Factor Software - Shareware games for the Mac OS™

BOOM Version History

1.6.2 (April 2008)

• Fixed an issue that caused the monitor color depth not being properly restored after changing the option for setting the display to thousands of colors while in full screen.
• Fixed the URL for downloading the game when a new version is available.
• Improved error handling while purchasing the game via the Kagi Registration Module.
• The KRM has been reverted to version 1.0.6 due to unsolved problems with version 1.0.7.
• Updated Help.

1.6.1 (January 2008)

• Improved menubar and Dock handling in full screen mode on Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar or later (also fixed Dock icons corruption on 10.5 Leopard).
• Fixed an issue with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard that caused the game application to not exit full screen mode when displaying Help pages.
• Improved Preferences dialog appearance on Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger or later (also fixed tab pane drawing problems on 10.5 Leopard).
• Fixed broken functionality of Application menu items "Hide BOOM", "Hide Others" and "Show All".
• Updated the Kagi Registration Module (fixed issues with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard).
• Other minor bug fixes.

1.6 (November 2007)

• Improved performance on Intel-based Macs by disabling use of PPC optimized direct-to-screen drawing routines.
• Updated the Kagi Registration Module (now compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard).
• Updated Help with additional troubleshooting info.
• Other minor bug fixes.

1.5.9 (April 2007)

• Improved registration code verification function.
• Updated Help (also corrected a few typos).

1.5.8 (July 2006)

• Updated the Kagi Registration Module (fixed a potential crash on Mac OS X 10.3.9).
• New Factor Software logo in both game and documentation.
• Updated Help.

1.5.7 (March 2006)

• Fixed a problem with Apple Cinema Displays that caused the erroneous selection of stretched display mode when switching to fullscreen.
• Also worked around a related bug that caused occasional main window misplacement when switching to fullscreen at startup.

1.5.6 (March 2006)

• Fixed a bug that, under some very uncommon conditions, caused teleporters to remain inactive after use, making some levels impossible to clear.
• Updated the Kagi Registration Module.
• Updated Help and Factor Software FAQ (added default keys description for player one in the configuration section).
• A few minor code refinements.

1.5.5 (October 2005)

• Fixed a bug that caused the "invalid registration information" alert to be erroneously shown when trying to access the online scores system two or more times in a row.
• Fixed a bug that caused the "no need to upgrade" alert to lose focus when suspending and resuming the application, after checking for updates at startup, making a forced quit necessary.

1.5.4 (July 2005)

• Worked around a problem that caused the "BOOM Help" menu command to fail to launch the Help Viewer on Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger).
• Updated the Kagi Registration Module.

1.5.3 (December 2004)

• Fixed a subtle bug in the game saving function that caused occasional file corruption under some uncommon circumstances (symptom was missing sprites when restoring the game, with subsequent error or crash).
• Now the game correctly handles and displays huge scores (up to 999.999.999). In the game screen, the actual score is also displayed when surpassing 1 million of points.
• Removed unused resource from internal graphics file.
• Fixed a few typos in Help.
• Other minor bug fixes and refinements.

1.5.2 (October 2004)

• Fixed a bug that caused alerts to remain inactive when resuming the application from background, making a forced quit necessary (Mac OS X 10.3 only).
• The game now integrates the Kagi Registration Module (KRM). The KRM allows users to securely purchase the game directly from inside the application. When an order is successfully placed via the KRM, the game gets unlocked instantly! This option is available on Mac OS X 10.2 or later only.
• Changed the meaning of the terms "register" and "registration" used in the application interface. Registering now only refers to the operation of unlocking the game with a registration code. All occurrences of "Register Online..." and "Register BOOM..." in dialog texts, buttons and menu items have been replaced with "Buy BOOM...". "Enter Code..." has been replaced with "Register...".
• Modified text in the Shareware Reminder dialog and in some alerts to reflect the new purchasing and registering options.
• Added an alert that pops up when entering invalid registration info in the Registration dialog. This one and the "Thanks" alert behave like sheets when the Registration dialog is open (Mac OS X only).
• Added help buttons to the Shareware Reminder and Registration dialogs.
• Completely redesigned the Help Book to make it fully compatible with all Help Viewer versions.
• Updated Help and FAQ with all the details on the new purchasing and registering options.
• Other minor refinements.

1.5.1 (July 2004)

• Fixed a bug that caused an exception at startup when reading preferences files belonging to game versions prior to 1.4.
• Worked around a problem on Mac OS X 10.2.x that caused a server error ('Missing or invalid data.') while trying to upload local scores to the Online Scores System.

