Atari Explorer Online: 22-Jan-94 #0301
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 01/28/94-10:26:04 PM Z
From: aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: Atari Explorer Online: 22-Jan-94 #0301
Date: Fri Jan 28 22:26:04 1994
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:: Volume 3 - Issue 1 ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE 22 January 1994 ::
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:: ::
:: ATARI .............. News, reviews, & solutions ............ ATARI ::
:: EXPLORER ............ for the online Atari .......... EXPLORER ::
:: ONLINE ................. Community .............. ONLINE ::
:: ::
:: Special National Championship Edition ::
:: DEDICATED TO COACH BOBBY BOWDEN AND HIS 1993 FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLE ::
:: FOOTBALL TEAM - CONSENSUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS ::
:: #1 (12-1) ::
:: ::
:: Published and Copyright (C) 1993-1994 by Subspace Publishers ::
:: """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ::
:: Publisher ........................... Michael Lindsay EXPLORER ::
:: Editor .................................. Travis Guy AEO.MAG ::
:: Assistant Editor GEnie................ Ron Robinson EXPLORER.1 ::
:: Assistant Editor CompuServe.......... Albert Dayes AEO.1 ::
:: Assistant Editor Delphi......... Andreas Barbiero AEO.2 ::
:: Assistant Editor Internet........ Timothy Wilson AEO.8 ::
:: Atari Asylum ................... Gregg Anderson AEO.7 ::
:: Unabashed Atariophile ..... Michael R. Burkley AEO.4 ::
:: Atari Artist ................... Peter Donoso EXPLORER.2 ::
:: ::
:: Contributors: ::
:: """"""""""""" ::
:: Al Fasoldt Chuck Klimushyn ::
:: ::
:: Telecommunicated to you via: ::
:: """""""""""""""""""""""""""" ::
:: GEnie: AEO.MAG ::
:: CompuServe: 70007,3615 ::
:: Delphi: AEO_MAG ::
:: Fnet: AEO Conference, Node 319 ::
:: AtariNet: AEO Conference, Node 51:1/10 ::
:: Internet: aeo.mag@genie.geis.com ::
:: ::
:: Internet subscription service: stzmagazine-request@virginia.edu ::
:: (Internet subscription requests ONLY!) ::
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::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Table of Contents
* From the Editors ...................................... Zonked out in 94.
* Dateline: Atari! .............. Live from the CES show, Bob Brodie talks
Jaguar awards & other things Atari.
* Cybermorph: By the Book ........... Chuck Klimushyn shows you the sights
in Atari's new console game.
* Jaguar Tackboard ..................... Independent Association of Jaguar
Developers forms - AEO's Jaguar
Developer/Title list grows -
CES Awards - Developer posts.
* Andreas' Den ............................... Andreas and family moves to
sunny (?) Washington state.
* QSound ........................ Licensed for use in future Jaguar games,
this audio technology received a review
from Al Fasoldt.
* The Second Annual AEO Readers' Survey ......... You told us how you want
AEO to shape up.
* The Unabashed Atariophile .................... The best in the latest PD
and Shareware files for
_your_ Atari computer.
* GEnie News ........................... New files & happenings on Atari's
Official Online Resource.
* Developing News ......................... Oregon Research's VideoMaster
SST changes to STAR
ExtenDOS from Anodyne
DataBasement Registration Deal
TOWERS from JV Enterprises
It's All Relative Items
POV Raytracer
Compo's FalconSpeed 6.0
* Shutdown ............................ Around the world and up your block.
--==--==--==--==--
||| From the Editors ....... Atari Explorer Online: The Next Generation
||| Travis Guy
/ | \ GEnie: AEO.MAG Delphi: AEO_MAG Internet: aeo.mag@genie.geis.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This issue is coming out far too late, and there's no one who's more
aware of it than me. My apologies.
There's an awful lot on the table that needs to be addressed this
issue, unfortunately, I'm in no real shape to do it. I generally hold
this editorial off as the last bit of business to write. That way, I
can comment on any last minute items of interest. But with a fever
that's yet to peak out at 101.8 degrees (F), I feel that I would
rapidly degenerate into gibberish. (Even faster than usual!) Y'all
can get along fine without me.
One thing I have to mention - this past week, over 200 people died as
a result of both the massive Arctic cold that enveloped the Eastern
US and the Northridge earthquake in the LA area. This is a reminder
that no matter how great a status we ascribe to ourselves, no matter
how much culture we generate, how much technology we create, we are
not masters of creation. Our prayers and thoughts go out to those
affected.
--==--==--==--==--
||| Dateline: Atari!
||| With Bob Brodie
/ | \ File Courtesy of GEnie
------------------------------------------------------------------
=========================================================================
(C) 1994 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May
be reprinted only with this notice intact. The Atari Roundtables on
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up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection
type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt.Type XTX99437,GENIE
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==========================================================================
Dateline Atari! with Bob Brodie
Live from Las Vegas
Winter Consumer Electronics Show
Friday, Jan. 7th, 1994
Host - Lou Rocha
<[HoST] ST.LOU> We have a lot of newcomers here tonight that I would
like to welcome. When you use the /RAI command to call me it will
take me a few minutes to acknowledge you. Please don't /RAI more than
once. It pollutes my screen <grin>
Also please use the /nam command so I know who you are. For example
/nam HoST gives me the HoST that you see. Please use a short nickname
tonight. Please :-)
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Welcome to our first Dateline Atari of 1994! Tonight
is the last evening of the Winter Consumer Electronics Show and Atari
has been in Las Vegas showcasing the Jaguar. We expect to hear a
report on the week's events from Bob Brodie, Director of
Communications.
Bob has been real busy this week so we really appreciate the extra
effort in joining us tonight. Having done Comdex this year myself, I
know what an exhausting week Bob must have had. Thanks for joining us
on GEnie, Bob!
The last few weeks have seen the posting of various Jaguar developer
lists in the Bulletin Board. Elsewhere ATC stock is starting to inch
up again. Some of our recently enriched observers are speculating on a
new high of 30.00! Time will tell.
There has also been some recent chatter about new production runs for
the TT - Atari's workhorse workstation. Rumours also abound about a
68040 computer being developed by a third party European company. Are
these "visions of sugarplums" or post-holiday bonuses? Why don't you
join us and we'll ask Bob. Bob, the floor is all yours. Please GA
<BOB-BRODIE> Happy New Year, to all of our friends on GEnie! I trust
that you have all enjoyed the holiday season very much. Activity at
Atari is at an all time high as we continue with the our release of
the Jaguar.
For the third month in a row, this session of Dateline: Atari is
coming to you from the road! In November, you may recall that we came
to you live from the New York City Launch event, in December I was
back in New York visiting with retailers. This month, I come to you
live from the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.
Today's session concluded about an hour ago, and I've rushed back
from the show floor to my hotel room to join you online tonight. We
have lots of exciting news to share with you, so let's get started
right away!!!
The Jaguar can truly be called an award winning product!! Atari was
presented with a number of awards so far here at CES.
Die Hard Game Fan Magazine has presented Atari with two awards, one
for Cybermorph as "December Game of the Month", and another for Jaguar
as the Best New Product of 1993. Video Game Magazine presented Atari
with an award for Best New Product of 1993, and Best Print Ad of 1993
for the Jaguar.
Game Informer Magazine announced at their 2nd Annual Game Informer
Magazine Awards that they have awarded the Atari Jaguar the Best New
Product of the Year award!! Today, Electronic Games told us that they
were naming Tempest 2000 on the Atari Jaguar the award as Best Game
of CES! We're very excited and pleased with all of the accolades that
the Jaguar has earned to date!!
Atari has returned to the main floor of CES. Our booth is located in
Pavilion A, rather than using a suite as we have in the past few
years. The amount of activity in the booth has been just incredible.
We have visited by retailers from all over the world, and many
prominent members of the media as well.
Today we hosted CNN for coverage of the exciting Jaguar title "Alien
vs. Predator". We're displaying Jaguars in our booth in the
interactive display kiosks that will be available for retailers to
utilized. These kiosks feature the striking Jaguar "cat eye" logo, and
use an RGB monitor, and a set of stereo speakers to showcase the
Jaguar's capabilities.
We also have a large screen TV that we're using to highlight some of
the newest titles, like Alien vs. Predator, and Tempest 2000. We have
a series of Lynx kiosks set up as well, showing off the new titles
that are available for the Lynx.
We're pleased to have some exciting products on display in our booth
at CES for both the Jaguar and the Lynx! For the Lynx, Telegames is
showing Super Off Road, and Krazy Ace Miniature Golf. They have
recently released Desert Strike for the Lynx as well. Atari is
showing Lynx Raiden, Eye of the Beholder, and Ninja Gaiden III. Beyond
Games is showing new titles as well, including Ultra Vortex. I'll make
sure that complete descriptions of the Lynx titles are made available
online here within one week of today. I had expected to have the
completed text files outlining the story lines of all the games by
today, but it didn't reach me in time for the CO tonight. (Sorry!)
On the Jaguar side of things, Alien vs. Predator is coming along very
nicely, and is a huge hit here at the show. This game is a 3D
rendered tunnel/maze game with texture mapped walls, and striking
digitized renderings of the Alien and the Predator creatures. As you
play the game, you have the option of being the Alien, the Predator,
or the Colonial Marine. Each character has their own set of unique
skills, and weapons!!
Telegames is showing a preliminary version of Brutal Sports Football.
Anything goes in this football game, THERE ARE NO RULES! Just pick up
the ball and run for your life!! Players compete on the gridiron
against 16 of the most unforgiving mutant teams ever to separate a
cyborg from his generator pack! Telegames announced that they would
be producing European Soccer Challenge for the Jaguar. This title will
be a significantly enhanced version of the same title currently
available on the Lynx.
In addition to true color graphics, the product will have an expanded
season and playoff format for the 170 teams. A specific personality
and performance ability will be established for each players, and you
can earn the ability to trade payers under certain circumstances.
Ultimate Brain Games is an expanded version of the Ultimate Chess
Challenge title for the Lynx as well. In addition to a chess game,
there will be a backgammon and checkers game. This product will
features specific game set up for computer solution, and digitized
graphics.
Atari is showing an early version of Checkered Flag II for the
Jaguar, featuring real time 3D generated action. The player is allowed
to customize racing cars to his wishes. The cars, buildings, and roads
are rendered in real time 3D. Racing speed is intensified by 100
percent true sound effects, crashes feature realistic sounds and
imagery with parts flying, and tires screeching.
Tempest 2000 is one of the most popular games in arcade history, back
in it's original form as well as in three new versions. On one
cartridge, you get four games! Tempest (original version), Tempest
Plus, Tempest 2000, and Tempest Dual! The games feature two player
cooperative play, the use of an android, cycle shaded webs, and many
new weapons and challenging bonus levels.
All told, there are over 15 new titles that have been announced at
the show for the Jaguar!! Among those are: Battlewheels, Car Wards,
Commando, Doom, Dungeon Depths, Evidence, Hosenose and Booger, Return
to Zork, and Ultra Vortex.
Atari is continuing it's roll out of the Jaguar on a national basis,
effective immediately. All of the partners that we have been working
with in New York and San Francisco that are national accounts, like
Toys R Us, Babbages, and Electronic Boutique, will go national
immediately. We will then roll out to the top ten markets in the US
throughout the first quarter. Beginning in the second quarter, we
will go to the top twenty markets. Our retail partners are pleased
with our promotional efforts to date, and we have agressive marketing
plans scheduled up through June of this year that we have committed
to.
I'm sure I could go on for quite awhile longer, but seeing as how
we're getting started a bit late tonight, I think this probably is a
good point to open the floor to any questions, Lou.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> OK, Bob. Lots of people are waiting and we have lots
of newcomers. Folks, remember, only /RAI once. First we have M.BALDEON
<[SWiTCHB0ARD] M.BALDEON> Any new developers (CAPCON, or ACCLAIM?)?
Any new CD ROM info... I don't think lack of software supports is a
good reason to delay it.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> BTW, I can only allow one question in the first round.
<BOB-BRODIE> Yes, there are a number of new developers that are
coming on board. We are having meetings with Capcom here at the show.
Re the CD Rom, the hardware is quite close, and will be available in
June.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Any ideas on the price for CD, Bob?
<BOB-BRODIE> BTW, one of the other titles that we're showing in the
booth is Kasumi Ninja, a fighting game with graphic violence. The CD
will go for approx $200, Lou.
<[Dave] D.SHORR> Atari has stated that the rendering speed of the
Jaguar is over 850 Megapixels per second compared to 3DO's 64
Megapixels per second; is this a fair comparison given that Atari's
pixel is represented by a single bit?
<BOB-BRODIE> Of course it is.
