I've been writing this shareware column for a year now, and looking back over the past 12 columns I've noticed a tendency of mine: I tend not to review many games, and when I do, there's a maximum of one in each month's column. I'll leave it to others to speculate on why that has been the case, but in an effort to correct this imbalance, this month's 'Warehouse will be devoted entirely to games. Never let it be said that I've forgotten the value of play, or that I'd neglect the many talented developers who produce high-quality shareware games for the Macintosh.
 
The Truth Is Somewhere
 
X-Files Trivia Challenge
Is Mulder afraid of insects? What is Scully's sister's name? X-Files Trivia Challenge (v.1.5, Sept '98, 815 K) is a trivia game for fans of the TV show The X-Files. This game contains more than 200 questions in multiple choice format, with a few true/false also thrown in. Casual fans should note: the questions are very specific, which is why it's a trivia challenge.
X-Files Trivia Challenge by Brian Kelley (with graphic assistance by Joe Koomen) is $10 shareware. Unlike earlier versions, which were a bit austere, this version features graphics, music, animation, and sounds. Trust no one, but surf over to http://warehouse.applewizards.net/ to download this trivia game, or see below for your chance to win a free copy!
Editor's Note: If you've not yet figured it out, think just a wee bit harder... And for the record, I let Brian include his own game because it's just so darn cool. If you like the X-Files at all, download it.
 
Hang It All!
 
Hang2000
Ah, the simple pleasures of word games! Hang2000, by Ken Winograd, is a very nice version of Hangman, the word guessing game we played as children (and which some of us still enjoy in the form of "Wheel of Fortune"). In Hang2000, the words can come from any of 51 categories, including Authors, Computer Buzzwords, State Capitals, and even Star Trek. With its cute sound effects and whimsical graphics, consider this game both fun and educational.
Hang2000 (v.1.0, May '98, 377 K) is $20 shareware. Registering unlocks the game, gets rid of the shareware reminder, allows you to play more than 30 games, and gives you access to all of the categories (in the unregistered version words can come from only 17 of the categories). Download this great diversion from http://www.winograd.com/ .
 
A Long Time Ago In A Decade Far, Far Away
 
Pong Wars
For a groovy, retro-70s vibe, you just can't beat Pong Wars (v.1.0, Sept '98, 2387 K) by SloppyDisk Software. Splicing together two of the great nerd-attractors of that fabled (and currently hip again) decade, this game is Pong with "Star Wars" graphics and sound clips. This is so entertaining it's almost embarrassing! One or two people can play.
Make like an X-Wing and fly over to http://users.net66.com/~charlesmt/sloppydisk/ . May the freeware be with you!
 
Thick As A Brick
 
Brickles Deluxe
Longtime readers of this column might recall my fondness for games like Breakout. Brickles Deluxe (v.1.0, Sept '98, 322 K) by Ken Winograd is a great rendition of this classic game. As always, the object of the game is to use your paddle to keep the ball in play and destroy all of the bricks on the screen. Think of it as Pong for the solitary.
This fun $20 shareware game is available from http://www.winograd.com/ .
 
'Warehouse Trivia Contest
  This month, we're giving away three copies of "X-Files Trivia
Challenge," because I happen to be on good terms with the author. ;-)
With "Contest" in the subject line, email your answers to brian@applewizards.net .
The Five 'Warehouse Trivia Questions for Nov/98
1. Who founded Apple Computer, Inc. with the two Steves?
2. What is the maximum size, in K, of a SimpleText document?
3. Who was the Lisa computer named after?
4. In OS 8.X, holding down what key brings up the contextual menu?
