CAIN Newsletter: Ap/May-95 #0204
From: Atari SIG (xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 10/22/95-09:38:23 PM Z
From: xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Atari SIG)
Subject: CAIN Newsletter: Ap/May-95 #0204
Date: Sun Oct 22 21:38:23 1995
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The Official Online Newsletter of the Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG
_________________________________________________________________________
The Cleveland Free-Net Community Computer System is accessible worldwide!
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telnet freenet-in-{a,b,c}.cwru.edu (129.22.8.32 or 129.22.8.51)
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WWW: http://ace.cs.ohiou.edu/personal/mleair/cain.html
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Covering:
7800/XE/XL/800/400,FALCON030/ST/TT/ST(e),PORTFOLIO,LYNX,JAGUAR
CAIN Online Newsletter Published and Copyright (c) 1995
by Cain Publishing
Publisher/Editor
Voting/Conferences.........Mark Leair aa338@cleveland.freenet.edu
Assistant Editor
SIG Manager/Jaguar Area....Len Stys aa399@cleveland.freenet.edu
8-Bit Support Area..........Michael Current aa700@cleveland.freenet.edu
8-Bit Technical Forum.......Craig Lisowski aa853@cleveland.freenet.edu
16/32-Bit Support Area......Bruce D. Nelson aa789@cleveland.freenet.edu
16/32-Bit Support Area......Thomas Main em129@cleveland.freenet.edu
Atari Classic Gaming Corner/
Portfolio Support Area......Fred Horvat ap748@cleveland.freenet.edu
Lynx Support Area...........Barry W. Cantin aa852@cleveland.freenet.edu
Atari WWW Support Area......Mark S. Smith M.S.Smith@dl.ac.uk
_________________________________________________________________________
Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG Internet E-Mail: xx004@cleveland.freenet.edu
_________________________________________________________________________
Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG, P.O. Box 364, Mentor, OH U.S.A. 44061-0364
_________________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
>From the Editor..........................................The CAIN Newsletter
-Mark Leair
>From the SIG Manager...........................Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG
-Len Stys
Atari News....................Atari & Virtuality Preview First VR Game System
Atari Jaguar's Library Approaches 100 Titles in 1995
Atari Continues To Expand Jaguar Peripherals
-Atari Corp.
Time Warner Interactive's Hit Arcade Primal Rage
Time Warner Interactive's Power Drive Rally Performs on Jaguar
Time Warner Interactive Demonstrates Commitment to Hockey
-Time Warner Interactive
8-Bit Computers Support Area...............................8-bit News #1 - #5
8-bit Commentary
-Michael Current
16/32-Bit Computers Support Area.............................Towers II Review
Atari ST FTP Sites Update
-Mark S. Smith
Portfolio Support Area...........................News from the Czech Republic
-Fred Horvat
Lynx Support Area...................................Letter from Edward Castle
Lynx Commentary
-Barry W. Cantin
Jaguar Support Area............................Jaguar News--VR Headset Specs.
Internet Game Reviews--Hover Strike
Internet E3 Show Reports
Jaguar Commentary
-Len Stys
Atari WWW Support Area............................Atari Web Pages Latest News
-Mark Smith
Upcoming Atari Shows......................................Atari Show Calendar
-Mark Leair
Voting Issues and Results..................................Last Month's Issue
This Month's Issue
-Mark Leair
General Information of Need.........................How to Contribute to CAIN
Article Requests
-Mark Leair
>From the Editor
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Mark Leair
Well, the leaves are out, the birds are chirping at 4:00 AM, and it is a
lot warmer down here in Southeastern Ohio. Spring is definitely here. I only
hope we can spring into summer with Atari. With school out, the summer is
probably a great time to sell video games. Having plenty of leisure time,
students of all ages will seek out a variety of entertainment. Video games
certainly come to mind as a quick fix of boredom. Let's only hope Atari jumps
on this opportunity. With other 64 bit systems possibly coming out this fall,
they would be smart to launch a media blitz this summer. They have one
component already in place: Price! Now, if they can get the software out
there, the CD-Rom unit, and a good ad campaign, the Jaguar will roar into fall.
Another information packed issue is here! Plenty of news for the 8
bit'ers out there, including information on a NEW graphical adventure game.
For the Falcon users Mark Smith brings you a review on Towers II - Plight of
the Stargazer. Last but not least, the votes have been tallied from last
month's reader poll, and a new survey is included in the Voting section of the
newsletter. Enjoy!
-Mark Leair
CAIN Publisher
>From the SIG Manager
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Len Stys
Well, I have to apologize for the double issue. Mark was on schedule to
release the April issue, but I was not. I have been very busy in the last
few weeks. My sister got married (congrats Joanne and Jim Mislay!). And
I had some other things that needed to be done that had priority. But
I doubt you will be disappointed by this issue. It is packed with news and
information that you won't find anywhere else.
Atari showed the Virtuality headset at the E3 show in Los Angeles and it
recieved high praise by just about everyone that tried it. This may be the
reason why consumers will choose Jaguar over other newer systems on the
tmarket.
Atari's shareholders meeting is coming up (June 5th) and I hope that all
shareholders speak their mind. There are a lot of concerns that need to be
addressed. For one, why is Atari clearing inventory of the Lynx? Is it
still not comparable to the stylish GameBoys on the market? If the company
does not want to spend capital to advertise it, at least include a catalog
in each Jaguar for consumers to order the Lynx and its games.
There is also the question of bonuses and options at a time when the company
continues to lose money. And perhaps the biggest concern should be that
Atari is not losing enough money. In order to make money, a company needs
to spend money. Newspaper ads, Jaguar kiosks, etc. costs money and is
needed for the Jaguar to be successful in the future.
Why not check out the Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG when you get a chance?
It is a pretty cool place. While there, why not contribute news, reviews,
and conversation?
Len Stys, SIG Manager
Atari News
-=-=-=-=-=
CONTACT: for Atari Corporation
Jessica Nagel
Dorf & Stanton Communications
(310)479-4997
for Virtuality U.S.