1.5 (June 2004)

• Added support for Factor Software's new online scores system (see the "Online scores" section of the built-in Help for details).
• Added network related options in the preferences dialog for automatic updates and online scores management.
• Updated Help and Factor Software FAQ.

1.4.6 (March 2004)

• Fixed a bug that caused the game to crash on quit under certain conditions.
• Added the ability to check for the presence of updates directly from the game application. Added the "Check for Updates..." command to the application/apple menu (see Help for further info).
• Fixed a few cosmetic bugs in dialogs under Mac OS 10.3 (Panther).
• Improved system cursor handling.
• Starting from this release, BOOM can only be registered online at the Kagi store. The now obsolete and unsupported Register application has been removed from the game package. Relevant dialogs and menu items have been modified accordingly.
• Updated Help.

1.4.5 (November 2003)

• Recompiled with SpriteWorld 3.0 final.
• Updated registration information. Factor Software is now using a faster registration system for all its products that lets you unlock your copy within minutes after purchase. Instant delivery! Instant play!
• Updated Help.

1.4.4 (September 2003)

• Fixed a bug that caused display problems on Mac OS 9.x (background shifted or partially drawn).
• Changed the "What's New..." Help menu item to "Release Notes...".

1.4.3 (August 2003)

• Fixed a bug that caused the unregistered version of the game to open a saved game file when double clicking it in the Finder or dragging it onto the application's icon.
• The game has been recompiled with the latest releases of the MacZoop application framework (2.6.1), the SpriteWorld animation library (3.0b2) and the MADLibrary music drivers (PlayerPRO 5.9.8). These updates contain several bug fixes and code improvements.
• The application's memory partition has been raised to 12 MBytes (this affects Mac OS 9 users only).
• Updated the documentation as usual.

1.4.2 (April 2003)

• Fixed a bug that caused the game to stop responding to mouse and keyboard input (i.e., to freeze) after completing level 80.
• The Alien Boss sprite was not properly erased from the screen after completing the death sequence. Fixed.
• The game freezed after loading an edited level with trapped enemies (i.e., completely surrounded by blocks). Fixed.

1.4.1 (April 2003)

• Fixed a bug that caused the game to quit with an error (wrong depth) when switching to full screen, under certain conditions (direct-to-screen drawing active and monitor depth set to millions of colors).
• Now the game checks the screen depth at startup and refuses to run if the monitor is set to less than the minimum required depth (thousands of colors).
• The game now requires at least Mac OS 9 to run. Mac OS 8.6 is no more supported.

1.4 (March 2003)

• The game application is now built as a Mac OS X bundle (it works as a packaged application in OS 9). All external resource files and libraries are now stored inside the bundle and are not visible at Finder level.
• The game now runs normally in a window, but you can switch to full screen (and back) at any time, even during a game.
• When running in a window, the game uses a curtain effect for screen transitions (it can be switched off in the preferences dialog).
• The info screens have been redesigned and are now displayed directly on the main window (previously, they were implemented using a dialog).
• All the standard application interface elements (in particular, menus and alerts) have been improved to be more compliant with Mac OS X and Aqua.
• The standard Navigation save dialog is now displayed as a sheet dialog on Mac OS X (it reverts to a movable modal dialog when in full screen).
• The standard Navigation open dialog now correctly shows the preview image stored into saved game files on Mac OS X.
• The "Register..." and "Enter Code..." menu commands have been moved to the Application menu (the Apple menu on Classic Mac OS).
• A "Windows" menu has been added, holding the "Full Screen" and "Minimize" commands; it also lists the game's main window.
• The documentation is now available via the "Help" menu (Mac OS X help book format).
• RezLib has been updated to version 1.1.12. This release fixes a bug resulting in the game not going in background when switching to another application in full screen mode.
• The game now supports SimpleSoft's XGamePad Support for configuring and using HID compliant USB input devices on Mac OS X.
• Fixed a bug that caused some items in the Apple and Application menu to appear in Italian on Mac OS X. This happened bacause the default country code for the application was erroneously set to Italy (4). Now it is set to USA (0).
• Recompiled with Metrowerks CodeWarrior Development Tools 8.3.
• Built with the current versions of the MacZoop application framework (2.6GM) and the SpriteWorld animation library (3.0b1).
• The game now requires CarbonLib 1.5 or later or Mac OS X 10.1.2 or later.
• The application's memory partition has been raised to 9.5 megabytes (this affects the Classic environment only).

1.3 (final release - June 2002)

• A few small bug fixes and code adjustments.
• Updated the documentation as usual.

1.3b4 (beta release 4 - April 2002)

• Fixed a subtle bug, introduced in beta 3, that caused the game to occasionally crash or quit on error.
• This build has been compiled with less code optimizations to avoid crashes and spurious errors on certain system configurations.
• Updated RezLib to the latest version (1.1.11). This update fixes a bug that was preventing the game to load under Mac OS 8.6.

