Inside Games Updateª 							$2.95
The independent game newsletter       Vol. 1, Issue 11, May 16, 1994


Mudgeon Divulges: Bring Back the Box!

Designers are usually wonderful folk . . .they have fantastic ideas, go to great lengths to infuse product with additional, and colorful, personality, and do their utmost to prove how little others know about their trade. Unfortunately, support of such designer influences costs both the consumer and game designer el buckarooneyÑthe mighty $$$.

Whoa . . .IÕm not getting ÒdownÓ on designers. At different points in my excruciatingly exciting life, I believe I even managed a design or two for some CD-ROM packages, magazines covers, publication designÑeven a book or two. But what I did that sets me apart from a few in the currently vogue design stream is that I maintained a low profile . . .not necessarily in personality, but in the final cost of the package.

LetÕs take a look at some of the packaging for computer games. How on earth is one supposed to fit this box in a retail shelf, never mind at home in your software library? Oh, yeah, these boxes look cool . . .strange prismatic shapes, oddball constructions that require you to pull on a tab to obtain the full effect of the package, even holographic three-dimensional beauties that fit more in a museum of modern art than a bookcase. How youÕre supposed to stack your cool software box with others in your collection is beyond me . . .do you simply stuff it in and hope you donÕt need the space it requires (usually two or more box sizes) for other titles you might collect this year? Or do you simply toss the box away and maintain your software disk or CD-ROM in a separate container, and the manual in your special manual retention area?

What a waste! Figure that part of the cost of your title is in the design and production of the package within which it ships and is sold. Those special die-cuts, those metallic colors, all cost money. Do you really believe the software publisher is altruistic to the point where he or she offers these designs to you gratis? Guarantee that within that Suggested Retail Price (SRP) is the cost of those boxes!

Hey, radical idea . . .what if software packaging become standardized? Why, then, wouldnÕt that mean production costs of such encasements would be less than the current miasma of strangely shaped elements supposed to capture your interest at retail and in print ads? And that, in turn, would lower the cost of the title to you, the consumer? Phew, this is almost revolutionary.

Also consider the poor retailer. If he receives, say, 12 boxes of some title whose shape is triangular in nature, how is he or she supposed to stack all of those boxes on his shelf? Do you think itÕs possible only ONE box might be displayed, with the remainder thrown into some corner in the store room? And suppose that one box on display is sold . . .and itÕs a busy day . . .and the retailer doesnÕt have the time to restock that shelf? When that gamer comes into the store and doesnÕt see the latest and greatest game in the design-par-excellence box, perhaps he or she sees something equally as enticing because the retailer is able to maintain an adequate supply of that title on his or her shelves because the package is of a more standard, square size. Lost sale! And who knows how many of those might occur over a weekend. Naw, despite the avant-garde appearance, strange packaging limits sales and irritates customers.

Kudos must be applied to one of the most original packages that falls WITHIN standard box sizes. MacPlayÕs recent release of Astro Chase 3D arrives in a highly attractive package, including a three-dimensional mine within the die-cut box and metallic printing on the thick plastic cover. When stored, the box fits nicely with all of your other square boxes, and yet the package offers distinctive design and artwork WITHOUT alienating retailer or customer. Perhaps the notion that making friends with retailers is going to start coursing through the industry, and that will equate with higher unit sales. Not only that, but keeping customers as friends is also a good idea. Unless a publisher can actually prove the money invested in a super creative [read obnoxious] design is going to increase sales, forget it! Go with creative artwork and enticing copy on a square box, reduce the price of your title to reflect your savings in design, and prepare for increased revenues. Makes sense to me . . .ÑMudgeon


MudgeonÕs Distillations: Bits of Important Stuff

¥ ITEM: As we indicated in Inside Games Update about six weeks ago, problems were rampant within Commodore International Limited. With fewer than 200 folk occupying their Pennsylvania location, and sales dipping, the end appeared to be in sight for this personal computer manufacturer. Their Amiga 2000, Amiga 4000, and Amiga CD-32 offered high hopes for those involved in graphically-rich environments, such as games and multimedia. In fact, an entire product based on the Amiga platform made its founders millionaires in studio special effects--Toaster. Now the company has officially called it quits, out of business. No word as how technical support will continue for this platform.

¥ ITEM: Video games in the U.S.A. are far more popular with families than many may have thought, especially when used for family competitions and tournament play. At least, so says a national Gallup Poll that was conducted last month. 500 video gamers, aged 8 to 20, were surveyed: 88 percent stated they compete directly against friends. 65 percent stated they competed against other family members. 42 percent of the respondents stated they held their own tournaments. 35 percent have considered holding such tournaments, even though they had not held one at the time of the survey. The Gallup Poll also revealed that most video gamers hold an extremely high opinion of their gaming capabilities. Using a scale of 1 to 10, just over 7 percent stated they had average skills. 45 percent believed they had skills at the 8, 9, and 10 levels. Only 17 percent placed themselves with skills at a rating of 5 or lower. 51 percent said they were better players then their friends, with only 21 percent stating their friends were better players than they were. So, one can see a trend here . . .video gamers have egos! When gamers compared themselves to family members, 72 percent said they were better than siblings or parents who played the video titles. The telephone interviews were conducted by Gallup during March 23 to 27, 1994, with the maximum expected error range to be =/- 4.4 percent.

¥ ITEM: It appears Sega has selected Acclaim to the be the first U.S. interactive entertainment software publisher to use the former companyÕs proprietary Titan architecture technology to create games for SegaÕs platforms and coin-ops; the recently announced Genesis Super 32X and the not-yet-debut-but-enroute-shortly Saturn. This agreement has Acclaim developing coin-op titles using the Titan hardware system technology and their own motion capture technology called Duel. For those who havenÕt heard, Titan is an arcade video game system that incorporates three of HitachiÕs most advanced 32-bit RISC chips. This results in advanced 3D computer graphics and realistic audio. SegaÕs technology also enables game programmers to transfer their titles to other Sega platforms as well.

¥ ITEM: Acclaim Entertainment is on the move, from Oyster Bay New York to Glen Cove, New York. A single 65,000 square foot facility has been purchased. Currently, the company employs 270 people worldwide, with nearly 100 new employees hired within the past six months!

¥ ITEM: An exclusive bundling deal has been signed between Accolade and Interplay. The agreement gives Interplay the right to OEM all Accolade CD-ROM and PC games in North America. The first title to fall within this agreement will be AccoladeÕs All-Star Sports Collection, a CD-ROM featuring products from companyÕs Sport Accolade line.

¥ ITEM: The first in a line of William Colby influenced multimedia titles will be introÕd in early 1995 for the PC CD-ROM platform and in Q3 1995 for the Macintosh by Activision. Colby, the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and Activision will create interactive espionage thrillers. The result of this blend will be the first Infocom title in over     six years.

¥ ITEM: Peter Lenkov was the scriptwriter and producer of the hit theatrical release ÒDemolition Man.Ó Now heÕs been signed by Activision to write and develop a new interactive game series. Although still untitled, itÕs expected that an original cyberspace universe will be created, with characters and locations that can be ported to other entertainment media like film and T.V. Hmmm, convergence? Also part of the Activision news is the hiring of Scott Lahman as the companyÕs Creative Executive. He was most recently the cofounder and creative executive for Tribeca Interactive, where he acquired, developed, and created film and TV properties for Robert De NiroÕs entertainment company.

¥ ITEM: Also from Activision (310/207-4500), the company has announced that their Return To Zork, the newest and sixth adventure in the Zork series, has sold over 300,000 units worldwide! That figure combines the 3.5-inch disk and CD-ROM version sales. With over 3-1/2 million units sold of the original adventures, this makes the Zork series the highest selling adventure series in the history of computer entertainments. The game features motion picture-quality production values and innovations, such as one hour of audio dialog from a cast of 23 professional actors; a fully orchestrated digital score, with over 100 full-motion movie sequences; a MIT-conceived, user-friendly interface that appears only when needed, and an MPEG version that allows the title to run at broadcast quality of 30 frames per second in full motion, full screen video. Return to Zork is currently available for PC/MS-DOS computers and will be available for the Macintosh this quarter and for 3D0 and Jaguar in Q3 of this year.

¥ ITEM: Not only does American Laser Games punch out in both the coin-op and PC CD-ROM environs, but seems as though theyÕre about to ante up with an IPO for 2,100,000 shares of common stock.

¥ ITEM: Arsenal Publishing has joined forces with Alliance Interactive Software. Such games as TacOps, European Theatre of Operations, and Flight Commander will now be published under the Alliance label. TacOps is a challenging wargame that offers authentic and detailed information as well as realistic scenarios for even the most skilled gamers, and is the first title to be published under this new agreement.