Allison Ellis
Edelman Public Relations
(214)520-3555
for VIRTUALITY U.K.
Helen Horner/Ben Vaughan
Virtuality Group plc
011-44-116-233-7082
ATARI AND VIRTUALITY PREVIEW FIRST VIRTUAL REALITY GAME
SYSTEM FOR THE CONSUMER MARKET AT E3
Affordable 64-bit Jaguar VR sets industry standards; available by
end of year.
LOS ANGELES (May 11, 1995) -- The Jaguar VR, the world's first fully
immersive virtual reality game system for the consumer market, was
unveiled today at E3. It is being developed jointly by Atari
Corporation, developer of the world's first 64-bit game system, and
VIRTUALITY Group plc, the global market leader in VR systems.
The Jaguar VR incorporates VIRTUALITY's revolutionary new VR
head-mounted display (HMD) and optional track joystick, offering
unequaled display, audio, and tracking features. Atari's Jaguar VR
sets an impressive industry standard for home virtual reality
systems and has been designed with the highest international health
and safety regulations in mind.
According to Sam Tramiel, President of Atari, "There is not one
consumer VR product that can compete with the Jaguar in terms of
price, performance and quality. The Jaguar VR has been designed with
human factors in mind and sets the standard for the industry to
follow. We are committed to delivering great experiences and
entertainment."
The proprietary, ergonomic HMD weighs less than 1 pound and easily
adjusts to comfortably fit users, with or without glasses. It
features a custom-designed optical pupil projection system and a
full-color active matrix LCD screen. In addition, the HMD's 3D
spatialized sound system has been enhanced by placing speakers at
the player's temple, with sound projected back to the ears allowing
for peripheral hearing. A built-in microphone allows networked
players to talk to each other.
A docking station, which links the Atari Jaguar system to the HMD
and joystick, houses the technologically advanced "V-Trak" infrared
tracking. This is the fastest tracker ever developed for consumer
application, reacting to real-time head and hand movements with no
perceptible lag time in the virtual world.
In addition, Jaguar VR is designed to be used only when a player is
sitting with the unit stationary on a flat surface. If a player
attempts to walk around while immersed in the game, an automatic
cutoff will be triggered.
Players who own an Atari Jaguar will be able to to upgrade by
plugging Jaguar VR into their existing system. The Jaguar VR has a
targeted retail price of $300.
Jaguar VR Software Development
------------------------------
Through a software licensing agreement, VIRTUALITY is developing
immersive virtual reality games for the Atari Jaguar VR. Atari's
classic home and arcade hit "Missile Command" is being recreated in
VR format by VIRTUALITY and will be available by the end of the
year. In addition, the popular VIRTUALITY arcade title "Zone
Hunter" will also be available for Jaguar VR with the system
introduction. Discussions are also underway with a number of
third-party developers for the creation of future games that take
advantage of this unique technology to create new experiences.
"The combination of Jaguar's 64-bit graphics processing power and
our IVR technology has produced a phenomenal, fully integrated VR
consumer product which has no competition, " said Jon Waldern, CEO
of VIRTUALITY Group plc. "This system expands the boundaries of the
in-home interactive games market and sets a new standard for others
to try to achieve.
Founded in 1987 in Leicester, England, VIRTUALITY Group plc. is the
world's leader in immersive virtual reality entertainment systems
worth more than 80 percent global market share. VIRTUALITY
Entertainment, Inc. headquartered in Irving, Texas, was established
in 1993 as the U.S.-based subsidiary to oversee all North American
operations, sales, market development and distribution for its
parent company.
Atari has been in the video game business for over twenty years.
Today, Atari markets Jaguar, the only American made, advanced 64-Bit
entertainment system. Atari Corporation is located in Sunnyvale CA.
####
CONTACT: Jessica Nagel or Tom Tanno
Dorf & Stanton Communications
(310)479-4997
ATARI JAGUAR'S LIBRARY APPROACHES 100 TITLES IN 1995
SUNNYVALE, CA (May 11, 1995) -- Atari Corporation announces that
there will be nearly 100 titles for its 64-bit Jaguar entertainment
system by the end of the year. "We will have every kind of game that
players want, from the best developers and publishers in the world."
comments Atari President Sam Tramiel.
Based on the popularity of "Tempest 2000", Atari is launching a
complete line of classic games, including "Dactyl Joust" and
"Defender 2000", and "Missile Command VR" for the Jaguar VR.
"Defender 2000" is being developed with three distinct play modes
for the Jaguar by Jeff Minter, developer of "Tempest 2000". In
addition, Atari will publish classic games for the PC at the end of
the year, beginning with "Tempest 2000". Other new release titles
include "Primal Rage" from Time Warner Interactive, the "Highlander"
RPG series, "Fight for Life" and "NBA Jam Tournament Edition".
The featured titles at Atari Corporation's E3 booth in Los Angeles
are "TRF", "Rayman", "White Men Can't Jump" and "Ultra Vortex".
TRF: TRF combines the latest motion capture technology and
nationally known martial arts fighters in a wide variety of
combat scenarios. Featured fighters include Ho Sung Pak, Dr.
Philip Ahn, Katalin Zamiar and Daniel Pesina; who were all
featured in the "Mortal Kombat" games.
RAYMAN: Rayman lives in a fantasy land beyond the reaches of our
universe. Rayman must restore peace and harmony to his world
by defeating the evil Mr. Black and retrieve the stolen
Great Proton.
WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP: Trash talk runs rampant in this
"in-your-face", two-on-two blacktop basketball
shootout. Automatic camera control zooms in
and swings around to catch all the action.
ULTRA VORTEX: Players become one of the ten eye-popping, bone
crunching warriors of the underground who battle it
out in mind-bending arenas carved out of living rock.
They have one goal in mind: Defeat the dreaded
Guardian of the Vortex.
Atari has been in the video game business for over twenty years.