<[NewSTar] C.S.SMETON> Bob, I have a question from a friend (Paul
Plants) who does not have a GEnie node in his town. He wants to know
how/if his Atari Explorer subscription will be filled out. Or is the
magazine gone forever?
<BOB-BRODIE> Charles at this point we don't plan to bring Explorer
back. Paul should contact our Customer Service Department and request
a refund. We'll be happy to refund his money.
<[Chris] C.KROWCHUK1> Bob, congrats on success in 93. I am a retailer
in Edmonton offering Atari peripherals & software. I would like to
offer Jags & Falcs but am concerned about warranty. I have left
messages and mail, no response. So, how about it, any plans?
<BOB-BRODIE> On the Falcon side, there are no problems with the
warranty at all. Our policy is quite clear on it, it has a one year
warranty. Dealers are allowed to replace 6 components in the field;
those are as follows: the keyboard, power supply, hard disk, floppy
disk, ram board, and something else that I can't recall at the moment
(sheepish grin) On the Jaguar side, we're not ready to sell to Canada
yet. That will probably happen around June.
<[Ken] K.STEVENS1> Hi Bob, Got Raiden in yesterday and haven't been
able to stop playing. Great implementation of the arcade game.
Question, Sega and a couple other console developers have released
some of the specs of their game systems. Most are due sometime around
Christmas. From what they have release on the specs they are going to
compete with and beyond the Jaguar. The question, is Atari working on
the Jag II or a accesssory that will move the Jag to or beyond the
specs of the new game consoles coming out?
<BOB-BRODIE> Ken, I haven't personally seen those specs, but
discussed them with our VP of Technology today. He agrees that the
machines sound neat, but feels that they are going to be priced very
high compared to the Jaguar. Do you recall the price they announced?
<[Ken] K.STEVENS1> Bob, to answer your question about price. About
500 dollars for the Sega Saturn (US dollars). This includes the CD
(Quad Speed)) I personally think that they are biting off more than
they can chew with the specs they have release at that price.
<[Mike Lipson] M.LIPSON> Hi Bob! Do you know if Atari plans on
issuing more stock in 1994?
<BOB-BRODIE> No I don't know the answer to that, Mike. Sorry.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Lots of hands tonight, Bob. Next we have D.VANTREASE
<[SHADOW] D.VANTREASE> Will you post us a list of the national
rollout city schedule? And what's the latest AvP or SVideo release
dates?
<BOB-BRODIE> I apologize for not having the national roll out press
release at my side. I will see to it that the information gets put
out ASAP. Look for the S Video cable the end of this month, and AvP
around April.
<[ED] E.BAIZ> Is Atari going to make a case for the Jag similar to
the one for the Lynx?
<BOB-BRODIE> We're in discussion with a number of companies for
accessories like that, Ed. I'm not sure if we will do it, or allow
other companies to do them for us.
<[Ed & Mac] ERIDDLE> What was 3DO's reaction to the Jaguar being @
CES in FULL FORCE, What did they have to "combat" the Jags presence?
Waiting for Aliens vs. Predator...
<BOB-BRODIE> Trip Hawkins gave a presentation at CES. He addressed
virtually every competitior EXCEPT Atari in his discussion of the
market. When he opened up for questions, he was asked specifically
about the Jaguar.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Don't leave us hangin' Bob :-)
<BOB-BRODIE> His response was that he didn't feel that the Jaguar
competed against 3DO because 3DO isn't a Toy.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Hahaha!
<BOB-BRODIE> When it was pointed out to him that the Jaguar is
outselling the 3DO by a factor of 10:1 according to some retailers,
he said "...Go to the Atari booth and see it for yourself!" And
hundreds of people did just that. :) We're grateful. On a slightly
more serious note, I'm told that there are some impressive titles in
the 3DO booth. However, the retailers claim that it simply isn't
selling.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Travis Guy from Atari Explorer Online is next!
<[Nat'l Champs] AEO.MAG> Hi Bob, it sounds like everything's going
well.... Can you take a minute and give those of us who can't be
there an anecdote or two that would help convey the reaction the
Jaguar is receiving? (Aside from Trip's reaction! :) I'm interested in
what Jaguar title seems to be generating the most intense interest.
<BOB-BRODIE> We've been showing Alien vs Predator on the big screen,
so it's getting the most interest. There have been a large number of
people that have asked to purchase one on the show floor. We had a
number of employees from Sega and Nintendo visiting the booth, and
playing our games. They seem to be very impressed. Among the more
interesting stories from my role in dealing with the media has been
the many members of the Japanese press who have visited our booth,
DEMANDING review units. :) Many of them were wearing Sega hats, too.
:)
<[Sam] SAM-RAPP> I was gonna ask about the cheats for crescent
Galaxy, but I thought I would ask if you have any new developers you
can name specifically? Of course, You could always answer both! ;-)
<BOB-BRODIE> Why don't I talk a little about the cheats, and we'll
deal with the devs AFTER the show. We have some key appointments at
the end of the week. Re the cheats for Cresecent Galaxy....When the
Crescent Galaxy title comes up, press 1193. This will activate the
cheat mode for Crescent Galaxy. The codes are entered in from the
second controller. For example, pressing the joypad to the right will
make you scroll really quickly across the screen.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Still 15 in the queue. If you are waiting, please
have your question ready and wait for Talk-Mode before pressing
[RETURN]. Next is B.DUNCAN.
<[BaltimoreBoy] B.DUNCAN12> Will There be a Virtual Reality Device
for the Jag anytime soon?
<BOB-BRODIE> There is one in the works, but I'm not sure how soon it
will be available. We want to be sure it isn't a hokey device like
some of the virual reality stuff.
<[Sir Fransis] K.DRAKE> All of the games until now are 16 meg and
retail at $49.99. As the more visually impressive games will use
larger meg sizes, will the prices get too close to becoming
unbearable? (like the $99.99 price for Sega's VR racing).
<BOB-BRODIE> I don't think so, Kenneth. We do have some developers
talking about $89 games, but I haven't seen any real firm plans for
them yet. Crescent Galaxy is really impressive graphically, and it
isn't that expensive.
<[Graham] G.NORTON> Bob, I have a few questions for you. 1) We have
been trying for while to get hold of either Shirley Taylor or
yourself for a while and haven't been able to. Can you suggest a good
time to call when we might be able to speak to someone...or is there
such a thing? :) 2) Is Atari going to be addressing the dealer
warranty program that had been canceled any time soon? It is very
hard, especially in Canada, to be sending products down to Atari (or
even Pacific Software) any time we have warranty work, and needless to
say time consuming. 3) What is Atari planning for Canada with regard
to dealers (getting more online), and with regard to both the Jaguar
and Falcon? 4) Lastly, while I realize the Jaguar is Atari's central
product right now, I hope the Falcon hasn't been forgotten. Atari
needs to reduce pricing on the current Falcon and introduces faster
machines just to stay current. As we all know in the computer
industry, if you are not moving forward you are falling behind.
<BOB-BRODIE> Graham, in fairness to everyone here I can only take one
question tonight. Sorry. We have restored voice mail at Atari, and I
had not received any messages from you in the last few weeks. Please
call and leave your number for either Shirley or I and we'll call you
back to discuss your concerns. Atari was closed between Christmas and
New Years, but I was in the office during that time, and checked my
voice mail daily. I don't recall any messages from you, although I am
about 3 weeks behind in my GEnie mail at this point.
<MIKE-ALLEN> Hi Bob. Glad to see you here. Many Atari computer users,
while glad that Atari is doing so well with the Jag, are feeling a
little nervous. The "real" dealer network seems to be dwindling and
there are fewer and fewer 3rd party offerings. I guess the question
is: is there a future for Atari computers other than just as a Music
machine? Are we Atari computer enthusiasts going to be more orphaned
than we are now?
<BOB-BRODIE> We are still very much interested in the computer
market, Mike. However, the reality is that at this point it time if we
are to be profitable we must pursue the Jaguar. The fundamentals of
the computer side of our business have changed, the most compelly
products for the Falcon are largely music related products. It is our
believe that the capabilities of the Jaguar are well suited for
computers as well, and we are considering how to go about doing that
in the best possible fashion. In any event, we will continue to
service the needs of our computing customers to the best of our
ability.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Bob, can you shed any light on the production of TT's
that was mentioned a few months ago? And what is 'compelly'? <grin>
<BOB-BRODIE> <Grin> a typo from lack of sleep, sorry.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> compelly=compelling?
<BOB-BRODIE> The production of TTs _has_ resumed. What I have not
been clear on ** <BOB-BRODIE> disconnected.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> OH OH... Deja vu ... hang on folks. There are lots
of people in the queue so I am closing it for now. If we move really
quickly, I will take more /RAI later. No more /RAI for now. Thanks.
Bob is back
<[HoST] ST.LOU> I just got a note that the cheat works. Sam is moving
right along :-)
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Matt Rivman will be next, them M.MURPHY and Ringo
Montfort
<BOB-BRODIE> Sorry, gang. That's a new record, twice in one night. :)
Did he (Sam) think I would lie??? :) :)
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Matt, how about asking your question now?
<[Matt] M.RIVMAN1> Howdy Bob, and welcome. A while back, someone
posted in the Jag topic that their local dealer sold 4 units to some
Electronic Arts folks. Have they expressed any interest in writing
for the cat to Atari, directly?
<BOB-BRODIE> On an informal basis. Remember that Electronic Arts
really doesn't write that much software themselves. They are largely a
publisher of other people's products, like John Madden Football for
instance.
<[Kid Metal] M.MURPHY31> Happy New Year, Bob, and congratulations on
what sounds to be a successful CES. When can we expect to see Jag TV
ads go nationwide? Can you give us any details of specific ads we'll
be seeing? Thanks.
<BOB-BRODIE> We will be going in the top 15 teen shows in in the top
ten markets in Feb, and March with the TV spots. There will be cable
TV ads runnning at the same time, and then.... from April through June
we'll be doing the same thing in the top 20 markets with TV. We will
be doing national advertising in the video games mags clear thru June,
a series of mall events, screenvision (in movie theatres), wild
postings, and sponsoring the Scorpions 14 city national tour of the US
as part of the AvP promotions. How's that sound? :)
<[Ringo] R.MONFORT> Hi, Bob. are developers getting new info
regarding computers or new computers? I love the Jaguar. Thanks!
<[HoST] ST.LOU> I'd LOVE to love a Jaguar <grin>
<BOB-BRODIE> Hi Ringo. You should really take that up with Bill
Rehbock, Mike Fulton, or J. Patton. They're the developer support
people. I don't track the current status of their updates to
developers, I'm afraid. I can tell you that part of the efforts on
the Jaguar are resulting in developer sessions here in Las Vegas
during CES.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Bob, everyone is playing their Jags while waiting.
They love your cheats :-) Next we have A.STUDER.
<A.STUDER1> I'm happy to see Atari moving forward, especially into
the future. The Jaguar is a pleasant sight. Do you know when the first
Jaguar title with QSound will be released and what we can expect from
it? Will it use a special adapter or come out the SVHS/composite
cables? Has the Jaguar's IBM development unit been completed? Keep up
the good work! Happy New Year! <I forgot to play Atari today> <tried
CG's 1193, didn't work!>
<BOB-BRODIE> Hi Andy, I'll have to check on the Q Sound info. My good
friend Bernie Stolar is there, and he's been in our booth quite a bit
throughout the show. QSound relies on just two speakers for it's
effects, so you should not need any adapter at all. The PC
development environment is done to the best of my knowledge.
<[SWiTCHB0ARD] M.BALDEON> Congrats on your ad campaign, I live by San
Francisco and to all those people who want to know what they look
like there better then the Sega commercials (that's a compliment).
Also thanks, the CG code worked and I only have one controller... had
to switch it around. Anyway one last question... is Microsoft trying
to get their hands into the Jag market (just a rumor).
<BOB-BRODIE> Not to the best of my knowledge. Today we were told that
the rumor is that Nintendo is trying to buy us...only the umpteenth
time I've heard that one. :)
<[Dave] D.SHORR> What is the STatus of AtariWorks? Will a
telecommunications module be added?
<BOB-BRODIE> We're working on a beta version of 2.0, which at this
point doesn't have a telecomm module, but has lots of other
improvements. ** <BOB-BRODIE> disconnected.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> This might be a sign, folks :-) Hahaha... the
Nintendo spies! I love it, King! Lots of funny /sends.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Bob is back
<BOB-BRODIE> Sorry gang....one of those nights I guess! Is it GEnie,
the hotel, or the node here in Vegas????
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Did we finish the AtariWorks question?
<BOB-BRODIE> The answer was that there is a beta version of Works
2.0, but it doesn't have a telcom module at this point in time.
<[Parrot Head] C.CASSADAY> Being the president of an Atari User Group
who would really like to have Atari's presence at our second Fiesta
Atari this June, discretion would lead me not to do this. However, I
feel myself and others would like to hear the rest of the answer to
the TT030 production question.