¥ ITEM: Atari Corporation is stating that there are now 86 software developers, publishers, and licensees now committed to producing product for the 64-bit game system called JAGUAR. Over the last month, some 48 new publishers have signed with Atari. These include such companies as ReadySoft (Space Ace, DragonÕs Lair), Bullfrog (Powermonger and Populous), Imagineer (who produced Wolfenstein 3D for SNES), Sculptured Software (Mortal Kombat), and Jaleco, a coin-op manufacturer. U.S. availability of the Jaguar is expected by the end of this year, with some areas to see this platform in retail distribution by perhaps even the 3rd quarter. The SRP is $249.95. [Mudgeon comments, ÒStrange, isnÕt it? Another video platform ships with ONLY one title, that being Cybermorph. HasnÕt anyone learned from the 3D0 debacle of shipping new video game machines with but a single title available for it? I guess folk are destined to repeat the errors that so richly abound within the gaming industry.]

¥ ITEM: Blockbuster knows a good thing when it sees itÑVirgin Interactive Entertainment has now formed a strategic alliance with them, giving Blockbuster NEARLY 20 percent interest in the company. ThatÕs worth a cool $30 million or so. Virgin is certainly going after such alliances--why, just a little while ago, they surrendered just over 16 percent of their company to Hasbro Inc.. These alliances give Virgin an edge in retail distribution and the toy market. 

¥ ITEM: Blockbuster Entertainment is establishing the Blockbuster Video 1994 World Game Championship. Both Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) players will compete and the contest is open to players aged 20 and under. Sign ups for entrance into the contest is between May 16th and June 14th, 1994. Local and regional qualifying rounds will be held in June and July. The World finals will be held in Fort Lauderdale, August 19th through 21st. Entrance applications may be found at participating Blockbuster Video stores in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Chile, and Australia--truly a worldwide contest!

¥ ITEM: Yep, itÕs finalÑrecall the news that Creative Technology was talking with 3D0 to become a supplier of the board that can be dropped into a PC and then enable the owner to play 3D0 titles on their PC/MS-DOS machine? Well, looks like thatÕs become a reality. A non-binding memorandum of understanding has been signed between the two companies to do just that--at least for one year. With this board, 3D0 titles will certainly see an increase in sales!

¥ ITEM: As packing silicon becomes more and more feasible, cost-effective, and possible, now Creative Technologies has managed to jam the circuitry required for their Sound Blaster Pro 16 and Sound Blaster Pro PC sound boards onto a single chip. Expect delivery later this year.

¥ ITEM: One of the companyÕs involved in creating product for the 3D0 and Sega video game machines is Digital Pictures. TheyÕve produced 11 interactive full-motion video entertainment products, including Sewer Shark which is the best-selling CD-ROM product of all time with sales approaching 750,000 units! In fact, theyÕre so good at what they do that theyÕve attracted the attention of TIMES MIRROR. The latter company has now purchased a stake in the former company and the two intend to create, develop, and market interactive magazines.

¥ ITEM: Drew Pictures, the development and publishing company of the award winning science-fiction action game Iron Helix, has announced theyÕve received $1.25 in investment funding from El Dorado Ventures of Pasadena and Unterberg Harris of San Francisco.

¥ ITEM: Video game publisher Electro Brain has announced net sales for the quarter that ended December 31, 1993 were nearly $12 million. ThatÕs an increase of 32 percent over the same period of time for the preceding year. Not only that, but big bucks should be pouring in, as well. TelAssist Enterprises has signed a Letter of Agreement with the company to invest as much as $17 million over the next year or so, through the purchase of common stock. The initial investment is $4 million.

¥ ITEM: Electronic Arts has signed a game license with T¥HQ for the latter company to publish 10 carts. Titles will include a offering for the GameBoy with Shaquille OÕNeal as the star in a martial arts fighting game. Hmmm, and the martial arts relationship to basketball is . . . ??

¥ ITEM: No matter your opinion regarding the governmentÕs overbearing attempts to censor video games (guess you can figure out where IÕm standing on the issue), appears as though 12 companies have decided fighting a stupid law isnÕt worth it . . .theyÕve formed the Interactive Digital Software Association and one of their charters is to form a ratings system for such entertainments. Another bending of individual rights to federal agencies that themselves are rich with stupidity and ignorance.

¥ ITEM: The Interactive Network is going to release an interactive network game called In The Dugout. San Francisco, Chicago, and Sacramento baseball fans will be able to play simultaneously with this game, thanks to extension of InteractiveÕs contract with Major League Baseball. 

¥ ITEM: Ahhh, there are many among us familiar with GURPS, the Generic Universal Role-Playing System from Steve Jackson Games. First developed in 1968 by Steve as a paper and pencil system that made true role-playing possible, it has garnered a huge following, making it one of the most popular RPG systems in the entire world. The neat aspect about GURPS were the generic rules that enabled anyone to create a role-playing experience in a universe you designed yourself. Rules established through the GURPS system then enabled interaction with other players and non-player characters (NPCs) in the universe. SteveÕs company, publishing games since 1980, has won 12 Origins awards, which are the Oscars of the gaming industry. Now Interplay (714/553-6655) has licensed this system and will use GURPS to create a development engine that can be modified into any role-playing universe they need, from horror to a wild west theme. CanÕt wait to see their first title.

¥ ITEM: Kesmai and Alliance Interactive (305/423-4289) are now partners, thanks to a new agreement between these publishers. Kesmai is one of the leading publishers of on-line simulations. Alliance Interactive Software will publish and distribute retail versions of all new simulations developed by Kesmai. Kesmai, who developed Air Warrior and MultiPlayer BattleTech, has plans to create online versions of software titles published by Alliance. Also agreed upon is an exchange of information that will include KesmaiÕs 3-D modeling engine. The first product to debut will be Air Warrior II for MS-DOS and Macintosh which will be released in early 1995. By the way, it appears that Kesmai is headed for acquisition by News Corporation. This means subscribers to Delphi Internet Services would eventually be able to paly Kesmai games on that service.

¥ ITEM: Knowledge Adventure has a new Vice President of Technology. He is none other than Stephen Crane. He was formerly with Electronic Arts where he managed the 3D0 CD-ROM development team.

¥ ITEM: Living Books (415/382-4567) has acquired world multimedia rights to the books written and illustrated by Theodore Geisel, better known as the childrenÕs author Dr. Seuss. The Dr. Seuss book first title for CD-ROM media will be announced later this year.

¥ ITEM: After six profitable quarters, a downturn has struck 4-year old Media Vision, Inc. The company produces sound cards for computers and is currently second in this market to Creative Labs, Inc. Last year, the company enjoyed sales of around $250 million. The impending loss, estimated to be between $70 and $100 million, is being blamed not only on competition from other sound board manufacturers, but also to a mixed message the company communicated to the market. There was company consideration of dropping out of the sound board business entirely, in favor of the production of audio chips. Plus, there was much overage in various channels with unsold multimedia upgrade kits because of the companyÕs huge contracts with CD-ROM title developers and Sony Corp. of America.

¥ ITEM: If youÕre into game development, may I recommend a new publication to you? From the Miller-Freeman family of publications, based in San Francisco, one of their newest titles isÑGame DeveloperÑ(how appropriate!). Edited by Larry OÕBrien, this slick, 4 color magazineÕs premier issue featured articles ranging from ÒDesigning On-Line, Multiplayer GamesÓ by Steve, a look at how id Software created the smash-hit DOOM, to ÒThe Business of Game Distribution.Ó The cover price is $4.95, U.S.

¥ ITEM: Baseball fanatics may soon be able to purchase a new Motorola product called SportsTrax, a palm-sized, wireless unit that uses pager technology to track baseball games in progress. Info offered ranges from score, what players are on base, how many outs have been registered, and lots of other info. The rumored SRP is said to be around $149 for the unit.