1.3b3 (beta release 3 - April 2002)

• Fixed a bug that caused the player sprite(s) to skip the death sequence when aborting a game just after completing a level.
• Fixed a bug that caused the shield effect not being shown around players in certain situations.
• Fixed a bug that caused wrong animation frames to be displayed for the destructible block sprite after loading a previously saved game.
• Fixed a bug that caused the Alien Boss egg to occasionally release two enemies instead of one.
• Recompiled with MacZoop 2.5.2r1.
• Added complete sets of 32-bit icons, including 128x128 thumbnail icons, for application, data files, saved games files and preferences file. These new icons are displayed in the Mac OS X Finder only.

1.3b2 (beta release 2 - March 2002)

• Fixed a bug that caused the Ghost sprite to be erroneously identified as a Taur sprite (wrong sprite ID number assigned). This was particularly obvious when restoring a saved game: Ghosts were replaced with Taurs.
• Improved error handling when switching display size and color at startup to avoid the screen remaining obscured if something goes wrong.
• Updated RezLib to the latest version (1.1.1). Version 1.1 or later of this library is now required to run.
• On Mac OS Classic, desktop icons position is now saved on startup and restored on quit. The warning about possible Finder icons shifting due to on-the-fly resolution switching has been removed. This functionality is implemented in RezLib 1.1 and has not been thoroughly tested.
• Fixed minor cosmetic problems with dialogs appearance under Mac OS X.

1.3b1 (January 2002)

• The game engine is now built using SpriteWorld 3 instead of SAT (SAT is apparently no more supported by its author).
• Improved all standard application interface elements. Aqua is supported under Mac OS X.
• Increased the game's memory partition to 9 megs to accomodate to Carbon and SpriteWorld needs.
• The new engine allows to use "interlacing" to gain speed on older machines. When this option is selected, the game animation is drawn skipping every other line.
• The game now supports stereo positioning of sounds (useful only if you have speakers).
• Added/changed some translucency effects.
• Monitor resolution and depth switching is now performed using RezLib.
• When running under Mac OS X the monitor depth is set to 16-bit (thousands of colors) on startup.
• Several bug fixes and code improvements.
• Updated the documentation as usual.

1.2.3 (June 2000)

• Fixed a bug, introduced in version 1.2.2, that caused the game to crash during startup on all iMacs (in fact, it failed to set the monitor depth to 8-bit).
• Fixed a bug, introduced in version 1.2.2, that caused the game to crash when opening some dialogs on systems with Appearance Manager older than 1.1 (for ex. Mac OS 8.1).
• Fixed a bug that caused the game to crash when opening the Info dialog a second time.
• Fixed a small memory leak (about 1k) occurring when starting a new game or opening a saved game.
• Now, when changing keyboard settings, the program checks if Caps Lock is on and asks the user to switch it off.

1.2.2 (May 2000)

• Fixed a problem with the resolution switching routines where safe timing modes (refresh rates) could not be determined with some VGA displays.
• Now saved game files are not loaded when double clicked in the Finder if the game is not registered.
• Now the game makes use of Navigation Services, if available, when opening and saving games.
• In addition, a preview image is stored with saved game files. The preview image works with Navigation Services only and requires QuickTime for its creation. It shows a small screen snapshot, the level number and the file creation date and time.
• Fixed a few small bugs not affecting the majority of the users.
• Increased the game's memory partition to 6 megs to avoid occasional 'out of memory' messages as reported by some users.

1.2.1 (April 2000)

• Fixed a bug that caused negative score values to be displayed in some cases when surpassing one million of points.
• Fixed a bug in the display resolution switching routines that caused the monitor's refresh rate to be uncorrectly set in some cases.
• Now, when switching the monitor size to 640x480, the best available refresh rate is always set (normally 75Hz).
• Changed the text in the alert displayed when it is not possible to change the main monitor's resolution to 640x480.
• Improved player manoeuvrability when using joysticks or other fully rotational controllers via InputSprocket.
• Fixed minor problems with dialogs appearance.
• Removed some useless resources.

1.2 (final release - April 2000)

• Fixed a bug that caused the game to quit with a type 12 error at startup if the Control Strip was not installed.
• Now the Control Strip is shown at quit (or when the game is suspended) only if it was hidden by the game application.
• Fixed a bug that caused the game to crash at startup on Mac OS version prior to 8.5 if the Internet Config Extension was not installed.
• Adjusted the size of some dialog items to avoid text being cut when using a system font different from Charcoal.
• Now the save game feature is unlocked immediately when a valid registration code is entered (no need to quit and restart the game).
• On saved games the teleporters link order was reversed. Fixed.
• Removed some useless 68k code resources.