Today, Atari markets Jaguar, the only American made, advanced 64-Bit
entertainment system. Atari Corporation is located in Sunnyvale CA.
###
Jaguar is a trademark of Atari Corporation. Atari is a registered
trademark of Atari Corporation. Other products may be trademarks of
their owning companies.
Primal Rage(tm) and all related elements are property of Time
Warner Interactive(tm).
Rayman(tm) is a trademark of UBI Soft.
Ultra Vortex(tm) is a trademark of Beyond Games, Inc.
####
CONTACT: Jessica Nagel or Tom Tanno
Dorf & Stanton Communications
(310)479-4997
ATARI CORPORATION ADDS TWO TOP INDUSTRY VETERANS TO SENIOR
MANAGEMENT TEAM
SUNNYVALE, CA (May 1, 1995) -- Atari Corporation has powered up its
senior management team with the addition of top industry veterans
Dean Fox and Jon Correll. Mr. Fox comes on board as Senior Vice
President of Marketing and Correll as Vice President of Software
Product Development.
"The formidable skills and experience of Dean Fox and Jon Correll
will provide Atari with a focused marketing plan and the development
of the highest quality software for the consumer, taking full
advantage of Jaguar's capability including 60 FPS, 16 million colors
and 64 Bit Processing, " Sam Tramiel, CEO, Atari Corporation said in
making the announcement.
Prior to joining Atari Corporation, Correll held the position of
Manager of Development Administration for Sega of America. At Sega,
Correll implemented and negotiated development contracts and
produced the first CD titles for Sega Corporation including "Night
Trap".
Correll began his career in the software and gaming industry as
Manager of Product Development for Accolade in 1986. While at
Accolade, Correll produced some of the company's most popular games
including "Test Drive" and "Mean 18 Golf". Correll went on to
consult various Silicon Valley companies including EPYX and worked
as Director of Product Development for Three-Sixty.
Before joining Atari, Mr. Fox founded, staffed, and led the
marketing group for Rocket Science Games. Prior to RSG, Fox directed
the launch for Sega CD and led ongoing strategic marketing, product
concept and distribution consultation for several CD-ROM multimedia
entertainment publishers.
In his marketing and advertising tenure, Fox contributed to the
introductions of many consumer products, including Sony Betamax and
JVC VHS Videocassette recorders, Sharp laptop computers, and Sega CD
multimedia game systems.
Atari has been in the video game business for over twenty years.
Today, Atari markets Jaguar, the only American made, advanced 64-Bit
entertainment system. Atari Corporation is located in Sunnyvale CA.
###
CONTACT: Jessica Nagel or Tom Tanno
Dorf & Stanton Communications
(310)479-4997
ATARI CONTINUES TO EXPAND JAGUAR PERIPHERALS
SUNNYVALE, CA (May 11, 1995) -- Atari continues to provide new
gaming options for owners of its 64-bit Jaguar Interactive
Entertainment System. Key products to enhance the Jaguar play
experience hit the marketplace in 1995, with many more to come.
"Since Jaguar has already made the leap to 64-bit technology, we can
now focus on providing even more value to consumers by expanding the
system with new and innovative peripherals," says Sam Tramiel, CEO
of Atari Corporation.
One of the Jaguar extras is the much anticipated multimedia compact
disc (CD) player. Priced at approximately $150, the Jaguar CD player
attaches to the top of the Jaguar console. The Jaguar CD plays many
new CD games, including "Battlemorph", "Highlander", "Blue
Lightning", "Demolition Man", "Myst", and "Creature Shock" in
addition to playing standard audio disks. The Jaguar CD player
provides 790 megabytes of raw data storage, allowing video game
programmers to incorporate more complex digitized images,
full-motion video sequences and high-quality audio soundtracks. This
powerful double-speed CD player also provides fast access speed for
smoother game play, and its massive data capacity gives users better
graphic detail, expanded plot lines and more characters for an
overall enhanced video game experience. Additionally, built into the
unit is the "Virtual Light Machine(tm)", which creates and displays
81 different light patterns on the video screen in response to music
played through the system.
Mr. Tramiel says about the system, "The combination of the most
advanced technology, sophisticated software and affordable consumer
pricing sets Jaguar apart from all competitors." Target ship date
for the CD player is August, 1995.
For around $30, Jaguar owners can take advantage of the Jag
Link(tm), which allows users to play competitively side-by-side. The
Jag Link enables users to connect two Jaguar systems for
simultaneous game playing up to 100 feet apart. The Jag Link uses
standard RJ11 phone line cable for linking two Jaguar systems.
Team Tap(tm) is a new peripheral that for around $25 enables
competitive, simultaneous play for up to four players on one Jaguar.
The peripheral, which debuts with the new title "White Men Can't
Jump", provides players with a two-on-two playground simulation
experience. With two Jaguar systems and Team Tap, the competitive
play can be expanded up to eight players.
In addition, the Jaguar Voice/Data Communicator gives players the
ability to link up over the phone. Developed by fax-modem-voice
technology experts, Phylon Communications, the new technology
permits two players to compete using a phone connection. Players can
speak with each other during game play through the use of a headset.
With the utilization of a "call waiting" feature, players can also
pause a game to answer a phone call.
Atari has been in the video game business for over twenty years.
Today, Atari markets Jaguar, the only American made, advanced 64-Bit
entertainment system. Atari Corporation is located in Sunnyvale CA.
###
May 11, 1995, Thursday - 08:59 Eastern Time
HEADLINE: TIME WARNER INTERACTIVE'S HIT ARCADE TITLE, 'PRIMAL
RAGE(TM)' PREVIEWING ON EIGHT HOME GAMING AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS;
Head-To-Head Fighting Action At E3 Tradeshow With 'Primal Rage' Dominating Home
Platforms
BODY:
Building off the success of their hit arcade game, "Primal Rage"(TM), Time
Warner Interactive, Inc., Consumer Games Division (TWi) today previewed "Primal
Rage" on eight home gaming and computer platforms at the E3 Tradeshow in
their suite #308, in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention
Center. International distribution for all eight versions demonstrated, as
well as software for three more versions, are scheduled for release on two
dedicated launch dates this Fall, 1995.