<BOB-BRODIE> I'm not sure exactly where I fell offline...as I recall,
the question was "Are TT's being built again?". They are, but I am
unclear about what the plans are for them to be distributed, i.e. how
many come to the US, how many will go to Germany, etc.
<[Tony] WETMORE> You mentioned before that AvsP has been delayed
until April. Will you be able to post a list of "upcoming" Jaguar
titles sometime soon? As I recall, AvsP was one of the next expected
titles. No new games until April would be very bad. [:-(
<BOB-BRODIE> Tempest 2000, Checkered Flag will be out in the next
couple of months. The 3rd party stuff will begin coming out in March
and April as well.
<[James] J.VOGH> When will Eye of the Beholder be out for the Lynx
and how many players will it allow?
<BOB-BRODIE> We're showing it here at the show, I need to double
check on its availability. It requires a different board than the
other Lynx games as it permits you to save your score in the game. The
board might delay availability...but the software is done.
<[Ed & Mac] ERIDDLE> What Role-Playing Games are in developement for
the Jag? A BIG oversight on the SEGA frontier is the LACK of RPGs.
With a a few good showings you could capture that overlooked part of
the market...
<BOB-BRODIE> I have a list of about 15 titles that are in the works,
guys. I'll get that up online ASAP. There are some RPGs in there, to
be sure.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> That would be greatly appreciated, Bob. I know you
have been really, really, really busy lately but there has been LOTS
of action in the Jaguar topics in the Bulletin Board.
<BOB-BRODIE> REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, really busy. :)
<[HoST] ST.LOU> When you have a free week, you'll enjoy what is being
posted.
<BOB-BRODIE> And I'm sorry that I haven't been online at all.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Shall I send you some archives ? :-)
<BOB-BRODIE> I will try to get online after I get back home, and
yes...please send the highlights to me!
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Next we have Travis then Graham to close our evening.
<[Nat'l Champs] AEO.MAG> Really Busy Bob, there's a story making its
way around that Atari is trying to "force" Jaguar development to be
done on Falcon030s in a lame attempt to prop up the Falcon. (I'll
leave it to you to figure out where this story is coming from.) What
say you??? (BTW, thanks for the Jaguar cap and Tee-shirt!)
<BOB-BRODIE> At least being in Vegas instead of NY I feel like I'm
getting closer to home!!
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Let me guess who spreads the most rumours per week...
<BOB-BRODIE> Hi Travis...(oops, that last part was for Lou!)
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Bob, turn right for Sunnyvale when you leave Vegas
:-)
<BOB-BRODIE> That story is 100% false, we are also supporting the PC
environment with the Jaguar. We are trying to force anything on
anyone. Whoever said that simply doesn't know the facts, isn't
connected to anyone that does, and proably isn't living right. :)
<[HoST] ST.LOU> "We are NOT trying to force...." correct?
<BOB-BRODIE> Please stop all the /sends guys...
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Graham Norton, you have the evening's last question.
<[Graham] G.NORTON> Can you tell me why Atari decided that Jags and
games can't be rented. A lot of people like to rent machines and
games before they buy them just to make sure they aren't wasting their
money. Also we have had a number of video game rental stores ask us
about getting Jags.
<BOB-BRODIE> Graham, before I answer your question, I want to be very
clear about my last answer.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Please do :-)
<BOB-BRODIE> I appear to have some hardware problems tonight. Along
with a lot of /sends.
<BOB-BRODIE> We are NOT, I repeat _NOT_ forcing anyone to use the
Falcon or any other TOS based computer for Jaguar development. That is
simply untrue. We are supporting the PC environment fully. Whoever
said that we were attempting to force people to use the Falcon is
mistaken, and if it is whom I think it is that is spreading this
rumor, then it is NO SURPRISE that they don't know what they are
talking about.
<BOB-BRODIE> On to your question, (and please respond to my follow up
"What makes you think we are not supporting rental?") One of the
companies that we are working with is Blockbuster Video!
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Graham, please ask your question again...
<[Graham] G.NORTON> Well mainly the notice on the side of the box
that says no rentals allowed...
<BOB-BRODIE> That's just standard legal mumbo jumbo. I don't have a
box in the room. But
<[Graham] G.NORTON> Quoting directly " You may not rent or lease the
Products or parts thereof;
<BOB-BRODIE> I suspect that if I did, there would be a spot that says
something along the line of "unless otherwise specificed", or
something to that effect. I believe that license applies to end users,
not retailers, Graham.
<[Graham] G.NORTON> Ok just wanted to check we want to sell some to
various rental stores.
<BOB-BRODIE> Again, we're working with Blockbuster Video. They are
doing rentals.
<[HoST] ST.LOU> Bob, short goodbyes and thanks tonight. I know how
exhausted you are. Take care. Spend a restful weekend at home. We'll
see you online.
<BOB-BRODIE> Lou, my apologies for all of the problems tonight on
this end. Maybe this Stacy finally needs a tuneup. It has been a
trying evening tonight with all of the line drops. But as always, I
have enjoyed being here. I'm grateful for the support of our users
online on GEnie, our official online service, and thanks to all for
attending. Good night.
/|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\
Our next session of Dateline Atari will be held on Friday, February
4th at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Real Time Conferences in the Atari ST
RoundTable are held every Monday (Desktop Publishing and Graphics)
and Wednesday (Open House) night at 10:00 p.m. and a HelpDesk is
available evry Sunday at 9:00 p.m. On the first and third Thursday
there is a Programmer's RTC at 9:00 p.m.
If you miss a conference, transcripts are made for all formal RTC's
(where there is a special guest) and the programming RTC. You will
find these transcripts in Library 13 - Atari Archives.
Please send your questions, suggestions and comments to RTC$ via
GEmail. Thank you.
--==--==--==--==--
||| Cybermorph by the Book
||| By: Chuck Klimushyn
/ | \ GEnie: L.FULGENZI
------------------------------------------------------------------
It was with a mixture of excitement and trepidation that I booted up
Cybermorph for Atari's new 64-bit Jaguar. A friend living on the East
Coast had gone to heroic lengths to find and ship it overnight UPS to
ensure that I received my unit on Thanksgiving weekend. I had read all
about the impressive specs in the major gaming magazines, which were
falling over themselves to cover Atari's new cat. I knew however, that
it would be all for naught, and that Atari would have a hard time
getting their new multimedia system off the ground if Cybermorph was a
dud. I anxiously wondered how it would compare to such polished
efforts as Star Fox for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
and Slipheed for the Genesis/SegaCD. Little did I know that I would
find the game play so enthralling that I would spend every free moment
over the next week mesmerized in a virtual universe, liberating
planets from a tyrannical dark empire. I returned from this pleasant
departure from reality to find that I was apparently the first person
on GEnie to have beaten the game.
In their previous AEO articles on the Jaguar and Cybermorph, Peter
Smith and Albert Dayes have done an excellent job describing the
premise and the mechanics of playing the game. There's no need to
repeat what they thoroughly and decisively covered. I would like to
take a closer look at the Cybermorph universe, the interesting planets
(read dangerous planets), special enemies, effective tactics, and
maybe even a cheat or two that will help others make it to the reward
sequence at the end of the game. Along the way, I'll also point out
how my initial anxieties over Cybermorph were groundless and that the
game in almost all aspects, exceeds what the best of the 16-bit market
has to offer.
//// Beginnings
I was struck quickly by two things when I booted up Cybermorph:
first, the terrain. There are polygon rendered mountains, valleys,
winding canyons, small rises, recessed riverbeds and more in the
fifty planets of the game. All are in a wide variety of colors and
shadings. In contrast, the terrain in StarFox is relatively flat, and
in Slipheed it's all a just pretty full motion video that you can only
interact with to a very limited degree. Second, I found I had total
360 degree control over the movement of my ship, my choice of its
speed, and up to a modest ceiling, its altitude. I was ecstatic when I
buzzed a full circle around the nearest building, an impossibility in
either StarFox or Slipheed. At one point, I found myself having a
blast, playing hide-and-seek with a pesky group of interceptors by
weaving around and through a large group of buildings. This is
something I never expected to be able to do on a mere "gaming"
console.
The next thing I noticed was that Cybermorph, ironically, was very
"mendable" to a gamer's playing style. If you like to play slow and
cautiously, scouting areas before committing yourself to an attack, do
so - the game generally gives you total freedom to be as methodical
as you wish. If your reflexes have been honed into deadly weapons from
playing countless shooters on the SNES and Genesis, Cybermorph will
gladly supply all the action you can handle. Speechless, I watched my
13 year old nephew kick the throttle open to a speed I only dared when
I was trying to run from something and proceed to obliterate
everything in sight. He did as well on the first stage, as I did using
a playing style that was somewhere between these two extremes. My
nephew pronounced judgement on the game, saying simply, "this is
really cool!"
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Stages, Strategies, and Tactics
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Codes and "the" cheat:
Ok, so you don't want to complete each stage and just want to visit
the few that interest you. Here are the codes for each stage:
First Stage = 1008
Second Stage = 1328
Third Stage = 9325
Fourth Stage = 9226
Fifth Stage = 3444
The infamous "6009" cheat has made the rounds on most of the
electronic nets. (Later, I'll tell you how to "find" the code hidden
in the game!) Enter this code at any planet select screen and you'll
be transported to a special stage with four identical Saturn-like
planets. Select the one in the lower right hand corner and you'll be
launched on to a planet that is a weapons cache. Not only are there
power-ups for all your weapons, but extra ship tokens too. The
remaining three planets on the stage are hit and run firefights as
you seek the extra portal, but there's no reason to complete them.
Just enter the codes of the level you wish to go to and you'll be
taken there. Interesting, during each gaming session, as long as you
don't reset the game or turn off the power, the program will remember
which planets you've completed on each stage. This allows you to visit
earlier levels if you've started the game from the advanced stages.
You can easily pick up those last few thousand points to gain an extra
ship or more power-ups using this trick (I wish I could take credit
for discovering this cheat, but I read it on the boards too).
//// Stage One
Cybermorph's strength lies in the wide variety of strategy and tactics
a player can employ during the game. This applies not only to how to
complete a mission on a planet, but even how one goes about completing
a stage. Some planets are loaded with power-ups that will be helpful
for tackling more difficult planets in the stage, or the boss at the
end of the stage. Each stage also has a bonus planet which can be
found by locating and flying through a dark blue hexagon (as opposed
to the light blue supply ring). The player will be allowed to enter
the bonus planet after completing the current planet. These bonus
planets are worth locating, often right before completing a stage and
tackling a boss. Except for terrain features, they are devoid of
hazards and not only contain power-ups of plenty, but frequently
valuable extra ship tokens. The only catch is that you must exit
through the portal before the bonus planet's time limit (45-180
seconds) is up, or lose all your gathered goodies.
Stage one is a perfectly balanced introduction to the game. You're
given a variety of moderately tough missions to complete with a great
looking, but none too difficult boss at its end. After becoming
familiar with the controls of the T-Griffon, you may want to think
about completing Kapitol first. Don't let the large number of pods to
be rescued and large number of apparent defenders imitate you. Find
the radar dish on a purple mount and destroy it. Except for fire from
ground installations and a few circling green pod guardians, you'll
have the run of the planet. There's lots of cargo-carriers with power
ups that will help you on other planets of the stage. Lingering on
Olope to find the bonus planet ring is worthwhile as it contains extra
ship tokens (relax Travis, I promise not to tell them were they all
are). Codex with deep winding canyons, and not too many hostiles, is a
good place to build your flying skills. In long and winding canyons
like these, your triple shot is a good weapon to stop packs of angry
interceptors. You can find where the 6009 cheat came from by flying
through a narrow passage tucked between mountains - slip through it to
find a canyon with a big "6009" imprinted on the ground. (Hmmm. A
planet named Codex. A number on the ground there. Must be a code!) Oh,
how could I forget Zuel? Here you'll be introduced to one of the game's
niceties, WORMS!!
Every good game should have a monster or enemy that the mere sight of
which will cause the player's adrenaline glands to kick into high
gear, and Cybermorph does not disappoint. There's no more chilling
sight in the game than to see one of these beasts bearing down on you
like a demon-possessed freight train from hell. Worms are a snake like
string of rounded-triangles of various and changing colors. They're
one of the quickest enemies in the game and have the infuriating
ability to destroy a ship with a single hit by ramming. To make
matters suck eggs even more, worms don't die very easily.
Dealing with worms has been the subject of much on-line debate.
