Steam is a game and download/update manager from Valve, the creator of Half-Life.
After many months of anticipation, Steam for Mac is finally here. Like the Windows version, it allows you to buy and download any of Valve's games like Left 4 Dead 2, Steam also has a huge library of titles from other big developers, as well as free demos and videos. The list of games is ever increasing, and it also supports non-commercial things like game mods.
Mac users should be aware from the start that X3100 or 900-series Intel chipsets (the integrated graphics chipsets in older MacBooks) are NOT supported on Steam. However, the good news is you will not be required to purchase separate versions of Windows and Mac games. One purchase will work on multiple platforms thanks to SteamPlay. In addition, Mac and Windows users will play on the same servers and join the same lobbies. Some games are initially not available on the Mac platform, likeTeam Fortress 2. Most games run very well on the Mac although with some graphically intensive ones, you may need to lower the settings to prevent sluggishness.
Installing and setting up a Steam account is really easy, and the download manager is very stable. Whatever your internet connection speed, you don't need to worry about stopping a download partway through. If you exit Steam, it will continue your downloads the next time you start it without complaints.
The simple interface is mostly unchanged from Steam for Windows. Tabs along the top are used to navigate through the Virtual Store, games Library, Patch and Update News and Community Functionality. There are occasional pop-ups which are usually either adverts or invites. This slick, fast interface allows you to quickly navigate between games, available demos and videos. There's also a game wishlist feature, and your game library now has real time search and customizable categories.
While you miss out on a box or instruction booklet by buying games from Steam, you do get all the latest patches and updates downloaded automatically. There are often exclusive demos and offers available through Steam too, and there's a great community service which allows you to join groups and find people to play online. Its major downfall is that the client auto-updates far too often.
Steam may not sell every game under the sun and the Mac version may lack some of the games available on Windows but overall it's an excellent download application and may finally launch gaming on the Mac in a big way.