¥ ITEM: Killer Stuff: The R4000 RISC is gonna be the heart of NintendoÕs new 64-bit game system, the one theyÕre developing with Silicon Graphics. Now, Nintendo has lined up the first developer for their new platform. ItÕs WMS Industries, and theyÕre going to create a title called Killer Instincts. They describe this as a futuristic 3D fighting game. It should appear in video arcades late this year and on the Project Reality home entertainment system in 1995. Other titles may be developed under additional contracts. You might recall that the deal Nintendo recently cut with WMS Industries involving Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam hacked and hewed AcclaimÕs stock, which lost 25 percent of its value when this deal was announced at the end of March. The reason? AcclaimÕs revenues for those two titles total more than 50 percent of the companyÕs projected revenues of around 4450 million for this fiscal year. Acclaim does, however, retain the right to market and distribute any version of _RELEASED_ WMS games until March of next year. Now that weÕve got you focused on WMS, it sort of figures that they have news of their own. After all, when the chairman of Viacom Inc. invests enough for a 25 percent stake in the company, thatÕs a sign of significant life ahead for the firm. WMS is also expected to purchase Tradewest for around $15 million or so, with that companyÕs design staff becoming the core of the companyÕs new subsidiary named Williams Entertainment, Inc.

¥ ITEM: Nintendo is none too pleased with their European sales! It appears as though thereÕll be about a 40 percent decline in current profit because earnings will be over 20 billion yen less than the company had previously forecast.

¥ ITEM: NintendoÕs petition for a rehearing of the suit against Galoob Toys Inc., which they lost to the tune of $15 million, has been denied. The suit revolves around GaloobÕs release of the Game Genie video game enhancer. Nintendo could still file a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court, so perhaps thereÕs more ink yet to come on this adventure.

¥ ITEM: Nintendo is usually a mystery to folk, stating one thing, changing their mind, and then doing something else entirely. Now it appears as though they will continue to produce a new, stand-alone videogame unit thatÕll be released in early 1995. A Òvirtual realityÓ machine will be released in late 1995 with a SRP of less than $200. This 32-bit game is supposed to enter the Japanese market in the spring of 1995. Rumor has it that the VR machine could be either a hand-held device, or a table-top unit. With itÕs own LCD viewing screen, it is definitely cart-based. Surprising for an alleged VR device is the fact that, apparently, no goggles or HMDs are included in the unit. There you have itÑwhat we know, you now know!

¥ ITEM: More Nintendo news is that the company has decided to sell directly to the video rental market through appropriate channels. ItÕs estimated that the video game rental business is responsible for about $1 billion a year, a sizable chunk of cash that Nintendo cannot ignore. TheyÕve already signed West Coast Entertainment, and a deal is in the works with Blockbuster Entertainment. According to West Coast Entertainment, a survey they conducted revealed 4 SNES games are rented each month by SNES owners. Ingram has also announced that they are now an authorized Nintendo distributor, which has delighted the company, as it took them nearly three years to acquire this agreement.

¥ ITEM: PowerFestª  Õ94 is on its way. Nintendo is launching the largest video competition ever held in the United States. The goal? Within six months, to locate the best video game player! The competitions are scheduled to be held through November of this year. Competition will take place in three-day events, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sundays, scheduled in a number of cities. More than half-a-million players are expected to participate, with more than $1 million in prizes offered. A specially designed, five-minute SNES 16-bit cartridge featuring some of NintendoÕs most popular games will comprise the hardware used for the competition. The top ten scorers from each three-day event will be invited back at 2:45 in the afternoon for a playoff to determine who will go to the finals. For more information on PowerFest dates and locations, call Nintendo customer service at 800/255-3700.

¥ ITEM: Paramount Communications has decided to try a join venture with Davidson & Associates. The latter is a leading educational software publisher. The venture will find Davidson producing products based on ParamountÕs book library of some 300,000 titles.

¥ ITEM: Prima Publishing is packing up their bags and moving to new digs: 3875 Atherton Road, Rocklin, California - 95765. Their phone number is now 916/632-7400 and their fax # is 916/632-7668.

¥ ITEM: Coming your way is Puggsy for the Sega Genesis, a non-violent game developed by Pysgnosis (which is a division of Sony Electronic Publishing). There are more than 50 levels of play that take the gamer through 17 various lands. YouÕll have to explore secret rooms, hidden levels, solve puzzles, and zap 100 different creatures.

¥ ITEM: The show-down Õtween Sega and Nintendo continues as both companies bravado as to market share now reveals they have more than 100 percent penetrationÑ-a dubious possibility, at best. Citing each companyÕs figures, the break down as offered to the press is as follows. Sega is claiming a total of 5-1/2 million Genesis hardware units, with nearly 30 million software units sold. ItÕs CD units number around 1 million, with nearly 6 million software units sold for this platform. Game Gear comes in around 3 million units. Sega claims about 55 percent of the 16-bit installed base with Sega Game Genie units sales at a 200 percent increase during 1993. Nintendo, claiming 70 percent of the domestic cart market, has offered data that nearly 7 million SNES hardware units were sold in BY Õ94. Their projections for FY Õ95 are 7 million units. Software units are 30 million and 45 million, respectively. Additionally, nearly 2 million NES units were sold, and 1-1/2 million projected for FY Õ95. Software for this unit was listed at 17 million for FY Õ94 and 15 million for FY Õ95. Game Boy comes in at 5 million sold in FY Õ94 and just over 4 million in projection for FY Õ95. You can also expect to hear more about NintendoÕs 64-bit platform, called Project Reality, later this month. The war continues to heat up between these two mammoth video game giants . . .letÕs hope the consumer will end up the winner.

¥ ITEM: Sega is also active in the joint agreement arena, as well. Now Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) has announced a deal with Sega to create new interactive media titles, TV programs, and titles for movies. Seems as though Hollywood is really starting to become enamored with the way video game and software entertainment publishers produce their wares, and now they want their piece of the action as well. Called a non-exclusive pact, brands and games adorned with the brands from both companies might see release in the 1995 to 1996 timeframe. The titles are planned for the Sega CD, Super 32X and Saturn platforms.

¥ ITEM: YouÕve heard about SegaÕs new 32-bit hardware add-on for their Genesis system thatÕll debut later this year. Now Nintendo has announced a new peripheral for their SNES systems, an adapter that will allow consumers to play Game Boy carts on their SNES platforms. Called the Super Game Boy accessory, this adapter also assigns colors based to the 4 gray settings that appear on the normal, monochrome, Game Boy screen. These colors are based on 32 preset palettes and displays will be able to handle as many as 256 colors. Look for a pricing of between $89 and $99, SRP.

¥ ITEM: Pearson PLC is certainly broadening its horizons. The company has announced a merger agreement to acquire The Software Toolworks, with the only condition being that over 50 percent of the shares being tendered. The offer is for all of the 29-1/2 million shares of stock.  Pearson, with market capitalization of around 3-1/2 billion, is an international media group. Holdings include over 100 regional newspapers in the United Kingdom, The Financial Times, as well as 50 percent ownership of The Economist and newspaper interests in Canada and Spain. More well known are the companyÕs ownership of Addison-Wesley and the ownership of Thames Television, the largest UK  independent producer of TV programs. At first light, this appears to be a sweet deal for both Pearson and The Software Toolworks.

¥ ITEM: Look for a new, thinner, lighter CD-ROM drive from megamanufacturer Sony. This oneÕs designed for notebooks and will have an SRP of just over $500. The puppy weighs in at just 12-1/4 ounces and is less than 0.68 inches thick. ThatÕs hardly suitable as even a paperweight.

¥ ITEM: ThereÕs some new folk at Spectrum HoloByte! First in joining the company is Lou Gioia, who has been named Senior Vice President, Marketing & Publishing. He was most recently MattelÕs Senior Vice President for Boys Product Marketing. The second to join is Holly Hartz, who is the new Director, Public Relations. She was most recently the Manager of Corporate PR _AND_ the Director of Public Relations at Electronic Arts. We wish both well in their new positions.

¥ ITEM: TSR, those folk who brought D&Dª  and AD&Dª  to the lives of millions of FRPGÕers, is about to release a new campaign setting. Called Planescapeª , youÕll find yourself exploring new planar worlds where magical powers find their source. Included in the new campaign setting are new races, portals to the planes, player character factions, monsters, maps, and a whole lot more. TSR calls this ÒFantasy . . .taken to the edgeÓ and itÕs coming soon.

¥ ITEM: To the tune of $8.50 per share, Time Warner Inc. has purchased 1.5 million shares of Atari CorporationÕs common stock. Although subject to more approvals, this purchase would increase the Time percentage in Atari Corp. from 25 to 27 percent. Although AtariÕs losses are believed to be nearly $23 million for Q4, and their revenues down to $8.53 million, this investment is said to be headed for the promotion coffers for AtariÕs new Jaguar video game system.

¥ ITEM: Having successfully survived the Paramount takeover wars, Viacom is producing its first video game. Called Rocko, this game is based on the cartoon character and is designed for SNES and is being coded through ViacomÕs New Media division.

