A goblin in Cataclysm.
- by Beatrice Smartt
Season’s greetings, computer gamers! I’ve been following my nose to some delicious just-out-of-the oven games to share with you that are Mac-friendly. However, most of the projects I’d like to cover are still in production at the moment, and likely not to be available until some time in the new year.
That said, there is a new development from the WOW team just in time for Xmas: the third expansion Cataclysm will be available Dec 7. If you’ve managed to master your WOW-playing abilities since the latest major patch (4.0), then you will have an idea of what you’re in for: in short, more challenge! And the good news is, if you haven’t yet gotten started with WOW, Blizzard Entertainment is having a huge sale.
A "worgen" in World of Warcraft's Cataclysm.
For fans of Soldak’s RPG Din’s Curse, their latest offering via the first expansion, Din’s Curse: Demon War should be available any day now. Game features include single player and co-op multiplayer action for both Windows and Mac with 141 class combinations (196 with the expansion), an infinite number of dynamically generated towns, real consequences, and a dynamic, evolving world, providing hours of entertainment at a fantastic value.
An image from Din's Curse.
And for further adventures in MMORPGs (massive multiplayer online role playing game), DOFUS is introducing a Rogue as the 13th playable class on Dec 15.
Dofus.
As the other games I wished to cover are still “baking”, I thought I’d suggest something different. For fans or potential students of animation and graphic design, I decided to take a look at some AMVs (animated music videos).
While there are lists of top tens from 2009, I haven’t seen any 2010 lists yet. For those of you who wish to compile your own list and share please do so in the comment section below.
As I am not all that up on the latest music videos in general (beyond those of Gorillaz), I decided to look for a couple more obscure offerings from game devs whose work I’ve enjoyed, and which are absolutely family-friendly.
Amanita Design has several worth looking at on their website. One I found particularly striking is Plantage, which introduces the viewer to a delightfully lush realm filled with lovely paper birds, and provides environmentally-friendly imagery with a soothing soundtrack by the Bjork-esque Danish band Under Byen.
The work is so simple, yet absolutely lovely, and sure to bring a sentimental smile to your lips, if not a reflection upon the idea of a world without “real” birds frolicking in the trees. A marvelous gift idea would be to encourage your family to donate to Birdlife, which encompasses societies such as the National Audubon in efforts to conserve and protect the world’s birds and their habitats. Another great idea might be to build or purchase a birdhouse or install a feeder in order to encourage habitat and feed our fine-feathered friends.
For fans of point-and-click games, this little music video from Polyphonic Spree – also by the makers of Machinarium – is a wonderful adventure wherein the journey focuses on the important and timeless lesson of working well together with others: something I’m sure all parents will appreciate amidst the bustle of presents to open and new toys to be shared. Walk-though here.
Have a joyous (in-game fighting only 
) holiday season!