different types of game modes, and there appears to be plenty of online gaming going on every night.

One must be ready for dry British humour: the point system is based on the number of millions of people killed during a nuclear holocaust. The soundtrack is intriguing, yet haunting as one can hear people faintly coughing in the background (I had thought someone was coughing just outside my window).

There appears to be a thriving forum and community. I am bummed that our PC counterpart is only $15, whereas the Mac version is currently $25.  
(Version 1.4.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I've only played the Demo. In the Demo, it's quite simple, and yet annoying as it is obvious when you make a mistake the game is over. I noticed that there are several playing modes locked, which I'm certain would have more playability than the Classic Mode. I'm just finding myself starting over, saying, "Oops, that didn't work. Let's try this!" I've won a game at each difficulty, but feel I'm not quite understanding the strategy.

What intrigues me the most is the multiplayer mode. But that's locked out as well.

Galcon is a deceptively simple game, yet has that good ol' retro feel of the classics.  
(Version 1.3.2)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Yes, a very fun game, especially it's now $9.99! Check out the official site.  
(Version 1.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  They have recently updated their website--very professional. I don't know if they had a previous link for educators, but now they do! There is an educators' discount, that makes it even more tempting for any educator to get this stunning program. As I thumbed through the various tutorials, I'm finally realizing that this program is chalked full of potential. My lesson plans and class notes will never be the same.  
(Version 2.2.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  As a teacher, it's too expensive for the couple of times I may use it. Perhaps adding a feature such as hyperlinks to each event would be cool: Quicktime, audio, etc. I would be hard pressed to spend $65 for shock and awe.  
(Version 2.2.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I purchased the Spore Origins version for my iPod. I'm wonderfully amazed on what they have done to make such a phenomenal game for such a small thing as an iPod. Uploading to the mobile section online is somewhat complex, but is do-able by entering various alpha-numeric codes on a matrix array. My kids love it, and yes, so do I! I do a lot of work with Soundtrack Pro and GarageBand, and some of the soundtracks contain Apple loops! Awesome: even Electronic Arts is using Apple products!  
(Version 1.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Gambit is a great program, and very inexpensive as chess software goes. And it's even more impressive using the Crafty chess engine, which is currently ranked number 42 (http://wbec-ridderkerk.nl/html/BayesianElo_ed15.htm)--not bad!

But I guess the real question is, "What is it exactly do you want to do with chess on your computer?" Do you want to play the best engine out there and see how you fair? Do you want to play casually? Are you serious about analysing your games and see what your strengths and weaknesses are? Do you want to improve your game?

For me, I definitely don't want the "best" program out there. This is a never ending quest, year after year. I prefer a middle-of-the-road engine, with great print out and analysis.

On my quest to find a more practical chess program with the ability to print out my games for further study and improvement, I'm now narrowing my choices between Gambit and Vektor3. Gambit has a better chess engine, whereas Vektor3 has perhaps the best (should I say "beautiful?") interface for graphics and printing: the ability to print a thumbnail picture of the position at key notations of your choice! Vektor3 even includes paragraph or split column form.

Gambit, on the other hand, has a great chess engine, better than Vektor3, which uses Vanessa MAX. So it may be better for analysis, but it lacks the polished feel of Vektor3. If you want to print out thumbnail pictures of your game within the notation, the company using this as a shameless plug for their other software: SnapX.

For what it's worth, Gambit also offers a multi-user license for up to a household of five at an excellent price of $30.  
(Version 1.0.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  The links seem to be broken  
(Version 1.3.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  For analysis, I recommend Vektor3, and it allows for multidocuments! Just what you're looking for!  
(Version 3.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  This program is more intuitive than many others that are far more expensive. The user interface is elegant and clean. The preferences allow for greater visibility of the pieces, with various board features: French, American, Russian; standard, shadow, outline; marble, wood, diagram, etc. The print out is where Vektor shines; it includes custom inserts of diagrams within the PGN format. Although ELO is somewhat controversial, it would be nice to have a feature that gauges the program's and player's ELO, otherwise, the player is at the mercy of adjusting Depth, Time, Blitz, Adaptive, and Tournament. If you want to pay more for a chess program, there are plenty vying for your money (currently, Dennis Monokroussos, one of my favorite contemporary players, leans toward Shredder). However, if you just want to play and print chess games for analysis, you can't beat Vektor.  
(Version 3.2.2)