¥ ITEM: Warner Brothers Consumer Products and Acclaim Entertainment have entered into a pact wherein Batman Forever, the third Batman film starring Michael Keaton, will lead AcclaimÕs entry into the coin-op arcade market next year. This film will headline several Acclaim interactive entertainment titles for leading video game cart and CD-ROM systems next year. Acclaim will develop the coin-op arcade game and the software for the home video systems. The coin-op title will be developed using SegaÕs proprietary Titan hardware system technology and AcclaimÕs motion capture technology. Under a separate agreement, Segawill publish software based on this film for their Genesis Super 32x and Saturn platforms.

¥ ITEM: Have you heard? Appears as though Wizards of the Coast, the publishers of the enormously popular Magic: The Gathering card game, is about to release another set of cards. Called Legends, they should be released next month.

¥ ITEM: A lawsuit has been filed in Federal District Court in Los Angeles by Yamaha Corporation of Japan against many sound board manufacturers and distributors. Yamaha alleges patent infringement by these companies in the use of silicon for sound generation.

¥ ITEM: If you didnÕt know, the electronic games market in Europe is the absolute fastest segment of the games and toy market. Just look at the 89 percent sales increase that occurred between 1988 and 1992 if you need proof. And that stat is courtesy of The Financial Times. 


Within the Cellophane: New Products of Note


Racing Game Debuts

Accolade (408/985-1700) is announcing a June release date for a new title, Combat Cars. This is a fast-paced, arcade-style racing game for Sega Genesis players. YouÕll find yourself racing through 24 grueling race tracks in six different locations.

The title has lined up eight distinct drivers, each racing a different car with its own handling characteristics. The cars come equipped with weapons that provide players with the means to blow away the competition. You can set mine traps, activate turbo thrusts, shoot heat seeking missiles, spatter oil slicks and drop gobs of glue. You gain that competitive edge by strategically using your weapons to increase their supply as they complete each circuit. You can gain on the competition by also improving your carsÕ handling, acceleration, and speed performance by using prize money to purchase turbo chargers, mega tires, and powerful engines.

You can test your machine on a sandy beach, an icy snowtop, a windy harbor, a treacherous mountain range, suburban cul-de-sacs, or in congested downtown streets. Choosing from three difficulty levels, players using the two-player mode can join forces to blast away opponents or choose to race head-to-head against one another. The split screen option adds another challenging dimension since players never known what their opponent will do next. The SRP is $49.95.

Accolade is also releasing their first collection of wallpaper Screen Savers. These new titles feature Charles Barkley and Jack Nicklaus. Each one helps to extend the life of your monitor. Also, five percent of each sale of these two products will go to The Nature Conservancy to help protect endangered plans, animals, and their habitats.

The Barkley screen savers are as intimidating as Sir Charles himself. Twenty-two shots feature the most dominating basketball player alive. YouÕll catch him slamming down a thunder dunk or getting in an opponentÕs face.

Jack Nicklaus is both a legendary golfer and a legendary golf course designer. These incredible screens take you on a dazzling tour of championship courses designed by the pro, plus caddie-close shots of the master in action.

You need Microsoft Windows 3.1, a 256-color VGA monitor and approximately 1.6 MB of disk space for the first collection and about 900K for each subsequent set. All are After Darkª  compatible.

Another Accolade announced title is FireTeam Rogueª  for SNES and Genesis to be released in time for the holidays at the end of this year. YouÕll enter the realms of the Spiral Arm where millennia ago a dedicated band of five outcast heroes called FireTeam Rogue are all that stand between the evil Umbran empire and its diabolical plans for the Dark Talis of Kangor Thrag--the ultimate weapon of destruction.

This science-fantasy adventure game features hand-to-hand combat, puzzles, exploration, and flight combat. Each character is equipped with multiple punches, kicks, leaps and other combat moves as well as special weapons and powers unique to each. Their mission: to guard the Dark Talis of Kangor Thrag, a weapon of incomparable power, at all costs. Should Umbran forces gain control of this weapon, the worlds and suns of the Spiral Arm will be doomed to eternal enslavement. YouÕll explore several different and complicated worlds, defeating enemies as necessary and collecting power ups and keys. Once you discover how to reach the labyrinth beneath the Iron Plains on the world of Terrak XŸ m, you must defeat the boss (Demus), reclaim the Dark Talis, and escape back across the Umbran front. The SRP is $69.95.


Right On Target

Alliance Interactive Software, Inc. (305/423-4289) has inked a publishing agreement with Bullseye Software, a developer of Macintosh entertainment titles. The latter company most recent development effort was Valkyrie, a helicopter sim published by GameTek. The Bullseye titles will now be published by Alliance as part of that companyÕs Digital Illusions Classic Series. Offerings include P51 Mustang, a classic W.W.II dogfight game that takes place over Europe; Ferrari Grand Prix, a racing sim that enables you to race 7 cars on 16 courses as well as design your own racing course; Fokker Triplane, a W.W.II combat sim where you dogfight in 9 missions; and SplatÕers, a 3-D paintball world where you can compete against as many as 15 other computer players to retrieve flags hidden in 10 floors of an underground Òbattlefield.Ó 


Coin-op CD-ROM

American Laser Games (505/837-5413) has announced Shoot Out at Old Tuscson. This is the first CD-ROM-based game in the coin-op industry. This first offering offers a different look than the companyÕs movie-like, live-action, laser-disc-based games. The moving characters are hi-res, digitized images of filmed actors and stunt men, superimposed within photographic settings.

Operators will be able to change games on this system as easily as changing CDs. All computer commands, CD-quality audio, and visuals are contained on a 5-inch compact disc. Other games will also be released for this system, including drivers, fighters, and action games. The modular controls for these other games will be just as easily changeable as the CDs themselves.

The technology of this new CD-ROM game system includes over 600 MB of memory to handle complex game concepts, an advanced graphics processor that moves 64 million pixels per second for full motion video and special effects, and a digital signal processor for CD-audio quality.

Shoot Out at Old Tucson has a 25-inch monitor, two-player capability, and an optional dollar bill acceptor. The game is set at the factory for 50 cents/play and 50 cents to continue. Units are shipping from American Laser GamesÕ manufacturing plant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, since February.


Super Pinball

Amtex (613/967-7900) has added Royal Flushª  to the companyÕs titles within their Pinball Classics Collection of pinball sims. Set to debut this summer, Royal Flush is based on the arcade release from premier arcade game manufacturer D. Gottlieb & Company. There are no whistles and bells with this title, just good old fashioned pinball. Shoot the Joker, King and Queen drop targets to acquire the perfect poker hand. Be careful to line up your shot correctly, or youÕll miss your hand. With five balls per player, and as many as four players possible, this game requires true pinball skill. The SRP is $49.95 and the title requires a Mac with 256 colors or gray shades, 4 MB of RAM and Macintosh System Software v. 6.0.7 or higher.


Binaryized board game

Avalon Hill (410/254-9200) has released KingMaker, based on the award-winning board game of the same name published by the company in 1976, which takes gamers back in time to the Wars of the Roses. This electronic version is for MS-DOS and Amiga computers. The PC version extensively uses digitized speech. Both versions feature high quality, digitized graphics, icon-based user interface, and adjustable difficulty levels. Artificial intelligence offers continual challenges for both the beginner and more sophisticated players.


You face one to five computer-controlled factions, and must guide your group of nobles to glory by determining the next King of England while a dynastic squabble erupts between two families that are aggressively seeking the crown. Each of the factions is made up of different level nobles. The nobles can be given titles and offices, religious leaders, mercenary bands, ships, and the allegiance of the free towns of the realm. Each faction brings new forces or advantages into play. The SRP for this title is $59.95.


Programs Unite

Br¿ derbund (415/382-4400) has done it again! TheyÕve released Kid Pix 2ª  and the Kid Pix Fun Packª  for Macintosh, DOS, and Windows platforms. By combining the creative power of Kid Pix¨  and Kid Pix Companionª  in one box, theyÕve been able to lower the price to an approximate SRP of $40.00. And, you can grab the collection of additional goodies for this title by spending about $20.00 for Kid Pix Fun Pack.

Kid Pix 2 contains all of the features of the original program. ThereÕs an extensive palette of painting and special-effect tools, cool sound effects, and magical screen transformations. This title is one most children ages 3 to 12 will thoroughly enjoy. Some of the goodies offered include Wacky Brushes, Eraser tools (great new ways to erase images on the screen), a talking bilingual alphabet in English and Spanish, Hidden Pictures that enable an eraser to uncover over 50 antique illustrations, ColorMes where you can decorate 25 pre-made drawings, over 300 original stamps, Wacky TV that feature humorous QuickTime or AVI movies kids can add to their pictures, Electric Mixer which transforms art into original masterpieces, plus SlideShow for creating slideshows that link Kid Pix 2 pictures together.