There's no pat answer and the correct response depends on the current
terrain and available weapons. Thunderquakers, one of the T-Griffon's
special weapons, will kill them instantly *IF* you're lucky enough to
have them. Mines are especially effective in canyons and areas with
lots of obstacles, but require ice-water in your veins because you
have to rely on the tactical display of your scanner to judge the
best distance for releasing the mine, while not splattering your ship
against a canyon wall. In open areas you can hit the reverse
thrusters and wail away with incinerators, or lacking them, normal
fire. I have a theory that when the worms change to a dark blue they
are the most vulnerable, but don't go staking your ship on that hunch.
Yes, you can always crank open the throttle and run, hoping they'll go
away... but they don't always. In early stages you can beat a retreat
and often complete the planet, but in later levels you may find two,
three, or more of these creatures drawing a bead on your ship all at
once (at such times I was glad the programmers were kind and included
passwords).
One last thing regarding stage one: its boss. Gaming purists may
scream foul at the first stage's boss, called a headhunter. It has a
striking resemblance to the last boss in StarFox, namely being a huge
disembodied head. Cybermorph's boss just doesn't sit there and lob
laser blasts at you, though like its counterpart in StarFox, it'll
chase your ship all around the planet given half a chance! It has an
especially nasty attack of disappearing into the ground and deep
sixing you from behind with missile fire. Fortunately, this makes the
headhunter a sitting duck for a few well placed mines. What, you
don't have any mines? I thought I hinted at completing Olope last and
finding the bonus planet ring to prevent such an embarrassing
situation....
//// Stage Two:
Ok, you've blown through the first level and wasted the first boss in
a manner that would have made Han Solo proud, and now it's time to get
down to brass tacks. Things quickly get much harder, both with the
fighting and puzzle solving aspects of the game. Here, you're
introduced to the two barriers that form the basis of the game's
puzzles. These are force-fields and spikes. Each is impervious to
almost all direct weapons fire and will destroy your ship on contact.
They must be de-activated by destroying their corresponding control
units. Force fields are controlled by a generator building which is
tall and narrow that's always on the ground. Spikes are controlled by
squat buildings that are always suspended slightly in the air. Taking
out force fields is straightforward, find the generator and kill it.
Spikes have a catch. If you fly too close to a pod that's surrounded
by spikes and trigger them to spring, they'll remain even after you
destroy their control unit. Therefore, you get the difficult task of
locating the control units without getting too close to the pods they
guard. If you fly to a different part of the planet and come back,
the spikes sometimes reset so you can reach the pod. One intrepid
gamer recently posted that you can reach pods in spikes by hovering
over the exact center of the trap and carefully lowering your ship to
the pods. I found it does indeed work! (Thanks, Rick!) In the
pre-launch briefing before entering a planet, you'll generally
informed if there are spikes below, but not always. On new planets you
may want to approach pods with caution as these spikes spring up at
the last second and may impale your ship if you're not quick on the
reverse thrusters.
The worlds in stage two are wonderfully varied. One of the most
difficult is Galitzia. Here you meet jack-in-the-box Joker faces that
lie flat on the ground and "pop up" to spray you with missile fire
when your ship gets too close. Cruise missiles are the weapon of
choice, line up for a torpedo run and release your missile as soon as
the face begins to raise. Hitting the reverse thrust immediately
after this will generally get your ship out of the way of return fire.
Galitzia also has a large number of cargo carriers for power-ups.
Metropol is a test of flying and shooting ability. You have to rescue
all the planet's pods before even one is destroy by vortex towers.
Watch the intro as the T-Griffin is released on the planet to get an
idea of which direction to head first. Taking out the radar tower will
make your task easier.
In fact, Metropol, Fragocia, and Rosam all have radar towers that
should be primary targets. Metropol also hides the bonus planet ring
(oops, sorry about that Travis). On Bross, your scanner is
dysfunctional so you have to locate the pods visually, which isn't too
bad, but finding your escape portal can be trying. Look around the
tall yellow towers. Ulmtri is a test of dog-fighting skills. Keep your
speed up and don't be afraid to use a lot of mines.
Throughout stage two and in later levels you'll meet another rather
stubborn enemy I've nicknamed "pod guardians." These stocky green
ships casually circle pods as their charges. Pod guardians take a lot
of damage and fire missiles at an alarmingly fast rate. Luckily they
are harmless until you decide to fire on them. Those with finely tuned
reflexes may want to try flying in and snatching a pod. I found
cruising over the pod guardians and laying down a mine spread to be
the safest way to take them out. Two or three incinerator hits will
also destroy them if you're the frontal assault type.
That brings us to stage two's boss(s). There are two twinblaster
gunships which were affectionately dubbed "battleships" on Genie.
They guard a number of pods that are in danger of being destroyed by a
vortex tower. Each of these ships has two wing pods that must be taken
out before the boss can be defeated. They're most vulnerable to cruise
missiles and incinerators. They may be attacked from fairly long
range - listen for the auditory feedback of your weapons striking a
target. After destroying both wing-pods, the ship will rush you.
Continue firing at it with incinerators if you have them, and as
rapidly as possible with normal fire if you don't. Remember there are
two of these ships. Attack at an angle that allows you to deal with
them one at a time. If you lose too many ships, retreat and let the
vortex tower destroy enough pods to allow you a retrial.
//// Stage Three:
Stage three includes some of the most innovative planets in the game.
JoJo contains an interesting puzzle of how to remove pods from spikes
without an apparent controller building on the planet. Look in the
hangers for the solution. It pays to spend time on JoJo - if you
rescue all the pods you'll earn a quick 25,000 bonus points.
Greenstone is the "politically incorrect" planet of the game. You have
to rescue pods by destroying the trees they are encased in. (Don't
anyone tell Greenpeace or Al Gore about this.) Greenstone is also
infested with worms, so bring your mines and thunderquakers!
Ladan has a worm or two to boot. You'll have an easier time of it on
Ladan if you follow the blue, then red transporters to take out the
generator of the force field guarding the radar tower. Shooting the
resulting immobile ships is a great way to gain power ups. Spykre
would be an easy planet if it weren't for the worms. Monicalia is one
tough planet too. Look for its radar tower across the river from the
central group of buildings on the planet. If you follow one of the
bridges across the river you'll also find the spike's controller
building. There are a number of cargo carriers on Monicalia for power
ups. The level's bonus planet ring is hidden on Pico (who said
that?!). Lastly, beginning in stage three and on the remaining levels,
don't be afraid to use your valuable thunderquakers if you're
overpowered by a swarm of enemies. You'll often get them back with the
power ups the destroyed ships leave behind.
Ready for the boss planets to get harder? Good, because there isn't a
vortex tower on the planet with stage three's bosses. This means you
only get one chance to beat them. No retakes, bud. You get to deal
with a headhunter and twinblasters. The headhunter is encountered
first. Be careful to destroy it without moving too far from your
launching point, otherwise you may fly smack into a missile spread
sent out from the planet's friendly twinblasters. One more tip on the
twinblasters: attack from a path where you can hit the reverse
thrusters without fear of backing into something. Beat a retreat as
soon as one missile hits the T-Griffon, as two dozen more will be
following quickly.
//// Stage Four:
I found stage four to be the most difficult level in the game (stage
five cuts you some slack, more on that later). Zahav is a tough
dogfight while you search for pods that don't show up on the scanner
screen because they are encased in metallic containers. Follow the
red transporter surrounded by tall yellow towers, to help find a few
hard to locate pods hidden in the planet's mountains. Your launch
point on Squib has you facing a ton of tempting pods. DON'T rush to
them. The pods are guarded by spikes that'll impale your ship.
Instead, take the red portal and locate a flat area with four yellow
towers along its perimeter. The pod carriers will helpfully remove
the pods from the spikes and drop them in this area. Olyotris may be
the toughest planet in the stage. There are a large number of trapped
pods guarded by overwhelming numbers of interceptors. Learn to destroy
the pod's shackles from a long enough range that won't bring a flock
of interceptors down on your head. Then open the throttle, grab the
pod, and back out before you attract too much attention.
I found Olyotris so tough, I took the suggestion in Cybermorph's game
manual and tackled the planet first. If I lost too many ships, I
restarted the level before moving on. The T-Griffon's scanner is
jammed again on Grand Piten. To make matters worse, there's a couple
of worms that attack from behind. You may want to set mines as your
default weapon and make frequent use of your aft viewer. On Grunge
there are no hostile enemies, just pod carriers and vortex towers. The
carriers drop pods into the fields of the vortex towers at a rate that
will test your flying skills. If you rescue all the pods you'll pick
up 15,000 bonus points. (What, I didn't spill the goods on the stage's
bonus planet ring? Well, it's on Olyotris but you may find your hands
full just trying to deal with the interceptors on the planet).
Hee, hee, hee. Just wait till you meet stage four's bosses - mutated
worms!! Like stage three, there isn't a vortex tower, so you get only
one chance at these babies before having to do the whole level again.
Stay in the open. Each segment of the worm must be destroyed, one-at-
a-time. I still like the advice I posted on GEnie after getting by
these suckers:
"Bring plenty of mines, kick the throttle open, and don't look BACK!!"
//// Stage Five:
Ok, I promised you a break on the fifth stage. The layout of the
planets are the most devious of the game, but most of them have
vortex towers with a very high percentage of pods to rescue. So, if
you lose too many ships let the vortex fields take out enough pods and
redo the planet. Just make sure when you sit down to complete this
level you've got a good three to four hours of free time. <grin>
Booshka may be the weirdest planet of the game. You've got one pod to
rescue among what seems like hundreds of hangers. Keep shooting the
hangers and looking for transporters that are hidden inside them until
you come to an area marked by two criss-crossing canyons. You'll find
the pod hidden in this area. Don't attack the hangers from too close.
They often contain nasty surprises. On Eeelaaz, your scanner will be
jammed again. Keep checking the two passages that run through the
central mountain range if you're having trouble locating those last
few pods. I've got two things to say about Janwelch. Blue-yellow-
blue, and if you don't mind dodging worms, you can find the stage's
bonus planet ring (well Travis, it's the last one, I might as well
tell them).
Thetazan is a frenzied race against time. Look for a force field
generator not too far from your launch point and destroy it. There's
a red transporter that will take you to the opening of a mountain
canyon. Take it, but *avoid* collecting pods and fighting with as
many hostiles as possible. You've got to get to the end of the canyon
as quickly as possible. Don't worry - everything will be there on the
way out.
On Gantlet, you'll need a building detonator to complete the planet.
There's two ways to accomplish this task. One: fly down the very long
and dangerous canyon marked by the tall yellow towers to obtain a
detonator power-up, then fly back through the same canyon and down
another long and dangerous canyon to reach the trapped pods (wrong).
Two: before leaving Thetazan, shoot one of the several cargo carriers
which has the detonators as power-ups, then go directly to Gantlet
(right). In addition, stay slightly to the left as you fly down the
canyon. There are a couple of sets of spikes that pop up as you fly
over them.
Hellfire was my favorite planet of the game. Its color scheme is
foreboding shades of red and black that get darker as the vortex
fields spread. You start off dealing with a headhunter and then must
spend the rest of the planet dodging missile fire from the overly
numerous Joker faces. There's no easy way to complete the planet. If
you get off Hellfire with just losing one ship, count yourself lucky.
Everything comes together with the bosses for the last stage. Your
flying and fighting skills must exceed anything that's been required
of you so far to make it past the two headhunters, two twinblasters,
and a few worms while rescuing your pods from the vortex towers.
Saving the pods will have to be your first priority. You can only lose
a few before having to restart the planet. There's not enough time to
destroy all the enemies on the planet and still save your quota of
pods. You'll have to snatch them from the fields of the vortex towers
at close to top speed while running a gauntlet of missiles sent out
by the twinblasters and being pursued by the headhunters. You may be
fortunate enough to take out the headhunters with mines while they
trial the T-Griffon, but don't go out of your way - save the pods
first!
Skylar will let you know when you're close to the required number. If
you've taken too much damage, allow the pods to be destroyed and
restart the planet. Once the pods are safe and your ship is still in
good shape, you can concentrate on the bosses themselves. Use the
tactics from previous levels and all your wits to get by the
twinblasters and worms. To trigger your escape portal you'll have to
kill *all* the enemies on the planet. If you get off the planet you'll
be taken to a short reward sequence.
Congratulations and welcome to the rank of CYBERJOCK!!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Improvements and Conclusions
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Cybermorph easily surpasses similar games in the 16-bit market. No
other game available provides its unique combination of freedom of
movement, variation of terrain, and options for tactics and strategy.
Even so, it is lacking a few "finishing touches" that are common in
top-of-the-line cartridges. Most notable is the lack of in-play
music. One has only to listen to the soundtrack of StarFox or Batman
Returns (SNES) to know how much a good musical score can enhance game
play. Extended and compelling introduction and reward sequences are
now considered almost a necessity for a game to be labelled "great" by
current standards. Some may argue that such things are merely wasted
memory, but look at the intro for Super Empire Strikes Back (SNES) or
Flashback (Genesis) to see how they set the proper "mood" for their
games. Cybermorph lacks any type of extended introduction sequence and
the reward sequence is far too short. Lastly, a shooter's bosses need
more variation. Cybermorph's headhunters and twinblasters are fine,
but they're recycled too many times.
