So is still worth running an old Apple iMac G3 with Mac OS9.1?
For me? Yes. The original iMac’s are incredibly iconic computers and there’s a lot of fun applications to find here. Either they were exclusive or got started on the classic Macintosh operating system. So I wanted to explore what made this system so special. The look, the feel, the applications of the original Apple iMac computers.
Classic Mac OS 9.1 Games
Marathon, Marathon: Durandal & Infinity
Released by Bungie initially in 1995, the Marathon games are a series of 3D first person shooters released originally released on Mac OS7. Marathon was heralded as the Killer App for the Macintosh platform, especially with the success of Doom. Unlike Doom however, Marathon focused on the story of the space ship, Marathon, with information shared about the alien invasion and the levels via the computer terminals on the stages.
Each of the Marathon games also supported network deatmatches for multiplayer. Supporting up to 8 gamers on the network, the first Marathon game included 10 different maps, with more content added with the second game, Durandal and the third, Infinity.
Marathon Durandal was released on Microsoft Windows 95 but failed to garner much attention. It’s an essential part of the Classic Mac experience and an exciting prospect for the small gaming scene on the Macintosh computers.
Download the Marathon games here
P.A.W.S – Personal Automated Wagging System
You’re a dog. Doing dog things. In Domestic Funk and Organa’s dog simulation software. Chasing cats, delivering mail and finding buried bones. It’s an incredible simple simulation but with a unique art style, plenty of colors and a fun theme.
Fisher-Price Pirate Adventure & Castle
Fisher-Price is an educational toy company, owned by Mattel since the early 90’s. They partnered with Davidson’s & Associates (of Maths Blaster fame) to release a range of software such as Wild West, Castle and Great Adventures Pirate Ship. All games follow a similar theme, where the player is guided to find certain objects through a point-and-click adventure filled with puzzles, mini-games and adventure.
Download Fisher-Price Great Adventures Pirate Ship
Magic School Bus Lands on Mars
Developed by KnowWonder Inc in 2000, The Magic School Bus Lands on Mars is an activity center type software. There were several Magic School Bus games developed, each one was fairly similar in the way they operate. With an educational focus, players were encouraged to click around, discover, play mini-games and explore.
Download the Magic School Bus Lands on Mars here
Killing Time
Another 3D first-person shooter for the Macintosh, and the spiritual sequel to one of the first ever console 3D shooters ‘Escape from Monster Manor’ on the Panasonic 3DO. Killing Time has an interesting theme, as you navigate a large estate and use the ghosts of the residences to uncover the mystery.
Adobe Premiere 2.0
Adobe had an incredible growth period throughout the 90’s, acquiring a range of software and pushing multiple releases across both PC and Macintosh. Seeing the early versions of Adobe Premiere and After Effects really makes it easy to appreciate how far Adobe have come.
After Effects 3.0
After Effects especially is still a powerful video composition tool and a lot of the features remain in-tact while I was editing my Mall Madness Video Game Trailer.
Check out After Effects for yourself here on the Macintosh Repository.