With Kid Pix Fun Pack, there are four sets of coordinated art activities. These include Thrills and Chills, Home Sweet Home, Celebrations Around the World, and Natural Habitats. In the latter offering, children choose a ColorMe Picture of a tropical rainforest, beaver dam, desert, swamp, or tidepool. They then decorate the picture with Rubber Stamps that include fish, flowers, shells, insects, and birds. Each ColorMe Picture also comes with its own unique sound effect! There are a total of 448 stamps, 32 ColorMe Pictures, and 40 new Hidden Pictures in this add-on package. [Ed note: by the way, if you combine all of the Rubber Stamps within the Kid Pix titles, there are a total of over 800 stamps for children to enjoy. ThatÕs value!]


Fat App Debuts

Bungie Software (312/563-0545) has announced they will be shipping a version of Pathways Into Darkness written specifically for PowerPC Macintosh. There will be new features that take advantage of the computerÕs RISC-based speed. In addition to texture-mapped walls, the title will texture map the floors and ceilings and frame rates have jumped to over 30 frames per second (fps). These enhancements increased the size of the title by less than 180K.

Pathways Into Darkness will being shipping as a Òfat appÓ with both 68K-based Macintosh and PowerPC processor-based Mac compatibility in the same application. The packaging will sport a Power Macintosh computer compatibility sticker for identification. An updated application will be available to registered users via electronic bulletin boards or via mail for a nominal shipping charge.


Goodies Enroute

Cyberflix (615/546-1157) is not simply sitting upon their Macintosh title successes of Jump Raven and Lunicus. No, they are not only converting these programs to MPC platforms by this summer, but they are planning a number of new titles. ThereÕs Mortality, Inc., a horror title in the arcade genrŽ , set for Christmas of this year. An interactive western adventure entitled Dust is scheduled for winter of next year. Or, if adventure/thrillers based on past event is your bag, how about Titanic, where youÕll find yourself onboard the doomed liner, scheduled for release in the Spring of Õ95. Finally, thereÕs Dark Streets also set for the Spring of next year. These titles sure sound awesome! Too bad we have to wait to actually experience them.


Flight Controller

Duggan Dezing, Inc. (401/823-8073) has released their patented Flight Stand, a flight controller holding stand. You simply attach the controller to the Flight Stand with the provided Velcro pads. You then place the unit on your computer chair and straddle it with your legs. This gives you a true cockpit feel as you take off with your favorite sim.

This unit is recommended by both Thrustmaster and CH Products for use with their controllers. Two Flights Stands will mount both the Thrustmaster Flight and Weapons Control systems to your chair. Any other flat bottom joystick, even those with suction cups, work well with this new unit. The SRP is $24.99.


Attack Sub

Electronic Arts (415/571-7171) is about to release what the company calls Òthe most advanced submarine simulationÓ ever produced. Entitled SSN-21 Seawolf, this is the sequel to 688 Attack Sub, which was one of EAÕs biggest PC hits. Coded by John Ratcliff who wrote the original sim, and produced by EA vet Paul Grace, this game features the real-life in-design SSN-21 Seawolf Attack Sub. The U.S. Navy initially combined five major programs in order to establish the Seawolf class. Due to budget cuts in the military, the sub remains on the drawing board, despite Navy claims that the sub will be the fastest, deepest-diving, and most heavily armed US submarine ever put to sea.

This makes for a great sim. Today even starts to look more like the model planned for this sim! Economic, ethnic, and political unrest in the Soviet Union are starting to become more involved. ThereÕs intense pressure from Red Army generals upon the military stability of various Eastern bloc nations. Another coup has deposed Fidel Castro and a U.S.-government government seizes power. Border skirmishes break out at spark points along the perimeter of the USSR, and a Soviet task force sails from Archangel bound for Cuba. With strict orders from the military to avoid nuclear confrontation, World War II begins!

EAÕs sim recreates the atmosphere of underwater warfare with much of the game action taking place in the sonar room. More than 40 types of surface ships and 25 subs can be identified individually from their own unique sonar signatures. There are over 100 sound samples featured in 16-bit stereo sound. In the periscope view, players can see a variety of animated water effects and backgrounds. The game contains 33 missions, with a random start mechanism ensuring a variety of gameplay. Training missions are included, as are modem and network play capabilities. For PC/MS-DOS computers, sound support includes Roland, SoundCanvas, LAPC-1, AdLib, SoundBlaster, Gravis, Ultrasound, Proaudio and Spectrum boards.


Sales Rocket

GameTek has announced that their latest title, Frontier: Elite II, has generated more than 200,000 unit sales in Europe. Released for Macintosh, DOS, and other platforms, this title was the largest selling game on the Amiga platform last year.

Frontier: Elite II has attained the number one position in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The software product has been in the top three position in the U.K. since its launch by GameTek six months ago. At the recent European Computer Trade Show, this title received the BBC-TV Live and Kicking Award for the Best Game of the Year.

During Frontier: Elite II, players are transformed into intergalactic space traders, blasting their Eagle Long Range Fighters (equipped with Pulse Laser Weapons and Class 1 Hyperdrive) far into the future to the year 3,200, where civilizations have spread throughout the galaxy. GameTek has announced they have also signed the rights for the next Frontier project on DOS and PC-CD, to be released in time for Christmas.


Digital Russia

JV Intersoft of Moscow and Cascade Marketing International (509/663-9523) are introducing RUSAª , a software series depicting art classics of the great masters. The series is highly interactive and allows the viewer to select images of paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and architecture from the State Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. There will be a total of five titles that encompass this historic museum. The first title is ÒThe Hermitage, Volume 1: An Introduction.Ó Included are samplings of art and architecture from the 1,000 room, former Winter Palace of the Tsars. The SRP is $79.95 for the CD-ROM version and $99.95 for the disk version.


Howling Dog Music for Kids

Howling Dog Systems (613/599-7927) is releasing a new entertainment and music education program called Mr. Drumstix Music Studio. For Windows machines, this program is directed at children ages 3 through 9. Featured are musical instrument characters, a song player, and musical games and activities.

ÒMr. DrumstixÓ is an animated drummer who plays along with 20 childrenÕs songs that are included in the package. Clicking on his drums causes him to play the drums and a special solo button makes him play from an infinite repertoire of computer generated drum solos. ÒMs. Florida KeysÓ is a keyboard character whose eyes follow along as notes are played. The name of each note is displayed and when in Òtalk modeÓ she says the note names aloud as well. ÒGuitar GeorgeÓ is also mouse-playable and comes with an array of Òquick chordÓ buttons to play and display the fingering for many guitar chords.

The song player represents melody phrases with pictures of the instruments used to play the melody. Songs can be customized by selecting different musical instrument sounds from the instrument picture index. A Òrandom orchestrationÓ button sets the different parts of the song to randomly selected instrument sounds. As the songs play, Mr. Drumstix plays along on-screen and the song lyrics are displayed Òkaraoke styleÓ for sing-along fun.

A bonus song disk with 10 additional songs with lyrics is available free from the company free upon receipt of the warranty card from the package. Look for a Christmas song disk for fall release. The SRP is $69.95. YouÕll need Windows 3.1, a mouse, and a sound card, such as Sound Blaster, Media Vision, Aria-based, Advanced Gravis, or compatibles.


Good News

A title much anticipated by MS-DOS gamers is Star Reach from Interplay. The bad news is this title isnÕt available just yet. The good news is . . .itÕs in beta! This galactic title binds together a real-time strategy game which requires intense resource management and strategic maneuvering to conquer the galaxy. You select the race to undertake the gameÕs object--however, lose your headquarters, and youÕre a gonna . . . from the game, from the conquest. You win the game by either controlling your enemiesÕ headquarters or through control of all other planets in the galaxy. The latter is no small order! ThereÕs even a split screen mode that enables fine gamers such as yourself and a friend to play simultaneously on the same computer.

As the Supreme Ruler of your own empire, your Imperial Cruiser becomes your flagship, from which you control every nuance of the game. ThereÕs a beam teleporter to take you to and from your headquarters--even if you face destruction, this puppyÕll beam you back safely so you can board another Star Cruiser. (Better always make certain youÕve enough resources to BUILD that Star Cruiser, otherwise your kind of, well, stuck and you wonÕt be able to do anything until that new cruiser is built!) There are ground attacks, space attacks, all kinds of management you have to undertake, in order to win the game. Losing cruisers wonÕt lose the game for you, but not applying every advantage you have to the environment WILL certainly not help you win. Game control is via keyboard, mouse, or joystick.