That being said, Cybermorph is one heck of an engrossing pack-in and a
great preview of things to come for Atari's new gaming console.
Looking at the game as it runs on my television, I can't help but
sense that the end of the 16-bit era for home video games is near.
Let's wish Atari well in making the "next level" of gaming theirs!
--==--==--==--==--
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-- 4. Have a major credit card ready. In the U.S., you may also use --
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--==--==--==--==--
||| Jaguar Tackboard
||| Confirmed Information about Atari's Jaguar
/ | \ Compiled from online and official sources
-----------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Independent Association of Jaguar Developers
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The IAJD (Independent Association of Jaguar Developers) is due to
start accepting members on GEnie very shortly. The IAJD is planned to
be a private group where confidential discussions can be freely held.
(Category 64 of the ST RoundTable is set to be the IAJD meeting
place.) Consequently, membership in the IAJD is limited to Jaguar
developers who are registered with Atari Corp. To apply for
membership, send EMail to ENTRY$ on GEnie. Regular EMail
correspondence with the IAJD should be sent to IAJD$.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Developer / Game List 1.2
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Editor: The following developers and game titles have been
confirmed to the best of AEO's ability as of January 13, 1993. While
no dates are tied to any of the games, they are hoped to be out by the
end of 1994. The "S" flag has been added to reflect any "e"rrors,
"u"pdates, "n"ew games, or new "d"evelopers since the last list. Titles
in brackets (e.g., [Cybermorph]) have been completed and are
available in the US.
Bear in mind that the titles on this list have gone through a
confirmation process - there are a dozen or more titles that are going
through the rumor mill, and when confirmed, will appear here. (The new
games listed here have been confirmed with Bill Rehbock at Atari.)
Conversely, there are a few developers (one is a "rock" from Atari's
past!) who have confirmed they are joining up, but wish to make their
own announcement - and AEO respects their wishes.
S Developer Titles under development
" """"""""" """"""""""""""""""""""""
n 21st Century Software - Pinball Fantasies
3D Games
Accolade - Charles Barkley Basketball, Al Michaels
Announces Hardball, Busby, Jack Nicholas
Golf, Brett Hull Hockey
e Activision - Return to Zork CD-ROM
u All Systems Go - Hosenose and Booger, Jukebox
Anco Software Ltd. - Kick Off, World Cup
Argonaut Software - UNKNOWN CD-ROM
Atari Corp. - Battlezone 2000, [Crescent Galaxy], Club
Drive, MPEG 1 and 2 carts, Tiny Toons
Adventures, VR Helmet
Atari Games Corp.
Attention to Detail - (For Atari Corp.) [Cybermorph],
Battlemorph: Cybermorph 2, Blue Lightning
n Brainstorm - [x86 Jaguar Development System]
n Beyond Games Inc. - Battlewheels, Ultra Vortex
Dimension Technologies
d DTMC
Eurosoft
Gremlin Graphics Ltd. - Zool 2 - MORE
Hand Made Software - (For Atari Corp.) Kasumi Ninja
High Voltage Software
id Software - Doom: Evil Unleashed
Imagitec Design Inc. - [Evolution Dino-Dudes], [Raiden]
u Interplay - BattleChess CD-ROM (MORE?)
Krisalis Software Ltd. - Soccer Kid
LlamaSoft - (For Atari Corp.) Tempest 2000
Loricel S.A.
Maxis Software
n Microids - Evidence, Commando
Microprose - 3D Gunship 2000 - MORE SIMULATIONS
n Midnite Software Inc. - Car Wars, Dungeon Depths
Millenium Interactive Ltd.
Ocean Software Ltd.
Park Place Productions - UNKNOWN TITLE (American Football)
u Phalanx (will be combining - Phong 2000 (Space?)
with another
unnamed developer)
e Rebellion Software Ltd. - (For Atari Corp.) Alien vs. Predator,
Checkered Flag II, Dungeon
Silmarils - Robinson's Requiem
n Telegames - Ultimate Brain Games, European Soccer
Challenge, Brutal Sports Football,
Casino Royale - MORE?
Tiertex Ltd.
Titus
n Tradewest - Double Dragon 4 - MORE
Trimark Interactive
U.S. Gold Ltd. - Flashback
UBI Soft International - Jimmy Connors Pro Tennis - MORE
d V-Real Productions - Horrorscope, Arena Football
Virgin Interactive
Entertainment Ltd. - UNKNOWN ("Movie title")
u Virtual Experience (was - Indiana Jags, Zozziorx (MORE?)
Retour 2048)
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// CES Magazine Awards - Atari PR
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Atari Corp. announced today that the Atari Jaguar 64-bit interactive
multimedia game system has been named the industry's "Best New Game
System" (VideoGames Magazine), "Best New Hardware System" (Game
Informer) and "1993 Technical Achievement of the Year" (DieHard
GameFan). The awards were presented last week at the Winter Consumer
Electronics Show in Las Vegas. In addition, VideoGames Magazine
selected a Jaguar advertisement as "1993's Best Print Ad" and
Electronic Games voted Jaguar's newest software title, "Tempest 2000,"
the "Best Game of the Show."
"We are excited the industry's premier publications have recognized
Jaguar," said Sam Tramiel, president of Atari. "We developed Jaguar's
64-bit technology to raise the standard for game system performance,
making Jaguar the most powerful, affordable system on the market. It
is an honor to know that the leading trade magazines and their readers
recognize our efforts."
"We created the 'Best New Game System' award specifically for Jaguar,"
said Chris Gore, editor of VideoGames Magazine. "Atari developed a
new game system with innovative hardware and software that delivers a
performance level currently not available in the market at a price
people can afford. It eclipses 3DO as the best bang for your buck."
On Game Informer's decision to vote Jaguar "Best New Hardware System,"
Editor Andy McNamara said, "With enough raw processing power to take
out the big boys, Atari has a winner on its hands. Of course, it will
need great software, but if games like the pack-in Cybermorph set the
standard, Atari is definitely on its way."
Atari Jaguar is the world's first 64-bit interactive multimedia home
entertainment system and is the only video game system manufactured in
the United States. The award-winning "Tempest 2000" is expected to
hit stores in March. Also, Atari expects to deliver its Jaguar
CD-peripheral mid-year at a suggested retail price of $200.
Atari Corp. manufactures and markets 64-bit interactive multimedia
entertainment systems, video games and personal computers for the
home, office and educational marketplaces. The Sunnyvale-based
company manufactures the Jaguar products in the United States.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Jaguar Quotes
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// John Mathieson <100111.2631@compuserve.com> - Jaguar designer:
Why is Jaguar better than 3DO? Well, you really need to find
someone who has programmed both. We believe Jaguar is at least
twice as fast as 3DO, and provides a much better environment for
developer's. Jaguar has a variety of processing elements, the GPU
RISC processor, the blitter, the object processor which generates
the display, and the audio DSP, as well as the good old 68K. These
were all designed to be as general as possible.
The object processor provides all the processing power you need to
do classic 2D games like most of the Sega/Nintendo ones. It is a
zooming/scaling smart sprite/playfield type processor. Games like
Crescent Galaxy use it pretty heavily. It is a 64 bit engine.
The GPU and blitter provide the power you need for 3D. The GPU has
the processing power you need for 3D arithmetic, with specialised
matrix stuff, and very fast multiply and divide engines. The
blitter does the actual rendering, and generates in hardware the
shaded (and Z-buffered if you want it) pixels at a rate limited
only by the speed of the 64 bit DRAM bus.
My understanding of 3D0 is that it is a glorified 2D architecture,
and is not good at things like polygon rendering. The architecture
of a machine is what makes it fly - ensuring there are no
bottlenecks that hold everything else up. We think Jaguar does a
good job at this. Give the games developers time to get to grips
with it and we should see some games that will knock your socks
off.
The amount of RAM on the CD is not what defines its performance.
PCs can fetch full motion video off CDs with very little RAM in the
CD. Access delays are best reduced by spinning the disk faster, as
a large part of the delay is the time the data takes to load. The 2
Mbytes of 64 bit RAM in Jaguar provide plenty of space for loading
CD games into, loads of RAM in the CD would not help, it would be
slower as the cartridge port is "only" 32 bits.
The programming environment that developers get is supported out of
Atari in Sunnyvale, and I am not sure what it contains. They run a
developers only BBS and should have lots of stuff for developers on
it. ... most of the developers I met don't like too much API type
software given to them, they just want to pile into the hardware
and get on with it. It is difficult with a new machine to have a
lot of software for the first developers of course, because as soon
as the hardware is available it gets shipped to developers....
By 2D graphics I mean games like Sonic or Crescent Galaxy, where
the animation involves just moving things around. 3D is stuff like
Cybermorph or a flight simulator where things move in perspective.
The definitive reference work is "Computer Graphics, principles and
practice" by Foley and van Dam et al., published by Addison Wesley.
This is a brilliant introduction to the field, and without it
Jaguar would not be what it is.
I think you will find that most of the best PC games will end up on
Jaguar. Jaguar is as fast at animating 16 bit pixels as a 486 DX2
66 is at 8 bit pixels - this is not just my opinion but comes from
Rebellion software who are writing Alien versus Predator and
Chequered Flag. Jaguar has 2 megabytes of RAM, and when this is
combined with 2 megabytes of ROM (16 megabit cartridge) has more
memory than most PCs. These cartridges are bigger then they sound,
because all bitmaps on Jaguar are true colour images and can
therefore be JPEG compressed.
[Jaguar's blitter] can move anything between a 1 bit pixel and a
64-bit datum in one transfer, it can move rectangular areas of
them, it can clip while it does it, it can scale the moved data,
rotate it, skew it, it can draw lines, it can synthesize 4 Gouraud
shaded pixels simulataneously , it can treat colours as
transparent, expand one-bit per pixel maps (character painting), it
can generate 16-bit Z buffer values and compare them with the Z of
the pixel already present and clip as required, etc., etc. It would
make a wonderful Windows accelerator, but games have a much broader
requirement, and its great for those too,
Jaguar's GPU is un-specialized, that is its strength. It is a fast
32-bit RISC processor with lots of smart RISC features to increase
throughput and make it easier to program. It does have some
functions that are particular to its application, like matrix
instructions, and hardware multiply and divide units, but it is
basically a fast general purpose processor. It's well matched to the
68K because the 68K does all the un-intensive high level game-play,
control and graphics stuff, while the GPU does the low-level 2D and
3D maths, which involve very intensive and repetitive stuff.
Bill Rehbock <75300.1606@compuserve.com> head developer honcho at
Atari:
The architecture of Sega-CD and Jaguar are so different, that you
really can't compare the CD-ROM buffers "apples-to-apples." The
Jaguar can even read directly from the CD into system RAM directly;
keep in mind that the base Jaguar was designed to incorporate
serial bit streams coming from CD, or the synchronous serial port
(cable set-top, telephone, etc.) with minimal additional support.
Q: Given development time, could CM have had completely
texture mapped landscapes?
Q: Could the hills have been in the distance, growing closer rather
than just popping up?
Q: Could there have been a digital stereo soundtrack accompanying
the game?
Q: Could the ship have had texture mapped logos, battle scars etc?
Answers: Yes; stay tuned for the sequel to Cybermorph
P.S. The Jaguar can support surround sound in several ways, all
better than the SNES.
//// Mike Fulton <75300.1141@compuserve.com> answers a question about
what kind of TV to buy to best enjoy a Jaguar on:
Buy the best TV you can afford, with the features you are looking
for. Really the only consideration regarding Jaguar is that if you
want the best picture, you want a TV with either S-video inputs
(also called S-VHS at times, these are getting to be fairly common
on higher quality TV/monitors these days) or RGB inputs (rare, but
not unknown).
Jaguar's resolution isn't really a factor as far as this goes.
However, as long as we're on the subject, strictly speaking, the
Jaguar's video resolution is programmable, so some games may have a
resolution of 320x200, some games may have 384x240, some may have
720x480, and so forth.
//// Rob Nicholson <hms@cix.compulink.co.uk> talks about an
interesting un-limitation about Jaguar Audio:
The number of channels is limited by software. The faster you can
write your DSP code, the more channels you can mix togther.
//// John Carmack <johnc@idcube.idsoftware.com>, Technical Director
at Id Software, answers why Id chose to port DOOM to the Jaguar.
Feel free to quote this.
We have a few reasons for not developing on the 3DO, but
development machine bigotry isn't one of them. I used an apple IIGS
for snes development (I am never, EVER, going to work with nintendo
again), and I am suffering with an atari falcon for Jaguar work
until I can port the tools to NEXTSTEP. I wouldn't turn away a mac
based environment.