SANS DIEU RIEN  As a concerned parent of two, coupled with the escalation of dangerous web-surfing, I'm always keeping an eye out for practical ways of protecting my kids without stifling their growth. Yet, I'm a firm believer that no program is perfect, and is a poor substitute for actual parenting.

K9 takes the common route of many internet protection programs by creating an extensive blacklist, but adds an extensive vigilant response from customers or parents with an extensive category system of various levels. I can feel my self surfing and wondering if I should report a certain site, or tell them that the site is just mislabeled. Perhaps many would just ignore it. In my 30 mins. of surfing, I reported two sites I thought were definitely in the wrong categories.

This is probably why the program is free. It takes diligence on the parents' part. At first, I thought that it would be better if K9 just did it accurately and automatically; but then again, as I thought more about it, it indeed all comes down to us, doesn't it?  
(Version 0.4)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I wanted to purchase SafeDog, but I'm getting various pricing: $9.95 here and $24.95 at kagi. Why is that? Can you also do multiple animals?  
(Version 7.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Dear Battery Acid,

I'm going ahead and purchasing Biofilm! But promise me that you will change the anemic pointer to something more creative!

Is a multiplayer mode too much to ask for? In the mean time, could you do what many other companies are doing: creating a pseudo-multiplayer feel by posting best times on the website?  
(Version 1.0.5)

SANS DIEU RIEN  The website now says "Summer 2008!" Maybe...maybe...  
(Version 1.0b1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  After immersing myself into the game, and recommending it to several of my students at school, I was shocked to discover innuendoes, and childish artifacts relating to genitals. I quickly contacted their parents and told them that I personally can no longer recommend Dofus. Hey, I'm a teacher-my integrity is on the line! I contacted the makers of Dofus, and posted on their forums. They were courteous in their reply, but felt that "it added a sense of humor, characteristic of the game." It appears Dofus was created by lonely, frustrated programmers.  
(Version 1.20)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I didn't know growing bacteria in a petri dish could be so much fun! The graphics are polished, the music and sound effects are appropriate and catchy.

I like the original theme, although the game genre is not that original: I've seen globular, gaseous, space planet conquering, etc. However, I do like the real-world bacteria names, and the gelatinous ooze as a background makes it more ominous.

Battery Acid, please listen to the previous reviewers: a multiplayer mode would really put this game over the top; and while you're in multiplayer mode, add a pinch of penicillium? The major annoyance I had was the pointer-I just couldn't find what corner actually pointed to what. For such a creative game, why such an anti-climatic pointer?

Battery Acid, I pray, will be a great contender in a battery of indie software companies. BioFilm is soon to be a classic.  
(Version 1.0.5)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Astronomical! It's free! I finally pulled myself away from the program. It's just plain fun tinkering with Stellarium: you can customize even the sky view by downloading your own panoramic pictures! As an added bonus, there are various cultural constellations such as the Inuits and Koreans.

The interface can be a bit awkward (press m + arrow buttons to modify more features, etc.). But once you save your locale and other information, just sit back and explore. I can hardly wait to submit my own panoramic view from my rooftop. I hope in a future update there will be more historical facts regarding celestial bodies.

Stellarium's forums are loaded with helpful tips where you can upload other views, etc.