Also from Interplay is SimCity Enhanced CD-ROMª . Using over 40 minutes of video clips, Interplay has combined the gameplay of one of the best selling titles in the history of computer entertainment with state-of-the-art cinematic multimedia. Maxis Software, the creators of the original SimCity title, granted Interplay Productions the rights to create an enhanced CD-ROM version. In InterplayÕs often humorous CD-ROM version, SimCity comes to life with actors and actresses advising the player of their mayoral skills and city development. Another unique difference from the original, disk-based version, is that these advisors also warn the player of problems before they become a major issue.

Michael Conti, a former Hollywood producer, is the producer of this title. He directed design teams and production crews Òon locationÓ in working fire and police stations and city offices to capture the realism of each environment. Professional actors were cast for the parts of police and fire chief, utilities commissioner, transportation commissioner and SimAction News anchor. Dozens of extras were brought in to help fill out the cast of this living city.

Other video enhancements include ÒpeekÓ views, which provide the player with a voyeuristic peek into the private lives of the SimCitizens. And there are over 40 minutes of video footage. The title is available for MS-DOS computer, 386SX or better, a MPC compliant CD-ROM drive, and 4MB of RAM. YouÕll also need DOS 3.3 or higher and a hard disk with 2MB of free space, plus a mouse. The titleÕs video standards are up to SVGA and AdLib Bold, SoundBlaster and ProAudio Spectrum sound cards are supported.


Freelance Police

LucasArts Entertainment (415/721-3300) has released the PC CD-ROM ÒtalkieÓ version of their game Sam & Max Hit the Road. With a cast of talented voice actors, Sam and Max deliver their witty and wise repartee in 8-bit, 22KHz, digital sound. This quirky, detective comedy adventures is based on the underground ÒSam and Max Freelance PoliceÓ comic books created by artist/writer Steve Purcell. When Bruno the BigfootÑthe premiere side-show act from the local carnival--mysteriously disappears with his girlfriend Trixie, the Giraffe Necked Woman from Scranton, freelance police partners Sam and Max are called in to track down the missing sasquatch and his mate.

This case takes our detectives Sam and Max--a canine ÒSam SpadeÓ and his trouble-making, hyperactive, side-kick rabbit buddy--on a wild ride through tacky, roadside tourist attractions, such as The WorldÕs Largest Ball of Twine, the Celebrity Vegetable Museum, Bumpusville, the Mystery Vortex and the Mount Rushmore Prehistoric Bungee Cavalcade and Tar Pit Slide.

This is the first LucasArts adventure to feature full-screen graphics. Written dialog options are also replaced with icons. You can also take a breather within the game by playing Car Bomb, Sam & Max Dress Up, Wak-A-Rat, Sam & Max Coloring Pages, and Highway Surfing.

YouÕll need a 386, running DOS 3.1 or higher, PC CD-ROM drive, 580k free low memory, 2MB expanded memory, and 256 color VGA. Most sound cards are supported. The SRP is $69.95 for the CD-ROM version and $59.95 for the floppy disk version.


Adventure to Windows

Luminaria (415/821-0536) has debuted the Windows version of Wrath of the Gods, a CD-ROM adventure game that brings Greek myth to life. First released on the Macintosh, the unique look of the game was created using production techniques that combine motion video, special effects, graphics and high resolution still photos.

In the course of 40 hours of game time, players embark on a journey through dozens of interactive adventures based on the exploits of Greek heroes . . .as well as facing challenges such as the many-headed Hydra, navigating the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, and stealing the Golden Fleece from a fire-breathing dragon. There is digital video of 60 actors in full costume, with more than 300 backgrounds collaged from original photos of Greece.

The visual style of the game is enhanced by an audio track that features original music. Game play is non-linear. As players acquire appropriate inventory, they can roam the extensive terrain at will, encountering numerous live-action characters, nightmarish monsters, and entertaining puzzles and dilemmas. An animated Oracle offers clues in exchange for points from the playerÕs score.  The SRP is $69.95. The game is distributed by Maxis.


Action-Arcade for Mac

MacPlay (714/553-3522) is now shipping a super scintillating new title for Mac gamers. Entitled Astro Chase 3D, this action-arcade game features realistic 3D graphics and super speed. Non-stop action confronts gamers as the title packs five practice levels and 35 arcade levels of intense action. You command an experimental Ultraship, EarthÕs last hope! Your ship is armed with solar plasma beams, cosmic energy weapons, decoy mines, and ÒsmartÓ energy seeking missiles. With this array of offensive goodies you must destroy the enemy Mega Mines. You can lock on course and simultaneously shoot in any direction with a technique called Single Thrust Propulsionª . The game randomly generates planets, continually creating different universes to learn about and then navigate.

The MacÕs sound and graphics capabilities are fully utilized. Music and digital sound effects set the tone, while 3D graphics draw players into the action. The game is driven by the proprietary Software Accelerated Graphics Engineª  (S.A.G.E.) and uses the full resolution on monitors from 12 to 21-inches in size. Graphics can be displayed in sizes up to 1152 x 864 pixels. The game operates on any color Macintosh running Macintosh System Software v. 6.0.7 or later that has at least 1800K of free RAM. The SRP is 59.95.


Sim Success

Maxis (510/254-9700) is reporting that SimCity 2000 has been hugely successful for the company. Since the titleÕs release four months ago, in both PC/MS-DOS and Macintosh formats, sales have reached MORE THAN 300,000 units! What phenomenal figures!

Additionally, the company is now developing a version of SimCity 2000 that is optimized to take advantage of the increased speed and performance of Apple ComputerÕs Power Macintosh. The native version of SimCity 2000 is scheduled to release in the second quarter of this year and is expected to run two to three times faster in native RISC mode than on the 68K machines. No pricing or upgrade path pricing has yet been announced.

Maxis has also decided to manage their own education distribution as well as the distribution of affiliated labels into various channels. Previously, such work was up to Br¿ derbund. As of April 24th, Maxis will share with Davidson & Associates the rights to sell the Sim learning products into the channel, and effective July 24th, Maxis will have sole rights for distributing its educational products.

For those into disasters, and for Mac gamers who love sims, Maxis Software (510/254-9700) has released SimCity 2000 Scenarios, Vol. 1: Great Disasters. These ten scenarios recreate some of the more recent natural disasters, as well as some imaginative disasters that might occur in the future in American cities. Your challenge is to rebuild the city after such disasters have struckÑbut with limited funds.

The disasters include Chicago in November of 1999: Industrial pollution has made the city nearly inhabitable. Then thereÕs Davenport, Iowa, in August of 1993 when torrential rain caused the Mississippi River to rise as much as 50 feet above normal, flooding this town. Or try to rebuild Malibu after the horrible wildfires in the brush-covered hills in November of 1993.

Others include Manhattan in 2007 after a nuclear plant meltdown; Portland in July of 2001 as a previously undiscovered volcano decides to erupt; San Francisco in 1989, after the Loma Prieta earthquake; Silicon Valley in 2010 when a misguided microbeam zaps the region, setting fires and sending denizens scurrying in all directions; and last, Washington D.C. in 1995 after rioting lawyers rampage through the capital, wreaking havoc and chasing ambulances. This add-on disk is available for an SRP of $17.95 for Macintosh and DOS computers.


Screen Sports

MicroLeague Interactive Software (302/368-9990) has released the first in their ÒUtilitainmentÓ product line. Called MicroLeague Time Out Sports Baseball, this utility is in the form of screen savers and animated screens. Called Ògrabbers,Ó they can be set as alarms or can appear randomly on your monitor. Included with this Time Out Sports (TOS) title are four quick, arcade-style baseball games. They are Batting Practice (go ahead, smash a few homers), Fungo Fielding (shag those pop flies), Sign Calling 101 (practice the fine art of sign calling), and Umpire Arguing (give the ump a piece of your mind). As an added bonus, users may receive a fifth game, Brush Back Practice, upon mailing in their warranty card. The SRP is $39.95.


Stealthy Title

MicroProse Software (800/879-PLAY) has released F-117A Stealth Fighter for the Macintosh. This title is based upon the companyÕs award-winning and popular F-19 Stealth Fighter. The title offers advanced graphic enhancements, including remarkable cockpit and in-plane graphics. ThereÕs a replay option that enables pilots to study their intense flight maneuvers. Gamers can fly in any of nine environments. These include Columbia/Panama and Iraq. You can also load future worlds that will be released by the company. Even the most skilled simÕer can be challenged by the state-of-the-art mission generation system that contains an improved enemy artificial intelligence. To fly F-117A Stealth Fighter, gamers will need a color Macintosh and 4MB of RAM. The SRP is $69.95.