The biggest reason is that I doubt that 3DO is going to become a
huge success. $750 is way out of line for a pure entertainment
machine. Was the NEO-GEO a success two years ago? We bought one,
but we don't know anoyone else that did. I doubt there will be all
that many units sold.
To make matters worse, there are over one hundred third party
licensees suposedly developing on 3DO. If there were only a couple
companies developing for it, they might make money. I predict there
is going to be some serious lossage going on in the 3DO developer
community.
The other major argument is somewhat philosphical. I don't like
what people expect out of CD games. Does anyone think that the
cheeseball dialog in crash and burn is a GOOD addition? It turns my
stomach. People expect CD games to have tons of digitized speech
and video, and the 3DO is going to be strongly associated with it.
The joke here is that if we ever do a CD version of DOOM, you are
going to get the game and "The Making of DOOM" a one hour feature
film. Companies spend hundreds of thousands of dollars putting all
this media into their games, and it often actually detracts from
it. We don't want to be part of this crowd.
I would rather cut down to the essentials and fit on a cartridge
than uselessly bulk up on a CD. I have a minimallist sense of
aesthetics in game design.
Many developers are planning on waiting out the eary 32 bit
hardware wars, but I want to do a cool product even if it doesn't
make tons of money. Sandy (our map designer) semi-derisively calls
DOOM jaguar my "reward" for writing DOOM pc. "Good job, you can go
play with your new toys." :-)
Our initial appraisal of the Jaguar was "nice system, but Atari
probably can't make it a success". But when I got the technical
documentation, I was VERY impressed. This is the system I want to
see become a standard platform.
I was slated to do a cut down version of DOOM for the super
nintendo SFX chip, but I kept thinking about how cool a jaguar
version of DOOM would be, and nintendo kept rejecting
wolfenstein-snes for b*****t reasons (a golden cross bonus item
might offend christians. right.).
We finaly decided that we didn't want to be a part of the
chicken-and-the-egg problem of new systems not attracting customers
because developers haven't written for the platform because there
are no customers. The jag is cool, I think it has a shot at
success, and I am going to put my time where my mouth is.
Why the jag is cooler than the 3DO (from my point of view): It
only costs $250. The bulk of its processing power is user
programmable. The 3DO has a capable main processor (a couple times
better than the weak 68k in the jag), but most of its power is in
custom hardware that has narrow functionality for affine
transformations. The jag has some stupid hardware for z buffering
and gouraud shading, but I can just ignore it and tell the two
27mhz risc chips to do EXACTLY what I want. A 64 bit bus with
multiple independant processors may not be the easiest thing to
optimize for, but there is a LOT of potential.
There will probably be a version of DOOM for 3DO. We are talking
with a few companies about licensing out the port. It would be kind
of fun to do it here, but I am eager to get to work on the next
generation game engine that will make DOOM look puny...
Ted Tahquechi <72662.1314@compuserve.com> steps into a conversation
about the size of the Crescent Galaxy cart:
//// The 16 megabit answer is right. Do remember though that there
is a LOT of compression going on in a Jaguar cart, and there is
actually MUCH more raw information in the carts than 16 megabits.
I think the figure I last heard was 56 megabits for C.G.
//// Don Thomas <75300.1267@compuserve.com> tells how to order Jaguar
Tees, caps and Polos, direct from Atari:
You asked for them, you got them!
Jaguar Tees, Polos and caps! Premium quality, color designs on
black. Perfect apparel for your next shopping trip to the Mall!
<hint> Makes great gifts!
T-Shirts and Polos available in M,L,XL adult sizes.
Caps are adjustable.
T-Shirts are $13.95 each.
Caps are $13.95 each.
Polos are $19.95 each.
I have approved a minimum $3.50 S&H on any one of these items,
otherwise the $4.95 minimum applies if added to cart or cable
orders. California shipments will have 8.25% tax added. All prices
in U.S. funds only. All shipments via U.P.S. Ground to North
American locations only.
I have a limited number in stock now, but I have been asked to
allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery as we expect to sell through
rapidly and may have to back order fast.
Best way to order is by fax @ 408/745-2088. Make certain Visa or
MasterCard number and expiration is provided as well as ship to
address and anticipated billing amount. Also indicate size, if
applicable. You may also call 408/745-2089 (voice) during normal
business hours Pacific time.
You may send a money order if you wish to:
Atari Corporation
P.O. Box 61657
Sunnyvale, CA
Thanks for your valued support!
Jaguars for rental at BlockBuster Video! Don explains:
To help put those Rental License concerns to rest, I have been
told I can let people know that BlockBuster will be receiving
Jaguars (specially packed for the rental market) within a couple
weeks in the San Francisco and New York markets.
If you have been toying with the idea of getting a Jaguar, here is
your opportunity to "try before you buy". If you already have a
Jaguar, this is a chance to try new carts as they come out. All
Jaguar supporters should regularly let their BlockBuster store know
that they made a great decision to support the Jaguar!
//// Editor: Since Don's post, there have been reports of Jaguars
//// showing up at SF-area BlockBusters!
Don also shares "Tales from CES":
This is NOT an official release; personal commentary only.
I know people are going to ask me what I have heard now that
everyone is back in the office from CES this past week in Las
Vegas. Several people have forwarded independent CES commentaries
and rumors to me in E-Mail for comment which I couldn't respond to
very well. Although I've attended Comdex and CES and many other
shows in my career, I did not attend this one. My eyes and ears
have been seeing and hearing the same as anyone else who couldn't
go this time around.
Quite frankly, the excited people who bounced into the office this
morning were not the same people I expected to see. According to
some reviews I had seen passed around on the on-line services I
thought I would see defeated troops running in with their tails
between their legs. On the contrary, everyone was racing around,
talking up storms and doing a lot of smiling. Amidst it all, I was
able to squeeze brief conversations in with Bill Rehbock (Developer
Relations Hot Shot) and Garry Tramiel (Retailer Sales Chief of
Staff). I showed them both the descriptions of the Atari booth
offered by some people online who attended the show. Their versions
were much more positive and very different than the versions
described in the couple of articles I showed them.
I think I should give a quick overview of what CES is all about.
The Consumer Electronics Show is NOT intended to be a forum where
manufacturers launch new products for the public to see although
many companies are aware of the intense press there and use it for
that anyway. CES is a show where manufacturers romance potential
retailers. It's the once or twice a year opportunity for hundreds
of retail buyers and hundreds of manufacturing firms to connect
with each other within just a few days. It's not like an Auto Show
at McCormick Place in Chicago where the public is invited and all
the displays are designed to sell the consumer. It's an opportunity
for manufacturers to show off security minded displays, talk about
new advertising Co-Op programs, discuss new bulk purchase
discounts, network new developer alliances, prove the products they
promised were available, share marketing success stories, reveal
new advertising strategies and a variety of other marketing goals
that would simply bore the typical consumer to no end.
I saw one report that complained that all the Jaguars were in
plastic cabinets and the units were a little hard to hear as crowds
of people huddled around. Well of course you did, you yo-yo. Atari
is not after a crowd of kids trying out new high scores at CES,
they're interested to show retailers what the new upright in-store
display stands look like. Most meaningful retail buyers aren't
interested in level 5 of Club Drive, they want to see what you got
for them for in-store P.O.P. displays (Point Of Purchase
Displays). The sound may very well have been turned down so people
could hear salespeople talk... my experience at those shows is that
they are too loud to hear anything anyway.
I think it was the same report that claimed that all the systems
had bare electronic boards for carts. First of all this is a stupid
complaint of a show that is known for sporting new technologies in
development. Again, this is not intended to be an end-user show.
Secondly, I had numerous people insist that that is simply not a
true statement anyway. Our released carts were in cart form. The
ones in development were on bare boards to symbolize the reality
that they were unfinished. In cart form, people expect everything
is done and want to know why some specific aspect seems incomplete
when it physically looks like a finished product.
This report indicated other criticisms of specific games that came
across as unfairly biased. For instance, he (she?) indicated that
Tempest 2000 is a dumb game to bring into the 90's. I thought so
too at first since I was never a big fan of the original Tempest. A
lot of people were fans back then though and Mr. Skrutch provided
me some previews of Tempest 2000 that I believe will change the way
I look at it forever (for the better).
Garry Tramiel stated that this was the "most exciting show" he had
been to in support of Atari products for a very long time. Bill
Rehbock said something similar in a separate conversation. Garry
justified his statement by saying that only 2 of his appointments
didn't show on time and most came early with anxious questions like
"how soon?", "how much?" and "how 'bout sooner?". Garry said he had
top CEOs of retail chains waiting outside his door to meet him that
wouldn't have done so in the past for anything. Because these
meetings involve confidential agreements, I cannot discuss Garry's
itinerary in detail, but he said everything was upbeat and positive
with very few exceptions. He said only one retailer met her
appointment with Garry with a negative comment. She said, "nothing
here impresses me, I thought you should know." Then she proceeded
to negotiate with Garry on terms he could not negotiate on (in
fairness to other retailers). She left in a huff only to return
later with her company President who insisted on opening
discussions again. I know I'm hearing Garry's side of the story,
but even with some stretch of the imagination I don't know why they
fought so hard to buy something that "didn't impress her."
Bill gave me some astronomical number of developers who indicated
they want to discuss more on development using the Jaguar as their
platform. Keep in mind that development projects for people can
easily involve a wide variety of things and many may have nothing
to do with consumer goods. Therefore, all these people may not have
end user goodies to discuss. I asked Bill if these are just people
who dropped their card in the fish bowl and he said "Oh, if I count
those then there's several hundred!"
Various Jaguar related products won several innovation awards at
the show. I could not recall what specific ones they were, but I am
sure announcements are forthcoming.
The differences in what I heard from people in the office from
what I read in some of the "editorials" online reminded me of how I
love In-N-Out Burgers (a VERY popular chain of fast food burger
joints in California) and how my wife hates them. The restaurant
does not change between the time I place the order and the time my
wife does. She'll simply tell you that the burgers are "sloppy and
greasy". My description is that they're "juicy and piled high".
Same burgers, same restaurant, same time of day; different agendas,
different tastes and different points of view.
Public Relation firms get a lot of money to generate official press
releases, so this is not intended to be more than a personal
commentary.
//// Mark Rein <72662.1727@compuserve.com> from Epic MegaGames (who has
signed up for Jaguar development information from Atari), had this to
say about Atari's developer relations:
I'll tell you one thing that's very smart about the Jaguar - Atari
is very willing to pursue smaller development houses that have a
chance to bring out the really innovative game developments. It
almost guarantees that in six or seven months from now Atari is
going to have a VERY diverse software library with some games that
only smaller groups would be willing to take a chance on developing.
You certainly wouldn't see Nintendo or Sega appealing to these types
of developers and I think Atari will benefit from this strategy
immensely.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Upcoming Games
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Alien vs. Predator by Atari. Choose your weapon in a 64-bit
combat challenge with the stars of these feature film blockbusters.
Alien's machete-like tail and nasty jaws are perfect for ripping into
any predator. Predator's sophisticated weaponr and superior infrared
night vision make it easy to search out your victims. The Marine
Corporal's massive arsenal and sophisticated combat computer skills
make hunting mutants easy. Battle through miles of texture-mapped
corridors with stunning digitized character recreations.
Lightning-fast speed provides the ultimate in chase sequences.
Exceptional colors and light shading throw you in the middle of all
the limb-severing action.
//// Battlewheels by Beyond Games. Buckle up for 64 bits of
metal-mashing arcade action. 2021 AD. Humankind has turned to an
increasingly dangerous spectator sports for its entertainment. Welcome
to Battlewheels! Drive solo or team up with as many as eight of your
buddies for a futuristic demoltion derby to the death. Custom equip
your suicide vehicle from the ground up with machine guns, missiles,
flame-throwers... and compete for "kills," cash and glory against a
vicious band of road warriors - through treacherous deserts and ghost
cities of a bygone era. Yeeehaw!
//// Brutal Sports Football by Telegames. Crush 'em, mutiliate 'em,
splatter 'em all over the field.... It's anything goes in Brutal
Sports Football. No more rules - just pick up the ball and run for
your life as Jaguar's five high-performance processors throw you on
the gridiron with 16 of the most unforgiving mutant teams to ever
separate a cyborg from his generator pack. Compared to this, Pro Ball
is Powder Puff. Five methods of control, three play modes - an
audio/visual experience that will literally tear you apart.
//// Car Wars by Midnite Software, Inc. Earth, 2094. Advances in
technology eliminated tires, refueling and, in general, made the roads
a safer place - at least within the city limits. Outside the clean
cityscapes - in the Arena, where bloodthirsty drivers clahs in massive
road beasts to battle for what is yours, and what you think should be
yours - is where you do your driving. It's a futuristic off-road
carnage bonanza that takes full adventure of Jaguar's stock graphic
processors.