It's worth checking out, even if you're slightly curious about astronomy.  
(Version 0.91)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Finally, a true Mahjong with RULES! Awesome! However, it crashed when I accidentally pressed CONTINUED when there wasn't a previous game recorded. Just thought you should know...  
(Version 1.6.5)

SANS DIEU RIEN  A very appropriate title for a very appropriate software. If you are tired of wasting money in purchasing plants on the spur of the moment then coming home trying to figure out where to put it, and wasting money on expensive landscaping software then this program is for you! Although it is not as thorough as the big money programs out there, you can't beat the price of GardenSketch. It may very well save you money from frivolous spending and killing plants due to transplanting. Yes, true confession: I've done it many times...

They do request a donation for future development. Awesome.  
(Version 1.0b5.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Seems to be quite laggy. I have 10.4.11 and I have Quartz...Help?  
(Version 1.0pb)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Tesl8 is an elegant and addictive puzzle game. It's quite unique in that I think it would be unfair to compare it specifically to other games. Yes, it is a swap-tile puzzle, yet it's a breath of fresh air in an era of rehashed games.  
(Version 1.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  It's great to actually see an international interest in programming for the Mac. Matano has done an awesome job of creating a niche that is so lacking; for example, a real Mahjong (albeit a Japanese version)! I love what they did with Shogi: the direction on the pieces are clearly labeled (I made a board for Woodshop in school--my board was confusing). Maybe this will give many others a better taste of international games.  
(Version 3.5)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Great idea! I'm a Bible teacher and would love to implement this for my students, but it appears to be more of a personal Scripture memorization technique. It would be nice if there were more than just one type of solitaire--currently only Klondike. However, it does have potential!  
(Version 1.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  It's already been almost two years since my previous review!?! Arensus Revisited: looks like it has found a new home and a new version! Check out the link: http://arensus.com/downloads

Again, being a teacher, I'm looking for a more professional looking crossword program such as Arensus, not just those hokey crosswords.  
(Version 1.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Case of the missing link?  
(Version 0.94)

SANS DIEU RIEN  MacJournal crashes every time I close the Inspector window. I've repeated the crash without fail.  
(Version 5.0.1b1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I've been delving into bird watching for a couple of years now, and bird journaling even more recently. It's an awesome family time with my sons: learning together about birds and how to use the digital camera! There are a lot of birding software out there, but I found that Wings 4.3 has the potential to be the happy medium between just the ol' database program versus the near $100 University type. I was impressed at the extensive organization, categorizing, and details of Wings. I do wish that there was an ornithological key of some kind, otherwise the program is at the mercy of the user's judgement. Perhaps this is the newbie inside of me speaking, but it would also be nice to have a diagram of labeled parts of a bird, and what physiological characteristics one looks out for.

Now for the downside. I was ready to purchase the software until I read this on the home site, "What happens if I let my subscription expire? You will be able to browse, search, sort and export your sightings after your subscription expires. You will not be able to add new records or generate reports." What?!? As soon as your subscription expires, you're stuck with what you had done previously! What if I just took an even better picture of a Plain Titmouse? I imagine myself trying to make a mad dash in gathering all the information I can before the proverbial clock strikes Midnight! Bong! Bong! Bong...Please, let paid customers have Wings for life, or at least be "stuck" with the version they purchased. Don't cripple the software that was rightfully paid for!  
(Version 4.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Got it working! This is what I did, and I don't know if it's Kosher, but it works! You need Flash Player to play (I had to download the latest version). I couldn't find an .exe file for Dofus, so I clicked on Dofus.html (you may have to do a computer search for the file). If the Dofus screen says that your Flash Player won't allow Dofus, then you have to go to www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/security/ and adjust your 'global security' via the site! Scroll down a bit on the page where you see the link, "How do I let local Flash content communicate with the Internet?" Keep following the links two-tier deep and you should see a screen that is actually what's on your Flash Player-something like this: www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager04.html#117502  
(Version 1.20)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I'm with Syzzygy, here. What a pain! They should really make it clear that you need Flash Player. I did that, but still couldn't find the file to launch it. Under support, they say, "The current downloads aren't working as we hoped for. Try..." I had to trash the old one, and am currently d/l the new. So now I'm downloading that, yet it takes forever: 1/2 hour. Must be so many are d/l all at once!

