From the depths of Sourceforge.net comes Race Into Space , a free version of Interplay's Buzz Aldrin's Race into Space. This is the reworked version following the source release for the computer version of the Liftoff! board game by Fritz Bronner. This was developed by Strategic Visions and published by Interplay as a disk based game in 1992 and a cd-rom in 1994.

Next up is PainTown , a 2d side scrolling beat 'em up game based on the source code from Beats of Rage -- which is based on the cult classic Sega Genesis game, Streets of Rage 2. This game is completely written from scratch and uses a modular system for loading new graphics. While it's not perfect or particularly flashy, PainTown is a fun little diversion.

Finally - i've mentioned Aaron Bishop's SoulFu before, but I thought it deserved another mention because a new version has been released and the game's status has been changed to "Niceware." Niceware, according to Aaron, requires players to do a good dead every time they play a round of SoulFu. While I support good deeds, I highly doubt people are going to do that many good deeds. But hey, if you did one to play this game, then Aaron's model has worked. In Case you didn't know, SoulFu is a Nethack variant done in full 3D. It's a wonderfully random RPG experience worth checking out if you haven't already.

When most gamers hear the name Shrapnel Games , the first thing that probably springs to mind is old school hexed-based war games. While this is true - Shrapnel Games has always been a great supporter of indie war games from the genre's best developers - the company has done a great job over the last few years to broaden its game offerings.. The company now carries everything from strategy games to role-playing and even the occasional board and card game. Some of their more notable releases include Weird Worlds: Return to Infinite Space, Dominions III, Land of Legends, and Shady O'Grady.

Shrapnel has definitely changed its image from being just a war game company to being a full-fledged indie publisher. Some of their upcoming titles include the promising Scallywag: In the Lair of the Medusa, ForeSight and the promising Digital Eel board game Eat Electric Death.

If you haven't checked out Shrapnel Games lately, head on over and check out all their latest offerings...

And that's all for this week. Thanks for reading - see you next week. As always, questions, comments and hate mail are welcomed - send it along to jamesbfudge@gmail.com or gameshark.feedback@yahoo.com . - James Fudge

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