A title like “Chess & Backgammon Classics” gives a good idea of what you’re going to get, and this iPod two-fer gives even a little more than anticipated. Yes, it’s backgammon and chess. But Gameloft crafted two thought-out versions of these ubiquitous games. Both include several play modes and board themes. Built-in opponents offer a challenge, or both games allow pass-the-iPod two-player matches. Chess’s default 3D view looks surprisingly good, but we kept better track of the pieces in the 2D, overhead perspective. AI opponents range from inept to intense, but the game’s extras round out the package: single-move puzzles, a moderate database of opening moves, and turn-by-turn replays of famous games. Backgammon can’t match all of these modes, but it includes a tutorial and tournament play. Still, it has everything we’d expect in a Backgammon game, with clear graphics and responsive controls. 

  In a word, Spore is overwhelming. This ultimate simulation is coming to Macs and PCs simultaneously on September 7, 2008. But somehow, this simulation of early life, evolution, tribal interactions, rise of civilizations, and interplanetary colonization makes “overwhelming” a good thing. On top of that, players create their own automatically animated creatures, vehicles, buildings, and more. (Check out our exclusive screenshots and deeper impressions in the April issue of Mac|Life magazine.) We recently stopped by EA’s Maxis office to try the game and speak with its developers. Spore Chief Designer Will Wright created SimCity, The Sims, and founded the original Maxis. Spore Executive Producer Lucy Bradshaw previously helped develop several The Sims games, most recently as Executive Producer. Both spoke with us about planetary phases, potential expansion packs, iPod and iPhone plans, and your personal Brian Eno.