On August 25, the company will release the Sega Genesis(TM), Super Nintendo
Entertainment System(R), Sega Game Gear(TM), Nintendo(R) Game Boy(TM) and PC
CD-ROM versions. November 14 is the date for the second wave of software on ne
w
gaming systems including the Sega Saturn(TM), Sega 32X(TM), 3DO(R), Sony(R)
PlayStation(TM), and Atari (R) Jaguar(TM), as well as the Macintosh(R) CD-ROM.
LOS ANGELES, May 11
"For a company to support a game on so many platforms is unprecedented,"
commented Mark Beaumont, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Product
Development at TWi. "We chose to take an aggressive stance following the
reception the game received at the arcades last summer. We know we have a
mega-hit on our hands and will support the launch with extensive TV and print
advertising campaigns as well as special events and on-line activities."
Hit Arcade Title Moves Home
"Primal Rage" is a head-to-head fighting game with an original look
that features seven fantasy, pre-historic characters in a battle for
supremacy. In creating "Primal Rage," TWi went back to the classics to
invent something entirely brand new. Stop-frame animation, the process
long used in Hollywood for movies such as "King Kong" and employed today
for feature film special effects, was key in creating the game's look.
The result is life-like prehistoric characters that move with unmatched
fluidity, in a game loaded with detail and personality.
The popularity of "Primal Rage" goes far beyond the appeal of the
characters. The nearly unlimited fighting engine makes "Primal Rage" a
game with more combination potential than practically any other fighting
game to date. Each character has an individualized fighting style, and
set of more than 70 moves including: fighting moves, powerful "secret"
moves, masterful combo hits, graphic finishing sequences, punches,
reactions to being punched, death sequences, victory sequences, and
ready poses. The originality of the characters, the sheer number and
ingenuity of their actions, taken in combination with the precision of
the fighting collision-matrix, come together in an innovative, and
addictive fighting game.
TWi's goal is to have all versions look and play like the arcade
experience. To that end, the original source code is being used to
create software for the home versions and will be re-worked to take
advantage of each gaming console and computer system's strengths. Fans
of "Primal Rage" at the arcade will find home play to not only stay true
to the original, but most versions will also include additional options
such as a dinosaur tug-of-war and four-on-four battles.
Time Warner Interactive, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Time
Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX), develops and publishes interactive consumer
entertainment products that span across platforms from location-based
and video arcade games, to video game consoles and computer platforms
including: Sega Saturn(TM), Sega Genesis(TM), Sega(TM) 32X(TM), Sega(TM)
CD, Sega Game Gear(TM), Super Nintendo Entertainment System(R), Game
Boy(TM), Atari (R) Jaguar(TM), Sony(R) PlayStation(TM), CD-ROM for IBM(R)
and compatible computers, Macintosh(R), and interactive TV applications
for entertainment and gaming markets. All product names are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
May 11, 1995, Thursday - 09:00 Eastern Time
HEADLINE: TIME WARNER INTERACTIVE'S 'POWER DRIVE RALLY(TM)' PERFORMS ON THE
ATARI (R) JAGUAR(TM) AT E3;
New Atari (TM) Jaguar(TM) Title From Time Warner Interactive Shows Its Stuff
BODY:
Time Warner Interactive Inc., Consumer Games Division announced the preview
of "Power Drive Rally(TM)" for the Atari (TM) Jaguar(TM) today at the E3
tradeshow in suite 309. Flying gravel, spraying mud, squealing tires announce
the arrival of your all-terrain vehicle with opponents in hot pursuit -- better
not look back! Based on the official World Rally Championships, players jockey
for competitive times, major prize money, and sleek racing machines on
the international touring circuit. This high speed, strategic driving game
utilizes the power of the Atari Jaguar to project graphics so detailed you'll
feel the challenge of long distance racing in 38 international road rally
courses. "Power Drive Rally" is expected to ship in June, 1995 for an
anticipated retail price of $54.95.
LOS ANGELES, May 11
"Power Drive Rally(TM)" is the classic road rally, a two-member
team endurance race that makes regular speedway tracks look like a Sunday drive
.
Your computerized driving partner is in charge of the map and barks out
directions to you as you negotiate fallen logs, snow drifts and river beds
making maneuvers around hazardous bends all the more gripping. The quality of
tracks and terrain are vivid with details such as water pools reflecting the sk
y
and clouds, tires creating skid marks, shadows, dust clouds, brake lights, and
exhaust plumes.
The Race Is On
"Power Drive Rally" is a one or two-player game, where racers go
head to head on three different types of courses: road rallies over
mixed terrain including mud, gravel, and asphalt; time trials for flat
out speed challenges; and obstacle courses with cones, curves and a
sinister slalom.
Cross the start line with a fairly basic vehicle and a small wad of
cash in your pocket. You must tear across a range of terrain, from
the break of day to the dead of night to beat your opponents, win prize
money, and move onto more challenging vehicles and races. You'll find
each vehicle has its own handling nuances with differences in cornering
and road holding abilities as well as acceleration and deceleration.
You're responsible for repairing and maintaining your cars. Fail to
heed excessive damage and you may be penalized with disqualification.
On the other hand as you accumulate prize money, you can tirade your car
in for a higher spec model and gain automatic entry to higher levels of
competition.
"Power Drive Rally" lets you really drive -- on and off track. Head
off-road and you'll feel the tight turns of doing a donut in the dirt,
or loss of traction as you slide over ice or grass. Lose control and
you might experience a gut wrenching barrel roll or spectacular wipe
out. This is skill-driving for those with endurance and a sense of
competitive adventure. Rest up!
Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX), develops and publishes interactive consumer
entertainment products that span across platforms from location-based
and video arcade games, to video game cartridges and computer platforms
including: Sega(TM) Genesis(TM), Sega (TM) 32X(TM), Sega (TM) Game Gear
(TM), Super Nintendo Entertainment System(R), Game Boy(TM), Sony
Playstation(TM), Atari (R) Jaguar(TM), 3DO(TM), CD-ROM for IBM(R)
and compatible computers and Macintosh(R) and interactive TV applications
for entertainment and gaming markets.
NOTE: All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.
CONTACT: Tracy Egan, Public Relations Manager of Time Warner Interactive
Games Division, 408-232-3213
May 11, 1995, Thursday - 09:04 Eastern Time
HEADLINE: TIME WARNER INTERACTIVE DEMONSTRATES COMMITMENT TO HOCKEY WITH 'WAYNE
GRETZKY AND THE NHLPA ALL-STARS(TM)';
New Hockey Title Shown on Four Systems at E3 Tradeshow
BODY:
Today at the E3 Tradeshow, Time Warner Interactive, Consumer Games Division
(TWi) demonstrated their new "Wayne Gretzky and the NHLPA All-Stars(TM)" title
on four systems at the Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall, in Suite #309
.
Viewed for the first time were versions for the PC CD-ROM, Atari (R)
Jaguar(TM), and Super NES(TM). A final version for the Sega(TM) Genesis(TM)
was available and will ship May 26, 1995. LOS ANGELES, May 11
"Wayne Gretzky and the NHLPA All-Stars" is a result of TWi's dual license: a
n
exclusive three-year contract with Wayne Gretzky, all-time NHL scoring leader
and four time Stanley Cup winner, and a license with The National Hockey League
Players' Association (NHLPA) that brings professional hockey players' names,
profiles and statistics to the game.
"The sports market is very competitive -- we're going for winners, by pullin
g
together the best technology, licenses, and talent," commented Mark Beaumont,
Senior Vice President Product Development and Marketing at TWi. "We have a lot
of experience creating sports titles and we're going out strong with 'Wayne
Gretzky and the NHLPA All-Stars.'" Beaumont noted, "With two years of research
and development on top of our three-year Gretzky exclusive, we've set
the foundation for a winning line-up."
"Wayne Gretzky and the NHLPA All-Stars" looks and plays realistically becaus
e
professional gameplay was captured on video and in 3D rendered animations. To
capture the real movements and character of Wayne Gretzky, Gretzky himself was
filmed for use in the CD versions skating, passing, blocking, and scoring. The
title features digitized film footage of NHLPA players to accentuate critical
moments like face-offs, blocks and goal scoring. Video footage was taken,
digitized and imported into a computer software package where character
outlines or animated "skeletons" were constructed to recreate true movements
and actions.
The title features over 600 professional hockey players including 26 North
American teams and six International All-Star teams. Battery back-up lets you
track wins and stats, trade players, edit team line-ups and names, and go for a
full 84 game season with playoffs. Designed so that with just three pushes of
the button you're on the ice, "Wayne Gretzky and the NHLPA All-Stars" puts you
at center-rink for a unique close-to-the-action perspective. Video clips of
referees appear to keep order during play and digitized audio announces
penalties and goals. Player animations are 20% larger than images in
competitive hockey games and details such as backwards skating action and the
sounds of puck slaps and stadium music add to the realism.
Time Warner Interactive, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.
(NYSE: TWX), develops and publishes interactive consumer entertainment products
that span across platforms from location-based and video arcade games, to video
game consoles and computer platforms, compatible computers, and interactive TV
applications for entertainment and gaming markets.
NOTE: All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners. CONTACT: Tracy Egan, Public Relations Manager of Time
Warner Interactive Consumer Games Division, 408-232-3213
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| menu ("Please enter 1 or 2:"), enter "2" to log in as a visitor. At |
| the next menu, enter "2" again to explore the system. You will then |
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8-Bit Computers Support Area
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Michael Current
This month's CAIN Newsletter brings you FIVE news announcements from various
8-bit Atari vendors and developers.
#1: Atari 8-Bit Support From Richard Gore (developer/vendor)
#2: A Fine Tooned Engineering Update (developer)
#3: New Atari 8-bit software from Computer Games Plus (vendor)
#4: F.R.E.E., the new graphic adventure from Bertrand Le Roy (developer)
#5: Another Fine Tooned Engineering Update (developer)
Enjoy!
8-Bit News #1
----------
Date: 30 Mar 1995 07:58:05 -0600
ATARI 8-BIT SUPPORT FROM RICHARD GORE
-------------------------------------
My list of software for sale has now got quite long, so to save space
and bandwidth I will just give a list of what I have got along with
their prices, then if you need any further information you can simply
e-mail me at chmrig@leeds.ac.uk and I will supply the information.
My range of commercial software:-
JAWBREAKER #4 ($9) disk, tape, Rambit tape 16k
MOUSEKATTACK #4 ($9) disk, tape, Rambit tape 48k
ARENA #5 ($11) disk, 64k XL/XE
BUBBLE ZONE #5 ($11) disk, 64k XL/XE
SUPER PRINT-LAB XE #6.95 ($16) disk, 128k XE
GTRACKER #6.50 ($15) disk, 64k XL/XE
BLACK LAMP * #4.95 ($11) disk, 64k XL/XE
TUBE BADDIES * #4.95 ($11) disk, 64k XL/XE
* available from 15th April 1995, advance orders are being taken.
Special offer (1); buy both Jawbreaker & Mousekattack in one pack for
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ only #6.95 ($15).
Special offer (2); buy both Tube Baddies & Black Lamp on one disk for
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ only #9.50 ($20).