Just Down the Road

New World Computing (818/889-5600) has divulged three new titles to be released before July of this year. The first is Vegas Games Deluxe CD, which features Craps, Poker, Black Jack, Baccarat, Mechanical Horse Racing, and more. There are a total of 10 games in this title. With a SRP of $39.95, this title could certainly be an impulse buy for PC users who are purchasing CD-ROM drives, multimedia upgrades, Windows packages, and the like. With easy installation and instant playability, this makes a perfect first-time game for new gamers as well as seasoned gamblers who wish to play fun and entertaining games within minutes.

The second title is Inherit the Earth: Quest for the Orb, set for a May release at a SRP of $59.95. This is a hybrid classic role-playing game and includes intriguing plot twists, perplexing puzzles, adventure game story boards, full screen cinematic animation, plus an original soundtrack. You enter a futuristic Earth that has been abandoned by humans and is now ruled by animals. You control the escapades of Rif the fox in his quest to discover a vile thief and to stop an unspeakable horror. In trying to prove RifÕs innocence, youÕll converse with numerous non-player characters (NPCs) through interactive dialogues; solve spatial, geometric, and synthesis puzzles, and explore over a hundred screens of indoor and outdoor terrain.

The third offering is Zephyr, with a SRP of $69.95. This is a 3D, futuristic tank simulation that has you piloting Zephyr hover-tanks through subway systems, under water, and over alien landscapes as you vie for fame, glory, and corporate sponsorship. Would be pilots can challenge the computer one-on-one, or take on as many as five human opponents through network and modem play.


Ultimate Ultima

Origin (512/335-5200) is now shipping Ultima VIII: Pagan, the long-awaited release that continues the longest-running and one of the most successful series of role-playing games in the entertainment software industry. As with each successively numbered Ultima, Pagan offers all-new technology and a new look. A 45-degree angle view on the world gives it 3-D depth. The main character of the Avatar is larger than before. With an almost 100-fold increase in animation, his movements have been expanded from simple walking to fighting to leaping, climbing, and even throwing.

Pagan also features a far deeper level of player interaction with the world, with twice the amount of artwork for objects that the Avatar can see, pick up, and use. Four-channel digitized sound allows multiple sound effects to play simultaneously. An optional Speech Accessory Pack (sold separately) adds digitized speech for certain characters and animated sequences.

For the first time, Ultima players are thrust into a world other than the familiar Britannia. The Avatar has been banished to the strange land of Pagan by his nemesis, the Guardian. Here, elemental titans representing Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water hold dominion over the world and its inhabitants. The Avatar must forge relationships, solve a series of quests, and vanquish a bizarre host of creatures if he ever hopes to escape and save Britannia as well as the GuardianÕs next targetÑEarth itself.

The SRP is $79.95, and the Speech Pack is $24.95. Required is at least a 386/33 with 4MB RAM and 29MB of hard drive space.


Passport Designs Music Fun

Passport Designs in Half Moon Bay, California, has for many, many years been a leader in music software. Their MusicTime program, which turns a computer keyboard into a musical instrument, has shipped over 50,000 copies. The program enables note-for-note music display on the monitor. These may then be printed, recorded, or otherwise edited.

The original version of this program allowed PCs and instruments that use the MIDI interface to work with the computer. You no longer have to have the MIDI keyboardÑthe keys of your computer keyboard now sound notes over eight octaves. All you need is a sound card within your PC.


Parental Game Guide

Prima Publishing (916/786-0426) has published a new book that sorts through the chaos of video games and offers parents advise as to the best and most challenging titles for their children. Entitled PARENTÕS GUIDE TO VIDEO GAMES, the book is authored by Steven Schwartz, Ph.D., and his wife, Janet. They evaluate the graphics, music and sound, play control, challenge, violence, and entertainment value of over 80 games. Included are discussions about girls and video games, keeping costs down, the positive side of video games, and how to make electronic games a positive family experience. The authors draw upon their own family life to show how video games can be beneficial. As the authorÕs son is severely disabled, Dr. Schwartz reveals how video games help the learning disabled and physically-challenged individuals. There are tips on setting playing time limits, holding family tournament nights, and make rules like homework must come first. The SRP of this title is $12.95.

Also announced by Prima is Outpost: The Official Strategy Guide to aid gamers as they confront the vast environment that comprises this new Sierra science-fiction interactive adventure game. The rule to success is survival, and progress is thrown in for good measure. Outpost is a strategy simulation wherein players explore new worlds, research new technologies, and strive to rebuild human civilization on distant planets. As the adventure game is based on NASA research into future space projects, as well as current planetary sciences and theories on interstellar spacecraft design, Outpost is a realistic simulation of the complexities involved in building a self-contained colony on a hostile planet surface.

The author of this book is Bruce Balfour and he discusses the guts of the simulation with readers. This is info you wonÕt find in the player manuals! The book discusses how to be successful when playing and an in-depth interview with the gameÕs author. The SRP is $19.95.


Battlefield Glory

Spectrum HoloByte (510/522-3584) has released Fields of Glory - The Battlefield Action and Leadership Game. This is an intriguing role-playing battlefield simulation that offers players the opportunity to engage in battles that took place on ÒThe Road to Waterloo.Ó From brigade commander to Napoleon, players will experience what it was like to order men into the battles that shaped 19th century Europe.

The battlefield action includes graphic combat sequences previously not seen in military sims. Players can watch cavalry charges, troops forming defensive squares, and buildings destroyed by cannon fire. All decisions are made on the battlefield by clicking on individuals, divisions, or whole armies and giving real-time orders. You control the Anglo-Allied, French, or Prussian armies.

There are three role options: Napoleon, Waterloo, or Blucher. There are six different battles: Quatre Bras, Ligny, Waterloo, Wavre, plus two fictional battles, Nivelles and Wagnee. Five levels of play reflect the ability of the enemy troops and the brilliance and personalities of their commanders. Period music and realistic battlefield sound effects bring this campaign to life. YouÕll need a 386/16 or better, 2MB RAM, DOS 5.0, VGA graphics, and 15MB free on your hard drive.


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Impressions
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Castles II CD from Interplay 
(PC CD-ROM)
Recommendation: Buy this title!

ItÕs the fourteenth century and the king is dead without an heir.  This means tremendous opportunity awaits the right man - a man of power and cunning, of wealth and wit.  Are you such a man?  If so, step up to Castles II, Siege and Conquest, and prove it.

Interplay deserves a tip of the hat for being one of the few companies to actually make major enhancements to a product  re-released on CD-ROM.  Many companies just shovel it on without making any additions to their product.  Interplay goes far beyond shovelware and produces a CD that shows off the benefits of CD, and Castles II is no exception.

Castles II CD offers all the original intrigue that made the disk based version a hit, plus a number of enhancements.  First, for those of you who haven't played the original Castles II, IÕll fill you in on why it is such a good game.  The game centers around the conquest of the provinces of Brittany.  You compete against several computer rivals, who also seek to become the supreme ruler of the land.  Also to be contended with is the Pope and the Catholic Church, whose favor you must win if you hope to be king.  Becoming king requires that you be both war monger and diplomat, negotiating with your powerful neighbors, and crushing the weak.  You must also control the finances of your realm, deciding which resources to produce, and what types of military units to develop.  In addition you must decide how to deal with the many plots that develop during the game.  Decisions as to who to be kind to and who to attack must be considered carefully if you are to prevail.  The game itself is very intuitive, and most players will be able to get going with very little reading.

Now for the enhancements Ñ First, a detailed documentary of the historical castles has been added to the game, featuring full color photo quality images, speech, and video clips straight from the BBC, that gives you ideas for successful castle design.  Also a video glossary of terms is thrown in for good measure.  Within the game itself, Interplay has added full speech to the game, and black and white video clips to the part of the game dealing with plots .  Overall gameplay has not really been changed, so veteran Castle II disk players will feel right at home.  A digital opening soundtrack has also been added, as well as an all new intro.  Overall the changes dress up an already exciting game.

There really are no down points to this game, with one exception - the combat is oversimplified and could have been more interactive.  Other than choosing targets and starting positions for your troops, you have little control over the actual battle.  I would have preferred a more involved combat system.  Other than that, I have no complaints for this excellent CD.  I recommend this to anyone who likes a good conquest strategy game that delivers across the board.

System requirements
386 IBM or compatible, CD-ROM drive, sound card and mouse.
Recommendation for game:  Great Game!