1.2b2 (beta release 2 - March 2000)

• Fixed a bug that caused wrong animation frames being occasionally used for the "ghost" sprite, during death sequence.
• Modified alert message issued when trying to open files (data files or saved games) belonging to an older, and not compatible, version of BOOM.
• Now saved game files have the same version as the application.
• Now the program correctly handles the opening of a multiple selection of saved game files from the Finder, i.e., only the first selected file is actually loaded.
• Now the score display in the side panel correctly indicates millions of points with small stars as expected.
• Removed unused string resource.

1.2b1 (beta release 1 - March 2000)

• Completely rewritten in C/C++.
• Recompiled with the latest updates of the Sprite Animation Toolkit and the MADLibrary (music drivers).
• Highly improved all standard application interface elements.
• The Preferences dialog (formerly called Options) has been completely redesigned using tab panels.
• The Preferences dialog is now directly accessible when in pause (the relevant menu item has been moved to the Edit menu).
• The "Quick Settings" menu is now called "Options" and is located on the menubar for easier access.
• Now the game automatically hides the Control Strip (if active) on startup and shows it again on quit (and when switching to the Finder).
• Added an option for automatically setting the monitor resolution to 640 x 480 on startup.
• Added support for external input devices like joysticks and game pads (requires InputSprocket 1.1 or later installed).
• Added transparency effects to visually enhance some animation details.
• Introduced a frame-skipping mechanism to speed-up animation on slower machines.
• Now registered users are able to save games in progress. The option for selecting the starting level has been removed.
• The status and quantity of collectible items (no. of bombs, quick match, explosion width, shield and speed-up) are now shown in the side panel for both players.
• Now enemies attack or follow players only if they can actually 'see' them, i.e., they don't foolishly fire at players from behind blocks like in previous versions.
• Now enemies do not change shape (i.e., do not turn into aliens and vice versa) during death sequence.
• Now the fading routines affect the main monitor only.
• Increased the game's memory partition to 5.5 MBytes.
• Various bug fixes and code improvements.
• Updated the documentation as usual.

1.1.4 (March 1999)

• Updated author's e-mail, Web site and FTP URLs in both software and documentation.

1.1.3 (October 1998)

• Updated author's e-mail, Web site and FTP URLs in both software and documentation.

1.1.2 (July 1998)

• Fixed a bug, introduced with version 1.1.1, that caused occasional freezes on certain machines. Apparently, the bug was related to the latest implementation of the music drivers (MADLibrary) and the freezes occurred when disposing of a music track without resetting the associated driver first.

1.1.1 (June 1998)

• Recompiled with CodeWarrior® Professional release 3.
• Recompiled with the latest updates of the Sprite Animation Toolkit and the MADLibrary (music drivers).
• Optimized the size of some graphic resources.
• Improved all dialogs.
• Updated URLs in the About dialog.
• Various small bug fixes and code improvements.
• Changed postal address in the documentation.
• Updated exchange rates in the Register application.
• The game is now distributed in form of an installer application.

1.1 (December 1997)

• Recompiled with CodeWarrior Professional 1.
• Recompiled with the latest updates of the Sprite Animation Toolkit and the MADLibrary (music drivers).
• Fixed a bug in the monitor depth switching routines, possible cause of crashes.
• Fixed a memory leak that occurred when closing some dialogs.
• In the about dialog it was actually possible to write in URL fields. Fixed.
• Now the current level number is shown on the upper right corner of the screen during play.
• Increased the minimum intermission time between levels on fast machines (2 secs).
• Added an energy display for the Alien Boss in the final level.
• Added the ability to register on line by launching your Web browser directly from the game application.
• Now the game application is able to locate the "Register BOOM" application everywhere on your hard disk.
• New Factor logo during loading sequence.
• Updated exchange rates in the Register application.

1.0.1 (March 1997)

• Recompiled with CodeWarrior 11.
• Recompiled with the latest versions of the Sprite Animation Toolkit and the MADLibrary (music drivers).
• Fixed a bug in the sound management routines that caused output corruption (noise) on some machines.
• Fixed a bug that caused a player to occasionally get stuck over a block after a collision with the other player.
• Fixed a bug that caused a player to occasionally being teleported over a teleporter already occupied by the other player, resulting in the two players being placed one upon the other.
• Increased the game's memory partition to 4.5 MBytes.
• Added Gravis GamePad sets matching the default key assignment for Player 1 and 2.
• Added "Troubleshooting" section to the Read Me file.

1.0 (January 1997)

• First public release.