Ex-stock, shrink wrapped commercial software. Limited stocks. You are
advised to check stock levels before ordering:-
Disks: SUMMERGAMES #5.25 ($11)
DROPZONE #5.25 ($11)
SOLAR STAR #5.25 ($11) also known as Sun Star
CYBORG WARRIOR #5.00 ($10)
HALLEY PATROL #2.50 ($6)
ROMS: GATO #6.50 ($14)
DESERT FALCON #6.50 ($14)
HARDWARE: YORKY 256k plug in memory upgrade for 800XL. Plugs into PBI
-------- port, no soldering is required. Supplied ready for use with
all RAM chips, manual and a disk of support software.
Last few units, priced at #50 ($90) plus p&p.
Prices in UK pounds (#) include p&p to UK, overseas add #2 for p&p,
payable in pounds sterling or UK cheques, IMO, Postal Orders.
Prices in US dollars ($) include shipping to USA, but payment must be
in US$ cash, sorry no cheques (checks).
For further information or to order contact Richard Gore at
79 SPROTBROUGH ROAD, SPROTBROUGH, DONCASTER, DN5 8BW, ENGLAND
Tel. no. (01302) 784642
E-mail: chmrig@leeds.ac.uk
Coming soon GTracker XL utilities, Golf Tour '95 and more.......
8-Bit News #2
----------
Date: Sun, 9 Apr 95 07:17:19 -0500
From: F Tooned <ftooned@delphi.com>
Subject: Sweet 16
Hi All,
Just made it back from Canada... A well needed vacation I might
add!! Sometimes it's better to just get out in the field and talk to
people directly about what features a product should or shouldn't have.
As everyone well knows, The Sweet 16, MIO II, and MARS 8 have encountered
design problems, changes, delays, etc... I only hope that everyone can
understand that even though they might be "separate" products, they all
need to operate together, and not duplicate features (if possible).
I didn't expect the MARS 8 to be finished in the past few weeks,
and that was accomplished by changing the SIMM on board to address '816
memory as opposed to banked-memory. There will be a jumper on-board to
select whether the SIMM is active or not. The MARS 8 will also work with
internal memory upgrades such as Rambo, Newell, or Wizztronics.
With the '816 memory going inside the computer now, I have opted
to not include a socket on the MIO II. This way owners of Black Boxes
and original MIO's will be able to use the memory without have to but an
MIO II. For those of you that don't want a MARS 8 fear not, as Atari
Classics will be featuring an upcoming article on how to add '816 memory
to the PBI.
On another note, it has become obvious that the need for a high
speed serial port is high for the Atari 8-Bits. I was toying with the
idea of incorporating one into the MIO II, but that tends to conflict
with the original goal of providing a "low-cost" IDE interface. Not to
mention that people shouldn't have to purchase an MIO II to have a high
speed serial port. Well, let's just say that the MIO II won't have a serial
port, but... I will be making such a device available very soon. No details
are available at present, but it will be soon, and it will be extremely
cool...
Catalogs are being prepared, and will be shipping as soon as the
MIO II's and MARS 8 goes into production. It will be very difficult to
reach anyone here by voice for a while, but I always read E-Mail, and
will be active here and on the FTe area on Genie.
Mike
8-Bit News #3
----------
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 1995 21:18:01 GMT
From: aturco@netcom.com (Art Turco)
Subject: GAMES FOR SALE - NEW
New Atari 8 bit software
COMPUTER GAMES PLUS
1839 E. Chapman Ave.
Orange CA. 92667
phone (714) 639-8189
fax (714) 538-1707
email aturco@netcom.com
Who are we? We have been Atari dealers since 1980. We started with
Atari 8 bit. Our first ads were in Antic and Analog magazines, and in the
beginning we were solely a mail order company. We now have a retail store too.
The merchandise listed here is all NEW unopened inventory that
has been in our stock since release. These titles have had various
price reductions through the years, and we have again reduced them
for this list. The prices reflect quantity on hand. The more expensive
titles are probably our last copies.
We hope you find something of interest.
$15 -disk- Anti Sub Patrol (Rocklin)
5 -cart- Basic Computing Language (cart only) (Atari)
30 -cart- Basic XE (OSS)
20 -disk- Battle Of Antietam (SSI)
5 -disk- Blade Of Blackpool (Sirus)
3 -cass- Blue Max (Synapse)
5 -disk- Boulder Dash (First Star)
5 -disk- Bruce Lee (Datasoft)
15 -disk- Checkers (Odesta)
15 -disk- Cosmic Balance II (SSI)
15 -disk- Crossfire (On-Line)
20 -cart- Demon Attack (Imagic)
10 -cart- Donkey Kong (Atari)
10 -disk- Drelbs (Synapse)
5 -disk- Dropzone (Microdata)
2 -cass- Eastern Front (Atari APX)
18 -disk- Eastern Front (Atari APX)
3 -cart- ET Phone Home (Atari)
5 -disk- Fort Apocalypse (Synapse)
10 -cart- Gateway To Apshai (Epyx)
10 -disk- Gunslinger (Datasoft)
20 -disk- Gettysburg (SSI)
5 -disk- Hard Hat Mack (EA)
2 -disk- Instedit (Atari APX)
5 -disk- Invasion Orion (Epyx)
5 -cart- Miner 2049er (no box) (FREE with any $15 total purchase) (Big 5)
10 -cart- Miner 2049er (with box) (Big 5)
25 -disk- Mirax Force (fabulous high speed British game) (Tynesoft)
5 -cart- Missile Command (Atari)
15 -disk- Movie Maker (EA)
10 -disk- Murder On The Zinderneuf (EA)
5 -cart- Oil's Well (Sierra On Line) {great game}
3 -disk- One On One (EA)
10 -disk- Panzer Grenadier (SSI)
5 -disk- Pacific Coast Highway (Datasoft)
10 -disk- Pinball Construction Set (EA)
5 -disk- Preppie (Adv. Int) {like Frogger}
5 -cass- Principles Of Accounting (Atari)
25 -disk- Party Quiz (Suncom) {inc 4 controllers-great party game}
10 -disk- Racing Destruction Set (EA)
1 -cass- Rescue At Rigal (Epyx)