BTW, how much is membership?  
(Version 1.20)

SANS DIEU RIEN  It's great to see a game that shows what can be done using Torque Game Engine, by GarageGames-they should be proud.

This is a 3-D RTS (Real Time Strategy) game with character. I've seen the mindless one using TGE...without totally giving it away...you know the one where you're a brain in a tank. I was so glad that KingMania was not like this.

So far, the anemic demo version is quite enjoyable, but leaves you with the unsettling feeling that there MAY BE a lot more. The graphics are stylish, the splash screens are well done, the camera controls are not awkward, and the music is quaint, but not unrelenting.

But to fully appreciate a game like this, it needs to shine in the multiplayer mode. Multipler games keeps the comraderie thriving. It's hard to judge otherwise. I know it's difficult to have a dedicated server when you don't really know the future of your product--it can make you or break you. We have all seen fun games go by the wayside just because there were just not enough players. I don't know the answer to this.

It looks like a lot of work went into this game. I only hope that such independent game developers will find the encouragement to "hang in there."

Try out the demo version of KingMania, and you may be delightfully surprised!  
(Version 1.0.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Remember the Mac Classic "Total Annihilation?" There has always been die-hard TA fans out there. I remember that there was a petition going on to have the software company make an OS X version of it...Ah, those were the days.

However, now you can get your TA fix, somewhat. The graphics are extremly similar to TA, but that's the only similarities I can find right now. Where TA boasted of over 200 unique units, WoM boasts of over 40. However, I don't think this is a bad thing at all. I just finished playing the demo, and it seems quite balanced. The splash screens and music--well, let's just say someone put in a lot of effort into it. It truly makes me hope that they can really make a go of it!

I haven't checked out the online play yet. I only hope that multiplayer games like these don't die out because of server issues, or just not enough people play.

So, if your into multiplayer RTS (Real-Time-Strategy) games this may be the game for you, especially if you always wanted TA to be OS X compatible.  
(Version 1.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Venture is an adaptation of the boardgame Acquire. Acquire is perhaps one of the most overlooked gems among the boardgaming community. Many wonder why it doesn't rank up there with Monopoly. I can see why there would be an adaptation sooner or later. The object is to find the balance between starting businesses, buying stock, and merging businesses. There are various strategies: hold on to a merged stock in hopes of having a jump start on your opponents if it ever starts up again, sell stock, or trade merged stock 2:1. The graphics are from a frontal isometric view, and the user interface is pleasantly easy. The demo version has four businesses locked out, perhaps the more prestigious, expensive ones. The graphics are somewhat retro, and the sound is minimal. Still, I was pleasantly surprised at this adaptation of a phenomenal boardgame. For $10, the cost of a movie, one can have just as much fun, perhaps even more so! I only wish there was an easier way of finding other players online.  
(Version 2.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Lux Delux is a game based on the boardgame Risk. For those of you not familiar with Risk, it's a game of global conquering as you try to advance your units into various countries according to the roll of dice. It's up to you to place your units in strategic places, and hopefully ward off your opponents. As you conquer various territories, you gain extra units if you control it the next round. The last conquerer standing is the winner. Lux Delux, a cross-platform game (PC, Mac, Linux), boasts of over 300 maps for your downloading pleasure, and an extensive forum. The phenomenal feature of Lux is the ability to create your own theme and maps. The forums are quite helpful, the developer is quite open to suggestions for future versions. and in general most players online are cordial. (NOTE: The online layout is awkward, as juggling various windows seems to be the norm.) But as always, watch out for those not-to-family-friendly players online who want to shock others with their obscenity and slang fortitude. Be aware as there are no language filters as far as I can tell. There is a ranking system with Lux Delux that can either be a positive or a negative, depending on players' philosophy. The only thing that is lacking with such a game is variety. As the newer version of the boardgame Risk can attest to, they tried to alleviate this by adding mission cards--beyond just the King-Of-The-Hill type game. Lux Delux is currently lacking in these areas and team play as well; however, it is well on its way to quench the insatiable desire of any Risk addict.  
(Version 5.6)