//// Checkered Flag II by Atari. Formula racing peaks in real-time 3D
action so intense, so realistic, your skin may actually peel back over
your cheekbones. This is eyeball-dryin' racing action only the blazing
speed and power of Jaguar can deliver. Customize your car and hit the
road against a fierce field of speed demons. Cars, buildings and roads
are rendered in true toe-curling 3D. 100 percent authentic effects -
crashes are realistic in both sound and imagery, with parts flying and
tires screeching. Helmet optional, but highly recommended!
//// Club Drive by Atari. You've never experienced racing like this!
Designed especially for the Jaguar, Club Drive pulls you into a fully
rendered 3D environment. There are no rails here - just 70 square
miles of San Francisco to race through and explore. Go anywhere as you
chase down your opponent in a fast-paced game of tag through the
craggy canyons and frontier towns of the Old West. Crash and score as
you test your wheels in a futuristic skateboard park - for cars!
Experience what it's like to be a toy car and race through your
neighbor's house, around coffee tables and under the television. It's
your chance to do things with a car Henry Ford would've never dreamed
of.
//// Commando by Microids. Take an in-depth, first-person perspective
into the trenches of 64-bit warfare. As the Officer in Charge of a
team of crack commandos, you'll experience all the rigors of gritty
jungle combat through the eyes of a real soldier as you patrol, set
ambushes, destroy key structures, rescue personnel... and ultimately
win one for your Commando team. Jaguar's sophisticated animation and
audio processors bring you front-line combat so real, extended play
may cause flashbacks!
//// Doom by Id Software. Doom is an ultra-fast virtual reality
showcase that plunges you deep into a brutal 3D world filled with
enough graphic violence to earn this monster its very own warning
label. As a renegade space marine, you must utilize state-of-the-art
weaponry and technological artifacts to fend off legions of gruesome
fiends, and use your wits to solve hundreds of lethal puzzles.
Dramatic, high-speed animation and Jaguar's uncompromising multimedia
realism bring this fantastic and grisly adventure to life.
//// Dungeon Depths by Midnite Software, Inc. Long ago in an ancient,
uncivilized world, man built great castles to close himself off from
the grunts of the earth. And beneath these castles he built miles of
dungeons to imprison you and your repressed minions. Get ready for a
medieval multiple-player role- playing arcade adventure as you battle
"surface dwellers" in an effort to rise up from the clutches of the
aristocracy. With rich, vibrant graphics, this 3D textured underworld
epic makes full use of Jaguar's real-time rendering, advanced 3D
texturing and high-speed animation capabilities.
//// European Soccer Challenge by Telegames. Goooaaaal! The Atari Lynx
sports favorite comes to the Jaguar. This proven soccer program
delivers an expanded season and playoff format, 170 teams and complete
team/individual stats. In addition, each player possesses his own
personality and performance capabilities. You even have the option to
make trades. For sport fanatics, European Soccer Challenge is a 64-bit
kick!
//// Evidence by Microids. The magic of the movies meets the power of
Jaguar. This 3D interactive feature combines unbridled 64-bit
technology with incredible motion picture effects. As a young reporter
wrongly charged with murder, you must find a way to escape from prison
and expose the party responsible for putting you behind bars.
Full-motion video and digital sound effects are Evidence of a gaming
experience only Jaguar can deliver.
//// Hosenose and Booger by ASG Technologies, Inc. Here's one for the
sick and twisted. Hosenose has a cold and as fate would have it, he's
managed to sneeze and suck his girlfriend Hotsnot deep into his brain.
In a unique gaming experience that fully showcases Jaguar's monster
graphic capabilities, you'll take a nose-dive into Hosenose's sinuous
nasal passages in search of the lovely yet cerebral Hotsnot. Through
every organ and orifice you'll meet a wild cast of disgusting
characters, including Mickki Mewkus, Logjam Sam, Vicki Virus, and the
Evil Dr. Bile. An off-beat animated adventure only the 64-bit power of
Jaguar can deliver.
//// Return to Zork by Activision. The next generation of classic Zork
adventures makes its triumphant 64-bit debut! The closest an
interactive computer game has ever come to cinematic quality
production, Return to Zork fully showcases Jaguar's powerful graphic
capabilities by combining a mix of full-motion video live action
scenes, and photo realistic animation. This amazing 64-bit adventure
is filled with danger, intrigue and low cunning. It's loaded with
fascinating puzzles, and a revolutionary interface, an original cast
of real Hollywood actors, more than an hour of spoken dialogue and 200
CD-quality musical themes.
//// Tempest 2000 by Atari. Updated with heart-stopping energy, this
arcade classic sweeps into the 21st Century. Using vector graphics,
rapid fire, a fully interactive starfield and CD-quality stereo sound,
the power of Jaguar telports Tempest 2000 into the 64th dimension.
Manipulative abilities have been modernized with new features that
include spins and twists not seen in the original, plus an exciting
upgrade to the year 2000 that spotlights Jaguar's 3D polygon rendering
capabilities.
//// Tiny Toon Adventures by Atari. Leap inside a real cartoon! Based
on the popular Warner Bros. characters, this zany platform scroller is
a true showcase of Jaguar's rich animation capabilities. Bad boy
Montana Max has a new toy: an Acme TiToonium Converter. But the only
place he can get TiToonium is on a planet Aurica, and the removal of
Titoonium is causing grave ecological damage to the Toon-filled
universe. Armed with Acme Crazy Net, follow Buster Bunny, Babs Bunny
and Plucky Duck as they embark on a mission to shut down the Acme
TiToonium-Gold Converter - and save planet Aurica.
//// Ultimate Brain Games by Telegames. The popular Lynx mind bender
comes to the 64-bit format. Test your moves against the only system
qualified to accommodate all the CPU horsepower required for a real
chess challenge. Work your way to master status on a full-scale
battlefield with classic chess - and checkers, and backgammon. There's
a challenge here for every skill level and member of the family.
Extended features - such as specific game set-up for the computer
solution and digitized graphics - make this product a must for your
video game library.
//// Ultra Vortex by Beyond Games. Ultra Vortex is street fighting to
the 64th power! History has seen the rise and fall of many warriors.
All fell to the power of the Vortex Guardian, who has dominated
mankind for thousands of years. It's 2045 - time again for the
Testing. You and nine other able warriors have been choosen from
America's top underground gangs to fight for the right to take on the
Guardian. Drawing on the mesmerizing powers of the Vortex, you must
master deadly street fighting and martial arts skills - including the
lethal "Vortex Annihilator"... destroy a field of formidable
champions... and ultimately crush the Guardian!
--==--==--==--==--
||| Andreas' Den
||| By: Andreas Barbiero
/ | \ Delphi: ABARBIERO GEnie: AEO.2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
//// Moving, the Myth of country life, and
//// turning your Falcon030 into a TT beater!
Recently I made an excruciating move to Whidbey Island in Washington
state. Spending the holidays, a little under one month after returning
from a six month deployment to Japan, at home was just wonderful. I'd
like to hit the congressmen (or women, I'm not biased :-) who decided
that moving 900 miles further away from where we operate was a good
idea. NOW we have to spend more time away from home, temporarily
stationed in San Diego to make up for it. There are a lot more nasty
things about this situation, but I will not bore you with all that...
on with the Atari stuff!
//// Kick that Falcon030 into overdrive!
Ever since the Falcon030 PC emulator was announced, and shipped with a
'286 chip on board, people have been enunciating a desire for a more
up-to-date processor. Over in the clone world, challengers to the
Intel throne, such as Cyrix and AMD, have filled a niche beneath the
notice of megalith companies. This particular niche is filled with
upgrades for older, standby machines like the numerous '286s that
still exist. Recently perusing an issue of Computer Shopper, I espied
a chip upgrade for a 80286 to a 80486SLC made by Cyrix. I heard of one
made by AMD that was identical to an Intel '486DX including internal
math coprocessor and 8K cache, but I could not verify it's existence.
The Cyrix upgrade chip is internally clock doubled to run at 2X the
speed of the '286 external clock, and pin compatible with the '286
socket. Now, what I thought was that the '286 version of the Falcon
Speed could be upgraded with this chip for some really blazing speed.
The bus and peripheral speed of the Falcon030 is far superior to any
'286 and I dare say most '486s on the market, save from the newer Bus
Mastering VLB and new PCI motherboards. I have seen the '286 PC
emulator run on the Falcon030, and I was imagining it running about
400% faster with a 486SLC. There are some technical problems with this
upgrade, the Falcon Speed's CPU is surface mounted and would
neccesitate desoldering or an add-on surface socket.
Before I get maudlin over a good idea gone bad, here is the good
part... all this is not needed, the fine folks over there in Germany
are saying that an updated version of their card will be due soon!
Hopefully this will be a '486DX, and even running at the Falcon030's
internal 16MHz, it should be more than speedy enough to run
application software. If the chip could be paired up with its own
oscillator, then a speedy and cost effective 33MHz '486 could be a
reality. Unit prices for chips is the major cost factor here, a Cyrix
486DLC-40 could be had at under $85, but a 486DX-33 can run about
$300. Paired up with an external mathcoprocessor, the Cyrix combo can
outrun the Intel in some ways. I believe cost will win out in the end.
Who knows....
There are also a lot of reasonably priced accelerators being produced
for the Falcon030. TT030 style fast-RAM, 32MHz clock speeds, graphics
enhancements, and even Intel compatibility is coming down this road,
and due to the kindness of an old friend, I will have access to the
information directly from the sources. Next time, expect a full expose
on what the Falcon030 is actually capable of doing. I know that I
would have to find the money somewhere to buy a Falcon030 if it could
outrun my TT030, do 800X600X256, and run the few DOS and Windows
programs that I need to see for comparisons.
//// I feel the need for speed....
Being in a relatively remote area now, I can say that the old stand-by
2400 baud modem I have isn't going to cut it anymore. Ever since the
announcement of under $300 14.4 fax/modems, I have been eyeing the
chain of price drops that have been occurring. I was looking for the
best bang for the buck, and while there are inexpensive high speed
modems on the marketplace today with all sorts of neat features, I was
just interested in locating the "fastest for the leastest." Several
magazines have run compilations and reviews of the all the fax modems
available in 1993, and a few rose to the top. From what I had been
able to gather, the tests applied to these modems ranged from personal
likes, to elitist snobbery to thorough tests on line noise
negotiability, and data pump efficiency.
A name that was little known to me at the time was Boca Research Inc.
Their modem was rated very well, except for the elitist part, on all
accounts. Not all 14.4K baud modems are equal, and not just in extra
features, the ability of a modem to negotiate a noisy line and
efficiently move data around is not the same for all modems, and the
final multiple that I came up with (you need a bit of bourbon to
understand it) lent the Boca an admirable score. Recently I saw it
for sale via the mail order channels for under $150! As soon as I can
convince my wife (fat chance!) I will be buying one myself. Now if
GEnie just supported 14.4K....
//// Computing without a Net - No way!
The Internet is of interest to me, as it is at times an enigma wrapped
inside of a mystery. If you have dabbled in it you will understand
what I mean. The Internet will soon become fair grounds for commercial
enterprises, and if it works right it will foster the expansion of
this service far beyond what has been imagined, or be its ruin. Only
time will tell. On the positive side of things, Delphi is now known as
Delphi Internet Services, and it should really be interesting to see
what will happen next. I would love to see them produce a graphical
front end that would make the obtaining of a file from a FTP site as
easy as downloading a file from your favorite BBS. BIX already has
this feature, but the front-end program is only for Microsoft's
Windows and hence distasteful for me. (Unless Windows in running in a
GEM window on my TT030!) Hopefully Delphi will allow for the software
on their end to accept a home computer user to use a GUI program to
navigate the Internet jungle. I for one would pay in the $50 range for
effective software that allowed this on my Atari machines.
//// Future reviews - the software cometh!
The first program I purchased since returning to the USA was Geneva, I
head read about it in AEO, and once I read about it further in the
message bases on GEnie, I decided that I had to own it. All I can say
is that even with MTOS and a TT030, Geneva still has an effective and
useful place on my computer, for anyone who ever wanted to dabble with
multitasking, Geneva is the program for you. I hoped you liked my
Ancient Art of War in the Skies review, as I will be reviewing Elite
II soon and after nearly incurring another divorce I should have that
review done too. So until then, keep you powder dry, and remember that
software not bought will not bring more software in the future!
--==--==--==--==--
||| QSound: Stereo that is bigger than life?
||| By: Al Fasoldt
/ | \ GEnie: A.FASOLDT
----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright (C) 1994 by Al Fasoldt. All rights reserved.