15 -disk- Rebel Charge At Chickamauga (SSI)
10 -disk- Return Of Heracles (FREE with any $40 total purchase) (Quality)
3 -disk- Sands Of Egypt (Datasoft)
25 -disk- Scott Adams - all 12 text adventures plus hint book
10 -book- Scott Adams - hint book for 12 adventures
15 -disk- Scott Adams - Saga 2 Pirate Adventure (graphic version)
10 -disk- Scott Adams - Saga 3 Mission Impossible (graphic version)
10 -disk- Scott Adams - Saga 4 Voodoo Castle (Graphic version)
10 -disk- Scott Adams - Saga 6 Strange Odyssey (Graphic version)
10 -disk- Sea Dragon (Adventure International)
10 -cart- Shamus (Synapse)
15 -disk- Shiloh (SSI)
5 -disk- Snooper Troops - Case 1 (Spinnaker)
1 -cart- Super Breakout (Atari)
10 -cart- Submarine Commander (Thorne EMI)
2 -disk- Timewise (Atari)
1 -cass- Trivial Pursuit (Domark)
3 -disk- Ulysses & Golden Fleece (On-Line) {early Sierra}
3 -docs- Universe Products Guide (Omnitrend)
1 -cass- Upper Reaches Of Apshai (add-on for Temple Of Apshai) (Epyx)
3 -disk- Upper Reaches Of Apshai (add-on fro Temple Of Apshai) (Epyx)
10 -disk- Video Vegas (Baudville)
10 -disk- Wargame Construction Set (SSI)
10 -disk- Warship (SSI)
10 -disk- Wizard & Princess (On-Line) {adv. #2 by Ken & Roberta Williams}
10 -disk- Worms (EA)
5 -disk- Zaxxon (Datasoft)
10 -disk- Zeppelin (Synapse)
10 -book- Technical Reference Notes (400/800) {massive, over 1" thick}
25 -hard- Atari 1027 LQ Printer {never opened, but sold as is}
2 -misc- vinyl cover for 1010 recorder
2 -misc- vinyl cover for 600XL
power supplies
3 - CO16353 9v dc
3 - CO10472 9v dc
3 - 901017 20v ac
3 - CO17539 9.5v ac
Atari 5200 games
5 - Real Sports Football
10 - Countermeasure
payment: you can pay by check or charge card (Visa or Mastercard). If you
are going to send a check please send email first and we will confirm that
the titles you want are still in stock. We will then hold them for one week
for your check to arrive. Please expect a two week delay for check clearance
before your order is shipped.
If you prefer to pay by charge card you can call your order in or send the
charge card info by email. If you are going to use email we need the full
card number and the expiration date. And, of course, give us your shipping
address and phone number.
There is a single shipping charge of $5 on all orders within the United
States. If you are outside the USA we will quote you actual shipping once
we can confirm your order. We can ship anywhere.
COMPUTER GAMES PLUS
1839 E. Chapman Ave
Orange CA 92667
phone (714) 639-8189
fax (714) 538-1707
email aturco@netcom.com
For anyone in Southern California who would like to visit our shop, the hours
of operation are noon-6pm Tue-Fri and noon-3pm on Sat.
8-Bit News #4
----------
Date: 14 Apr 1995 10:56:19 +0200
From: bleroy@ccr.jussieu.fr (Bertrand LE ROY)
Subject: The DEMO version of F.R.E.E. is available! NEW!NEW!NEW!
F.R.E.E. is a new graphic adventure game.
It features a hundred full-screen graphics 15 beautiful drawings, five disk
sides filled with text and images, a menu and windows based user interface
(95% of the game can be played with the joystick), automatic mapping, etc.
And you can have the first two disk sides of F.R.E.E. for free (ha!ha! Very
funny) Just send a mail to bleroy@moka.ccr.jussieu.fr or fabien@ssnet.com Or
look for it at your favorite FTP site. I will try to spread it as fast as I
can, but your help is welcome. As the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation
commercials say: SHARE AND ENJOY!
The complete commercial version is also available for $20 or 100 french francs
or the equivalent in your currency (but of course we prefer dollars or
francs) from:
Fabien Royer
3211 Society Drive
CLAYMONT, DE 19703
USA
or:
Bertrand Le Roy
72 rue des Landes
78400 CHATOU
FRANCE
If you want to use F.R.E.E. with PC X-former, please say so because for the
moment you can only use the first disk: you can't swap disks 'on the fly' and
F.R.E.E. for the moment uses only the first drive.
But I am working on a special version that accepts to use any present drive,
and this will enable you to use F.R.E.E. with PC X-former 2.5.
For this I need one or two weeks (I have other activities, sorry). Thanks for
your patience.
Of course, the 'normal' version is AVAILABLE.
Should I put the binary uuencoded disk images of the DEMO in this newsgroup?
Bye. I hope that you will enjoy F.R.E.E.
8-Bit News #5
----------
Date: Sat, 15 Apr 95 09:06:22 -0500
From: F Tooned <ftooned@delphi.com>
Subject: What happened to the phones at FTe??
Hi All,
My lease has expired, and I'm going to be shuffling things around
here at FTe for the next few weeks. (I had completely forgot about the
lease running out...) The phones will be off, until things get resituated.
I'll be sending out the catalogs once the "new" info is available.
Not to worry! I'll be checking in here at least once a week, to
keep tabs on the situation.
Man, I've gotten hammered here with E-Mail over the past two
weeks! Thanks for taken the time to request product info... I was beginning
to think that there was only a few people still out there. I mean, I've
gotten more mail in the past two weeks than I have in the past 4-5 months.
I may not be able to make an appearance at the Sacramento Show,
due to the very recent changes...
Once again, Thanks for the support! It's gonna be a really cool
summer for the Atari 8-Bits!!
Mike
8-Bit Commentary
----------------
Is it true? Will May/June 1995 (Volume ** 15 ** Number 3) be the last issue
of Current Notes, the longest running Atari-oriented magazine ever? Please
say it isn't so...