SANS DIEU RIEN  BushFire 1.1.1 is reminiscent of the good 'ol side-scrolling video arcade games. This time you're not defending our world from space aliens, but our forests from arsonists! The controls are quite simple, the music catchy yet at times relentless, and the graphics are simple. The various missions are appropriately, progressively harder. It's great to see a remake of a classic arcade genre with a refreshing new theme.  
(Version 1.1.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  The website states that they are currently working on version 2.0. It sounds like they would like us to hold off until the newer version is available: http://www.andromedaonline.net/news.html  
(Version 1.0b1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Just what I was looking for! Well, then again, may be not. I'm looking for a card game engine such as Joueur, in which I can create my own rules to fill in the gap of the lack of classic card games besides the standard Hearts and Spades--Pinochle, Bid Whist, 500, etc. But as I tinkered around with Joueur, I discovered that the above mentioned games are partnership games. Joueur will only handle one opponent via LAN. I visited the site and was really shocked to find a lack of help and forums. What a shame--it has so much potential!

Any response, Signwave?  
(Version 1.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  This program is a break through for Independent Game Developers to get into the field. Comparitively speaking, you can't beat the price.

Calle me an "old school" programmer: the days of COBOL, PASCAL, and BASIC. I purchased the Torque Game Builder, produced by the same company in order to help my dad's gaming dreams come true. I suddenly felt overwhelmed and discouraged--TG is not for the faint at heart, and it is not easy. The learning curve is steeper than advertised, the forums and support are littered with missing links, and the jargon takes time getting used to. All in all, it's not as user-friendly as I had hoped.

Frustration mounts...It feels as if TG was writen by programers for programers in order for them to gloat that they made it "easier" for the average wanna-be programer. However, it appears as with all gaming engines there are compromises: if it's too easy, the end result isn't as polished, if it appears to be very polished, you better believe there were a lot of blood and tears shed over it. TB seems to be the latter...  
(Version 1.4)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Fun game, especially if you are just learning how to play Euchre. I had no idea what the game was about. The tutorials are very helpful. Silver Creek has gone out of their way to make the online experience a pleasant one: fancy replies to players, short cuts to little quips online, tournaments, etc. The online players are very cordial. You can tell that Silver Creek backs up their products by a 30 day guarantee! On the down side, I'm not quite sure that the fantasy Medieval theme does the product justice, but it does create a more family appeal. If you're tired of the same old card games, and have yet to try out Euchre, this is a great start!  
(Version 1.3.25)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Try out www.silvercrk.com. I just discovered them, and don't think they have anything posted here at MacUpdate. Their online is one of the best, in my opinion.  
(Version 4.1.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Check out www.silvercrk.com. I just discovered them, and don't think they have anything posted, yet.  
(Version 7.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Try out www.silvvercrk.com. I just discovered them, but I don't think they have anything posted at MacUpdate.  
(Version 6.02)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I really don't quite understand the 3D issue that's going on here. Yes, a little FreeVerse humor is entertaining, but only for a while. The online system is somewhat annoying, as many are complaining that servers are down. I just discovered SilverCreek card games: www.silvercrk.com They now have a special going on...It's almost 2am, and I am currently seeing 82 players online, and they seem like a friendly bunch. I believe it is worth checking out.  
(Version 7.3)

