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Aluminum Alloy

Theme PreviewAuthor: Max Themes
Version: 1.1.1
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 69%

Aluminum Alloy may simply be Max's most creative, unique, and beautiful creation. Unlike his many ports, (even EYLO was loosely based on an in-game interface) A.A. is original and fresh. The poisonously bright gels and the sterile metal work surprisingly well together, and combined with top notch extras, A.A. is a theme to covet.

Aqua

Theme PreviewAuthor: Apple
Version: 10.3
Reviewed by: Daniel Shannon
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 66%

Themes are all well and good, but dare we forget the basics? Let's face it, ladies and gentlemen: Aqua is probably the best "theme" around. You've all seen it, and you've all used it... but have you considered just what makes it so cool?

AquaPro

AquaPro PreviewAuthor: COTL GUI Studio
Version: 2.0
Reviewed by: Steven Canfield
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 65%

AquaPro is yet another take on Apple's pro Aqua, this time by COTL GUI Studio. The look isn't stale, however, and COTL manages to coerce it into something truly beautiful. If one of those other Aqua themes didn't do it for you, download AquaPro and see what a more laid back interpretation feels like.

Ashen

Ashen PreviewAuthor: Chris McElligott
Version: 1.0.2
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 70%

Like FatalE and Classix10k, Ashen is a theme that hearkens the days of old with its flat, sharp, and neutral style. There are no bright Aqua gel buttons here, or the poisonous greens of Luna. Ashen is a retro theme for a modern OS, and while this shouldn't work, Chris succeeds admirably.

BBX Mercury X

BBX Mercury PreviewAuthor: Max Rudberg
Version: 1.3
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 63%

Max's BBX: Mercury X is a "remix" of Bill Bart's original BBX Mercury for Kaleidoscope. And the difference between a "remix" and a "port" is pretty huge. Max's own version of the classic skin brings all the best elements to OS X, with perhaps even more polish, thanks to nifty OS X innovations such as drop shadows and animated buttons.

Brushed

Brushed PreviewAuthor: Max Rudberg
Version: 3.5
Reviewed by: Steven Canfield
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 65%

Brushed 3.5 is basically Apple's Brushed Metal look, reinterpreted by Max Rudberg. Of course, like all of Max's themes, every element is refined and there are 10 variations. Even if you prefer the Aqua look, Max's version is great, so take thirty seconds to download this theme. You'll likely be surprised.

Digital Device

[Digital Device PreviewAuthor: Joe Kohlmann
Version: 3-10
Reviewed by: Steve Streza
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarHalf StarEmpty Star 74%

Digital Device, the winner of the Unsanity/OWC ShapeShifter Theme Contest, is, at first glance, quite a nice looking theme. It's got tans and olive-greens that are definitely similar to the Palm Pilots and such that they no doubt emulate. So why is it that I simply cannot get used to this?

EYLO

EYLO PreviewAuthor: Max Rudberg
Version: 1.0
Reviewed by: Steve Streza
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 62%

EYLO, which is included with ShapeShifter and is based on the critically acclaimed Halo, is a very unique theme inspired by the blue, futuristic interfaces present in the game. However, a theme must be functional as well as good-looking and, as always, Max does a great job creating a beautiful look while retaining the feel of the Mac.

FatalE

Theme PreviewAuthor: Carbon's Themes
Version: 1.1
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 67%

Though FatalE's flat, angular design might reek of Windows rather than the gooey terrain of Aqua, Carbon's port marries the look successfully to OS X. Yes, FatalE is actually a port of a theme for Windows, originally created by KoL. However, Carbon's theme goes beyond a simple port, and comes out looking better than the original theme.

GUiPod

GUiPod PreviewAuthor: Swizcore Studio
Version: 1.0.1
Reviewed by: Steven Canfield
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 64%

GUiPod attempts to copy the look and feel of Apple's iPod OS, as well as the look of the actual iPod hardware. Where it succeeds, it does so fabulously, but it has some minor hiccups. Overall, I'd suggest playing around with GUiPod, sending feedback to Swizcore Studios, and letting it mature to version 2.

Gershwix

Gershwix PreviewAuthor: Mintar
Version: 2.0
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 66%

Ports and refinements of system default skins guarantee a level of usability and aesthetics that innovative and new themes sometimes can not. Gershwix is one of these. Gershwix is a fairly accurate and complete port of OS 9's Platinum, and the result is a fun experience tinged with a bit of nostalgia.

In Motion

In Motion PreviewAuthor: Blackdog
Version: 1.0
Reviewed by: Jason Clarke
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 64%

Inspired? Yes. Inspiring? No. Based on the GUI of Apple’s Motion graphics software, the flat blacks, grays and whites of In Motion (also known as Black Pro) make for a refreshing change from the handful of slick, dark themes like JetBlack and NEOS, but fall prey to an all-to-common enemy: details.

JetBlack

JetBlack PreviewAuthor: Swizcore Studio
Version: 1.0
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 61%

There is absolutely nothing else like JetBlack, and partly due to the fact that this is a Swizcore Studio production, innovation is a good thing. The first truly dark theme is in good hands, and though JetBlack is marred by severe usability problems, the degree of polish and completeness makes it nevertheless a compelling theme to use.

Latium

Latium PreviewAuthor: Harlan Lewis
Version: 1.2
Reviewed by: Steve Streza
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 65%

The third place winner of the Unsanity/OWC ShapeShifter Contest, Latium is one of those themes you either love or you hate. Latium is a futuristic and unique blend of greens and whites, and regardless whether you like it or not, it is a great technical accomplishment by a themeing newbie.

Mac OS XP

Mac OS XP PreviewAuthor: Max Rudberg
Version: 2.5
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: Full StarFull StarFull StarEmpty StarEmpty Star 63%

Even Max calls this extensive project something he did "for fun". Even if with a little embarrassment and guilt, give it a try, because Max's port is a complete, accurate depiction of what's on the other side. Recommended for switchers, the curious, and perhaps even reluctant Mac fans.

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