Tips for Castles II

1) Play as Albion.  You start out in the NW corner of the map, which means you only have to worry about two fronts. 

2) As Albion, you can box off the 2-3 territories in the NW corner of the game and deal with them at your leisure.  I usually box them off then focus on my neighbors.

3) Start a castle right away.  Being the first to erect a full-size castle seems to give you an edge.  You are also less likely to run short of valuable resources.

4) Build Conwy Castle as your first castle.  Completion of Conwy gives you an extra military point and also gives you a second military task board.

5) Patronize the Pope!!!  Give him money when asked, and even when not asked.  The worst thing that can happen is to be ex-communicated.  Avoid this by giving them lots of gold.


Flight Commander from Big Time Software, Inc. 
(Macintosh)
Recommendation: Buy it!

The roar of jets, the squeal and woosh of a sidewinder missile and the satisfying explosion at impact . . .imagine commanding an entire squadron of jets through the heat of battle. You have the power to instruct each pilot what direction to fly and which targets to annihilate. Interested? Then take a look at this title!

Flight Commander is the brain child of Charlie Moylan, an avid enthusiast of modern military aviation. Although he admits that there are Òreally cool flight simulators,Ó he wanted a game where tactics were foremost, not hand-to-eye coordination. Board games that involved jets were often complex and slow. He created a computer game that eventually evolved into Flight Commander.

This title is a tactical war game for those who wish to command military jets. Unlike flight sims such as F/A-18, Hornet, or Falcon MC, this is a turn-based game and does not rely on dexterity, but on mental agility. As the commander of the jet squadron, the player receives the mission briefing. From there, the player chooses the pilots for the mission. Each pilotÕs rating includes their abilities in air-to-air combat, ground combat, style of flying, and toughness against fatigue. The player also controls the initial formation of the jets and selects the weapon systems that each jet will carry. When the mission begins each turn represents about seven seconds of battle time. However, the player has unlimited time to give flight and battle instructions to each pilot. Game play continues until the playerÕs side accomplishes the mission, or the opponent wins.

The game includes scenarios of historical and hypothetical campaigns and battles, such as ground strikes and air-to-air combat. The player is the tactical genius behind campaigns and battles using jets in Korea, Vietnam, Falkland Islands, Desert Storm, or even into the next century. ThereÕs even a Top Gun battle (from the movie) where you are Maverick trying to save Iceman. I quickly found out that IÕm no Tom Cruise: so far, IÕve lost this scenario each time IÕve played it.

ThereÕs also a random battle generator where the player selects the opponents, targets, and other characteristics of the impending battle. Although the player can have complete control of all options, the ÒenemyÓ can automatically arm and set up formations without your prior knowledge. This adds to the feeling of the Òfog of war.Ó

Cool Stuff

¥ The radio chatter in the background changes accents, depending upon the nationalities of the opponents.

¥ The game sports an easy to use interface. All commands are available with just a point and click of the mouse. There is a click and drag flight stick to control the direction of each jet. The game is fairly simple to play, even though the tactics are not easy to master.

¥ You control the throttle, the direction (bank and roll), and weapons of each jet in the squadron.

¥ There are many options that significantly affect game play. For example, the basic level is not concerned with the altitude of the jets, and the player only has to concern himself with the direction of the ÒenemyÓ jets. However, with the altitude option activated, and whether the jets are diving or climbing, influences the tactics. There are many other options, including formations of jets and the intelligence level of your computer opponents.

Negative Bits

¥ ThereÕs a random battle generator, but the game lacks the ability to design battles or scenarios to exchange with friends.

¥ Following opponents in dogfights can be difficult. This is important when you find youÕve run out of missiles.

¥ Although two can play the game, network play is presently unavailable.

Flight Commander is not going to set Mac gaming afire with its stunning graphics. It is an addicting game of strategy and tactics, and the title has enough options to give you continuous enjoyment.

Game hints

1) Watch your fuel! Limit use of afterburners. It wastes fuel and provides an excellent target for heat-seeking missiles.

2) In the Vietnam scenario, it is useful to split your jets during combat with MiG 17s.

3) Take advantage of the different formations. This allows you to attack a target(s) from different angles. This is particularly useful when using heat seeking missiles against jets, as this increases the change of one group of jets getting destroyed from behind.

4)Sharp turns can throw off missiles and bleed of a tremendous amount of speed. However, the loss of speed can, in some instances, set you up for a second, more effective shot from the enemy.

5) Use the missile tracking option. This increases your chance to dodge a missile.

6) Study the picture on page 64 of the manual. This describes the effectiveness of heat-seeking and radar-homing missiles at various angles of attack. This has a tremendous effect on your ability to shoot down an opponentÕs jet.


Red Crystal from QQP 
(DOS)
Recommendation: Buy another title!

QQP has been a solid force in strategy gaming for some time now.  Their titles offer no frills enjoyment that have won them acclaim from serious gamers.  Personally, I am completely hooked on Conquered Kingdoms.  So, when I heard they were making a foray into the fantasy role-playing genre, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  It hurts me to say that I am not impressed.

First, the good points.  The overall idea is not a bad one.  The game offers an area ripe for exploration and possible conquest.  Wealthy and powerful characters can even buy whole cities.  This is also probably the only commercial role-playing adventure that allows two players to play simultaneously.  That feature alone makes this title practically worth recommending.  The game is almost fun with two players working simultaneously toward one goal.

Now for the bad, which unfortunately there is quite a bit to discuss.  First, the graphics are less than impressive and the game suffers greatly from this point.  The game plays with an overhead view of the area, with the main play area taking up about 1/3 of the screen.  Characters and NPCS are represented by swords on the main battle map, and by distinctive icons on dungeon and combat screens.  I tried this game on two different machines and got an annoying flicker on both, that made the game very difficult to focus on.  Second, the combat can be quite frustrating.  It takes place in real time, and often, if you are not properly lined up against an opponent, youÕll find yourself getting tagged without inflicting any damage yourself.  Third, interaction with non player characters is almost nil.  In dungeons you usually have only two options when you encounter a NPC: Bribe of Fight.  This game could use a more interactive NPC interface.

I really wanted to like this game.  I think QQP has done a great job with their strategy war games, but they have sadly fallen short with their first RPG.  If you want a great war game, check out The Perfect General or Conquered Kingdoms.  If you want a good RPG, try something other than The Red Crystal.

System Requirements
IBM or compatible  (286 or better), 1MB RAM, VGA card, DOS 3.3 or higher, plus hard drive. Supports mouse, Sound Blaster and compatibles.


Interesting Sidelights

General Joz, in all his wisdom, informs us that in December of 1993, this is what Multimedia World magazine reported regarding MPC-compliant DOS machines:

ÒSierra On-Line President Ken Williams, head of one of the largest PC game companies, says that multimedia PCs are still too hard to use for mass market entertainment. ÔI have a new Level 2 MPC that I spent $8,000 on, and it wonÕt run the best selling CD-ROM title,Õ he said. ÔNo mere mortals can install Windows, a sound card, and a CD-ROM drive. I was a programmer for 20 years, and I canÕt do it.ÕÓ

How about the Wall Street Journal on January 13, 1994:
ÒBut itÕs time to reveal the dirty little secret of the industry marketers, the dark side of multimedia: In many cases, getting multimedia hardware and, especially, software to run on a typical IBM-compatible computer can be a frustrating--even impossible--task . . .In general, users of AppleÕs Macintosh computers face very few of these problems, because a single company--Apple--makes both the hardware and the operating system and has made sound, graphics and video a priority.Ó

Then we have PC Magazine, on March 29, 1994, stating,
ÒOkay, fellow gamers. HereÕs the ultimate challenge. Go out and buy four multimedia software titles. Try to install them on your PC. IÕll guarantee you that at best youÕll get two of the four to load without any problem . . .Home computing has become a nightmare. My own kids are turning into Luddites who say that it takes too long to Ôget their games running.Õ They prefer our Mac Performa 550, where everything works.Ó

(Our thanks to General Joz for his insightful research!)


Publisher & Editor
Pattie Lesser

Associate Publisher
Tuncer Deniz

Senior Editors
Steve Schwartz, Mark Veljkov

Field Editor
Blud

Editorial Nuisance-At-Large
Mudgeon

Contributors
General Joz, Gary Le, Chris Cortel

Inside Games Update ” s copublished by IMG Publications, Glenview, IL, and The Word Warriors, Tracy, CA., at least 24 times per year.  All material is ©  copyright 1994. Federal law prohibits the reproduction of any part of this newsletter without the written permission of its owners.