SANS DIEU RIEN  During the Tutorial, around the third round handing the card to Wes, the game crashed. It sounds like (and speaking of sound: the background music is horrendous--reminds me of the old MIDI!) Dream Quest Software may have a good thing going here, but whenever I go to their website, it beats the snot out of my hard drive--makes me think they're gathering information. I have to Force Quit. Sometimes that doesn't even work. It may be a great alternative to the over-the-top Freeverse version of Hearts (what's the big deal over 3D, anyway?), but until then, let's see how quickly the developer responds...  
(Version 6.02)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Fun game, especially the ability to add your own pics! Just played with the kids. However, a big HOWEVER, the Small Straight doesn't work! :(  
(Version 1.0.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Great computer conversion of the classic board game! The clean and sharp graphics, the appropriate and catchy music, and the built in dictionary put this game over the top. However, I was disappointed as to the discription of the game. It says, "Play against human opponents"--during the hotseat mode you can only play a complete game one opponent at a time! We were gathering around to play a game of three, such as in the real game, when we found out that we could not play with more than one opponent at a time. It is only a 1 vs. 1 game: either computer or opponent, NOT OPPONENTS.  
(Version 1.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  Puzzle games are a dime a dozen, and even worse are spin-offs of other games. However, Diamond Detective, although very reminiscent of the ever popular BeJeweled, is not the typical rehash of the same old stuff. They have added variety such as different board layouts, special tiles, and breathed new life with a retro sleuth twist. By completing each level, the jewel thief has left a clue of some kind. When the levels are complete you then have to view the line-up, and with deductive reasoning, you try to nab the jewel thief. My kids and I love to watch each other play--the playability is very high! The artwork and music is very stylish. Now, if only I can convince my wife to play...Diamond Detective is the perfect example of what "spin offs" should be!  
(Version 1.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  If you like the original card game, this is a breath of fresh air for your computer: not just your average solitaire game. I keep returning for more, not because of the graphics, but the playability--returning for more! Playability is key!

I love the little sound-bites of the engines running, tires screeching, etc. I do wish that you could change your name, and return later as that player after someone else plays. Currently, it's stuck on whoever logs in on the computer. Full screen mode would be nice, as the Dock sometimes gets in the way.  
(Version 1.0b10)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I'm a teacher that teaches a class on Video Production. I searched MacUpdate for various animation software--my school's lacking in that department. I came across FrameThief, which as it's name implies, doesn't do it justice! It is more than just a Frame-Thieving product: it helps analyze and simplify the entire project. Just plug in your camera and see various animation tools come alive, as you film on the fly. It's not exactly what I'm looking for, but would be excellent for claymation, toy-action animations, etc. Check out their screen-shots in the document files. Someone out there really needs this very unique application!  
(Version 2.1.9)

SANS DIEU RIEN  I noticed how often the company mentions "Aquire" on their website--there's a reason for this: it's a copy of the boardgame Aquire! I love the board game Aquire, and this seems to be a computer adaptation of it. I'm reluctant to download it as Aquire is by far one of my favorite boardgames!  
(Version 2.0)

SANS DIEU RIEN  As an educator, I'm looking for ways of spicing up my lessons, and crossword puzzles seem to help spruce up test reviews, etc. Yet there are a lot of unprofessional Crossword Puzzle generators out there. Arensus is not one of these: the layout and styles (I didn't even know there's even a Swedish-style crossword puzzle) are very professional, and the final quality is impressive. However, be aware that the learning curve is a little steep, and will require some getting used to. I'm not familiar as to the difference between this product and their previous product, but as another reviewer stated there seems to be some mistranslation from German to English. It does appear that the instructions are not finished yet. I'm sure with more updates, Arensus will be phenomenal!  
(Version 1.1)

SANS DIEU RIEN  It's great to see independent developers dedicated to create decent games for Mac OS X. MacJoy, from Sweden, is one of these companies that have a lot of talent going for them. They remind me of a fledgling FreeVerse--they create very stylized games that are twists of already popular games. MacJoy has to start from somewhere, and they have a lot of potential!

I downloaded three of their trial versions of various games, and find most of them very entertaining. So far, Pirates of Treasure Island is our family's favorite: they made a simple icon matching game into a Pirate theme, that at times can be quite intense: you shoot ships, raid castles, trek through jungles by matching certain coins! But, wait! There's more..!

The trial version is only 30 minutes long, but we have unzipped the file to play it again and again! The playability--the returning for more--is very high. The graphics are clean; some of the music appropriate. On a Mac Mini, I haven't had a problem with the trail version at all.  
(Version 1.0.2)