//// Editor's note: This article may NOT be reprinted without written
//// permission from Mr. Fasoldt. This article was written for the
//// audiophile audience, but with Atari Corp's royalty agreement with
//// QSound for future use in videogames in mind, I felt like sharing
//// the information with you.
Real stereo is like love. You may not know what it is, but once
you've tried it, you can't live without it.
And like love, true stereo sound is hard to find. Some of the
fanciest audio systems have it, but most of us plod through life with
the stereo equivalent of "like" instead of "love." Our hi-fi systems
sound good, but they usually don't sound real.
This dilemma may be coming to an end in my audio life. But whether my
feelings are true love or just infatuation remains to be seen - and
heard.
I do know one thing, however. Just like a 14-year-old at the prom,
I'm ready for love, and that's one reason I'm excited over my
discovery.
IT TOOK A LONG time to get here. Stereo has been around in one form
or another since the '50s, but most of the time it's been more of a
dream than a reality.
That's because the sounds that come from speakers usually come just
from the speakers themselves. When we listen to something "live,"
however, sounds come from all directions. They fill the room. They
come from the walls and the ceiling and the floor.
Good speakers can fool our ears some of the time, but they can't fool
our minds very often. If I imagine hard enough, I can listen to Mick
Jagger or the Boston Pops and feel that they are in the room with me,
but once I stop trying to convince myself, Mick and the others end up
back in the loudspeakers.
The folks who design hi-fi gear thought they had a solution to this
back in the '60s and '70s when they came up with four-channel sound. I
put together a four-channel audio system - a "quad" system, in the
jargon of 25 years ago - and listened to it for a few months. I bought
special four-channel recordings, both records and tapes.
WHAT I HEARD was interesting, but it wasn't convincing.
Usually, the musical sounds came from the left speaker or the right
speaker or the left rear speaker or the right rear speaker.
Sometimes, if I sat in just the right place, they came from the
center.
That was a little scary, since that's right where I was sitting. I
knew four-channel sound was not for me one day when I heard a
Dixieland band tooting right beside my chair. The trombonist would
have knocked me over if he had really been there.
But now I have heard something that turns stereo into something more.
It's called QSound, and it seems too good to be true. According to
Danny Lowe and John Lees, the men who invented it, QSound is an
electronic process done at the studio that turns two-channel digital
recordings into multichannel compact discs.
As far as my ears can tell, everything they say is true. When I heard
my first QSound CD, I could hardly believe my ears. I put the disc -
"The Soul Cages" by Sting - in my player and sat back, expecting a few
sonic tricks.
BUT WHAT I HEARD instead was an audio carnival. Guitars and drums and
voices came from the other side of the wall, from above the ceiling,
even from outside the window.
Mind you, I was listening to Sting over two loudspeakers. I had not
made any changes to my hi-fi system. And yet my room was alive with
sound, coming from places no speaker had ever gone.
I would say that such a thing could not happen, except for the fact
that it was happening right in front of my ears. And from behind my
ears, too.
And get this: I even heard the same effects when I taped the QSound
CD and played it on my car cassette deck. I did the same thing with a
Madonna recording sent out as a demo of QSound, and there she was, the
material girl herself, dancing on the hood of my Sentra.
Recordings made in QSound - the inventors don't explain why they
decided on that name, by the way - are not yet widely available. Nor
is there any certainty that QSound will become a standard recording
process.
QSOUND'S INVENTORS say you can even hear multichannel sound on the
cheapest boomboxes and TV sets. Even video games can have QSound -
wonderful news for parents who are tired of hearing the Nintendo
beeping from the far wall of the living room. Now they'll hear it all
over the house.
QSound works, and it works very well. That much is clear. But I'm not
sure that what I heard would work with other kinds of music. Will
Beethoven roll over in his grave if his Fifth gets the QSound
treatment? The answer awaits the first classical QSound CDs, which I
have not heard yet.
But for rock and funk and all that stuff, QSound might be the best
thing that has happened to recorded music since Tom Edison. Give it a
try. You just might fall in love, too.
--==--==--==--==--
||| The Second Annual AEO Readers' Survey Results
||| By: AEO Magazine
/ | \ GEnie: AEO.MAG Internet: aeo.mag@genie.geis.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Please mark where you generally receive your copy of AEO from:
55 A. GEnie
7 B. CIS
9 C. Delphi
20 D. Internet subscriber
7 E. Internet (other)
1 F. AtariNet
0 G. FNet
<1 H. Other (please specify) ______________
//// This closly reflects what we know to be the distribution ratio
//// of AEO itself, so we're proud of all of our respondents!
II. Please mark the type(s) of file compression your system supports:
A. ARC
B. LZH (LHARC)
C. ZIP
D. Other (please specify) ______________
//// This was such a poorly thought out question on my part I won't
//// even dignify it by posting the results. Needless to say, they all
//// approached 100% <grin>
III. In each of the topics listed below, indicate on a scale of 1 to 5,
your interest.
5 equals "I am facinated by this. I would read every issue of
AEO to find articles on this."
4 equals "This interests me. I would read a few articles on
this."
3 equals "I have no real interest in this subject, but I don't
dislike it. I may or may not read any articles on
this."
2 equals "This bores me. I would only read an article on this
if I had nothing else to do."
1 equals "Total boredom and annoyance. I would avoid this and
any magazine that carried articles on it."
Topic Your Rating (1-5)
""""" """" """""" """""
News from Atari (Press Releases, Interviews) ------------------ 4.6
News from TOS Developers (Press Releases, Interviews) --------- 4.4
News from Atari User Shows ------------------------------------ 3.7
News from Atari-attended Trade Shows -------------------------- 4.1
Computer Industry (non-Atari) News ---------------------------- 3.5
Online News (Recaps of the three major Online Nets) ----------- 3.1
Online Conference Reprints ------------------------------------ 4.5
Jaguar Material (reviews, news) ------------------------------- 4.3
Lynx Material (reviews, news) --------------------------------- 3.7
Portfolio Material (reviews, news) ---------------------------- 2.3
Editorial ----------------------------------------------------- 3.8
Atari Computer Product Reviews -------------------------------- 4.3
"Build-it-Yourself" Hardware Articles ------------------------- 3.5
//// The Portfolio still remains the distant stepchild to AEO readers.
//// All-in-all, it looks like we are serving our readership's wants.
//// (See section V.)
IV. AEO has on occasion bundled graphic files along with the magazine.
Please indicate the high-end "cut off" limit of graphic files versus
magazine size that you feel is appropriate:
21 A. Unlimited graphic file size.
5 B. 100% of the text file size.
0 C. 75% of the text file size.
24 D. 50% of the text file size.
12 E. 33% of the text file size.
20 F. 25% of the text file size.
10 G. 10% of the text file size.
8 H. I don't want any graphic files bundled with the text.
//// Wow. 50% of the respondents say keep it under 50%. I'm going to
//// stick with you people, since a lot of users have to pay to
//// download AEO. Unless the situation demands otherwise, I'll keep
//// the cut-off limit at 33%.
V. This is the essay portion of the survey. Please answer the
following questions.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// What AEO Readers Liked About AEO
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Dateline Atari rtc Transcripts and the Jaguar news.
//// It manages to stay away from the name calling and histrionics of
STR. The _information_ content of AEO approaches 100% in most issues.
On the other hand, there was at least mention of the issues involved
in that other situation. (Censorship being as bad as flame wars...)
//// I liked the Lynx cheat file thing, but the Jag special was best!
//// Getting the latest information concerning our favorite computer
(even the Jaguar info). I enjoyed reading the On-Line conferences
w/Bob Brodie, always informative, and pretty straightforward. In
Iowa, its like being left on deserted island when dealing with our
favorite computer products... I think we do use the US currency here.
//// News/insights not generally available elsewhere.
//// I like the "Atari Artist" sections/articles the most.
//// Coverage of timely Atari Corp. news.
//// It got news from the source. No speculation, just real facts.
Also, I liked the fact that the information was usable, not just
people rambling.
//// New Falcon030 product releases and information!
//// The Jaguar announcment (great!!) and the programmer magazine.
//// I would have to say that the coverage of the release of the
Falcon and the Jaguar was tops, followed by rumors and pre-release
information. (I like to get the news first :-) ). Second would be
the on line conference reports from Bob Brodie. I am not too
interested in the third party conferences.
//// I like the balanced reviews, upbeat mood, total dedication of all
staff and contributers, etc., etc., etc.!
//// It is current. What I read here hasn't been read everywhere else
first.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// What AEO Readers Didn't Like About AEO
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// Atari Computer software reviews and list (this is mostly because
I do not own an Atari Computer).
//// Well actually what I liked least was how hard it was to find a
copy on internet! I know some of your editors are also on internet...
perhaps one of them could upload it to the atari.archive site (or the
rahul.net site) the same day it's made available on the pay services.
//// One of the biggest advantages of AEO is that it's information is
"fresher" than anything the print magazines can offer. This advantage
is lost when it takes an extra month for the issue to show up at the
popular ftp sites...
//// The online conference things are too long. But that may just be
me. Non-computer/non-Atari material.
//// I can't get to excited about the game stuff, just not in to it,
but can see that alot of people are and it should be covered as you
have done. Don't have a Lynx or Portfolio, so do not have any interest
about those products. Guess if I had the confidence that Atari was
going to continue and support these product, and promote them I would
be more receptive.
//// Information lifted directly from GEnie. For me, I basically end
up downloading and sorting through this information twice. But I must
be happy over all (or silly?) because I keep on doing it.
//// Sometimes it sounded like many other Atari mags, putting down
PC's without any reasons why. I think it's fine to say Atari's are
better than PC's, I just want to see real facts to back it up. I'd
like AEO to be as professional as any of the PC mags. Not as boring,
but just as professional in its approach. I don't want AEO to look
like a cult mag. I want AEO to be mainstream, without loosing its
character. A magazine even a Mac or PC owner might read occasionally.
I also want AEO to be in search of truth, and willing to criticize
Atari where needed, but not in a mean spirited way, but rather as a
means to push Atari back into the ways of a successful company.
//// Non-Falcon030-specific information.
//// Anything about the Lynx or computer games.
//// No reports about our game for the F030 (madtris)... No it's a
joke. I read every issue and am pleased to do it.
//// For me (as a non ST owner) is the long list of reviews of
shareware files and the listing of top downloaded files. These take
up room and are of no use to me.
//// Not being able to D/L AEO before dinner on Sunday afternoons
anymore. (sobs 'n sniffs)
//// Too much stuff on games. (Jaguar and Lynx)
//// Too many reviews of old programs. Not enough Falcon coverage.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// What AEO Readers Would Like to See More Of
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// I'd like to see the coverage remain balanced - the bulk of the
Atari population will own ST and TT products, not Falcon and Jaguars.
These newer machines are nice but let's not go overboard on the
coverage of them...
//// The release of the FALCON 40 (32mhz with svga graphics and pc
emulator card) Hey, I can dream :-)
//// More of the same good stuff that you gave us last year.
//// ... the release of a new high end machine from Atari. I, like
many others, can only wait for so long. If this machine (Mega 4) dies,
I have no place to go except to abandon this platform which I really
don't want to do. And if Atari won't/can't do it then information on
the ST clones from Europe would be appreciated.
By the way, I do enjoy reading the magazine. And just as much (even
more?) I enjoy Travis' activities on-line. Thanks for all the efforts!
//// I would like to see more emphasis on music and art in future
issues.
//// the continuing saga of Atari's struggle for survival, and how it
relates to customers.
//// Jaguar news, obviously, It's the only Atari news that's good
news. I don't own one, but I like reading about it. Also maybe some
reviews/evidence that the Falcon is a computer worth purchasing. I
keep hearing about all these great applications and reasons why you
should buy a Falcon over a clone, but so far I haven't seen them. If
they are indeed out there, talk about them.
//// What is now available for the Falcon.
//// Network softwares, more and more on jaguar... BTW I have some
questions : is there a mailing list on the Internet about the atari
world? This could be reprinted in AEO. Keep on the good work!! best
wishes 1994.
//// ...short reviews of all software for the Jaguar and Lynx as they
are released. I would also like to see reasonable length interviews
with some of the developers or companies that are releasing products
for the Jaguar and the Lynx.
The domination of video gaming by Atari, School Boards using Atari
music tools, Atari's profits >> Atari Computers... and more of the
usual. P.S. Re: Graphics files... I'd just as soon forget about .PI?
pics and see TGA & GIF on my DOS BOX. Of course, I realize many may
not agree, so a seperate graphics file may be preferable to those that
want one and not the other. ... And BTW, it's nice to take a survey
and not think to myself: <Hm, That's None of their damned bussiness!>
//// Jaguar, ST/STE/TT as well as the Falcon, but also the Lynx more
than the past year.
//// Falcon, Lynx, Portfolio, JAGUAR, and of course the ST."