Until next month,
-Michael Current
16/32-bit Support Area
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Mark S. Smith
Towers II - Plight of the Stargazer
~~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~
Review by Mark Stephen Smith (msh@dl.ac.uk)
~~~~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~
At last the long awaited sequel to Towers has finally arrived for the Falcon.
Towers II continues the role playing formula ut unlike its previous
incarnation, movement is now completely free thanks to the use of a 3D texture
mapped environment. Control has also be changed to make it easier to do things
and all game controls are available simply by using the mouse with some
keyboard shortcuts included.
Introduction
~~~~~~~~~~~
Shipwrecked on Lamini you eagerly await the completion of repairs to your
craft. No news seems to spread on this island and no contact seems to be made
with anyone outside the island bringing the question of how they manage such
wealth.
After being invited to the sheriffs office you discover the Lord Daggan a man
who once held one of the seats on the high council has resigned his position
for things he deemed more important and retired to his tower. Strange things
then seemed to happen in the tower and in the village, when questioned Daggan
went mad and burnt down several villages houses, thankfully harming no one.
At this point it was decided he was mad and must be stopped, none who were sent
to stop him ever returned. Thieves have been spotted leaving the tower with
large bags of money and one who was caught and questioned revealed many strange
and seemingly impossible tales, that due to what had occurred had to be
believed.
You have been asked to help, by sending in one man you would have the advantage
as that would never be expected. You are given some pictures and descriptions
of some of the things you may encounter. The reward in return for this help is
anything you find in the tower you are free to keep, and when you return a
small keep will be built for you, and you'll always have a home on Lamini.
It is now up to you if you think you can help.
Getting Started
~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
The file is available in zipped format and requires one High Density disk.
Once decompressed you have to decide were to install the program to.
Installation is simple and only requires the partition and directory to be
chosen. The game requires a hard disk with around 4 Megabytes free, and
requires 2 Megabytes of memory.
Once installed the game is loaded and after the initial credits you are given
three options to choose from. The choices are:
Introduction - Several pictures accompanied by text reveal the story so far.
Incarnation - Start a new game. (See below for a full description).
Continuation - Can only be selected once a save has been made, choosing one of
the previously saved games will allow you to load that save.
Selections are all made by using the mouse.
Starting a new game (incarnating a character)
~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~
When selected you will be greeted with a picture of the four characters
available for use in the mission ahead, each have their own strengths and
weaknesses, although Gerand is recommended for the beginner. He's weak
magically but his high hit points and strength in battle means you are likely
to survive longer. Merton is the hardest character to start with, a master of
magic but only able to inflict small amounts of damage in battle and weak when
attacked. In between are Tasler and Andros who have a mix of both fighting and
magic skills. I chose Tasler for my adventure, giving me the best of both
Worlds.
Selecting a character you will get a selection of random statistics generated
for that character. The statistics are in the following areas:
STR - Strength
INT - Intelligence
WIS - Wisdom
DEX - Dexterity
CON - Constitution
Values range from 9 to 20 and if you are not happy with your statistics
choosing the character again will generate new numbers for you. Once you have
chosen your character and you are happy with their statistics you are ready to
begin the game and select accept for that character.
The Game
~~ ~~~~
Starting the game you will be greeted with a main play screen, all the action
in the game takes place on this screen. There is a picture of your character
which is used for examining or consuming objects. The face can be flipped
over to view a bodily inventory on which you can place objects such as
clothing, weapons and other special objects on the appropriate part of the
body.
Underneath this is a holding area which holds four items although this can
be extended by placing objects such as bags into one of the boxes. At the top
of the screen are two bars, the green one is your health, and the blue is your
mana. When hit your health bar decreases and turns grey, when the whole bar is
grey you have been killed. When using spells your mana decreases and the bar
turns grey, mana will return with time and can be quickly re-generated by
sleeping. Also at the top next to these you will find a compass which is
invaluable for finding you way around.
Below the compass is the spell canvas on which spells are placed when they have
been learned. It is empty to start with. Next to this is the main screen
in which all the action takes place, and below that is the message canvas were
all the messages are displayed during the game.
In the bottom right hand corner you will find the following 5 icons:
Fist - Gives you your statistics
ZZZ - Sleep. Restores your characters health and mana.
Map - Automatically generated map of areas explored.
Disk - Menu containing load, save, resume the game, restart, and quit
options.
Note - Game volume adjustment.
Moving the hand over the screen you can choose these icons, move objects around
and select spells. Pressing the right mouse button takes you into the main
play area were you control your characters movement. When in movement mode
pressing "F" changes to full screen mode where the whole screen is taken up
with your 3D environment. The right mouse button is used to toggle between the
movement and manipulation screens, and full screen can be toggled on/off with
"F".
Movement is easy, pushing the mouse up in movement mode will make the character
move forwards, pushing is back makes you move backwards, and pushing it to the
side rotates your character respectively to the left or right. It is not
possible to sidestep but you can walk and rotate at the same time. The control
is sensitive to how strong you want the action to be, so if you nudge the
cursor up from the centre of the screen you will slowly walk forwards, if
however you push the cursor up as far as you can you will run forwards, this
applies to all movements.
At first this can be a little tricky to control as you in the panic of
retreating from a fight often find yourself over turning, bumping into objects,
and having some difficulty straightening up. However with a little practice
control becomes easier (although not perfect).
To strike you press the left mouse button, if you have a shield holding the
mouse button after striking will hold up your shield. To cast a spell firstly
you select the spell from the spell canvas and then you hold down both the
left and right mouse buttons to cast the spell. Casting spells can be a little
hit and miss and will depend upon your characters statistics, luckily failed
spells don't decrease your mana. Statistics will also decide the strength
and speed of hits, so it is a good idea to try and start out with good
statistics.
Moving around you will find various objects, to collect them you need to move
within range of the object and then switch to the manipulation screen to place
the object using the hand in your inventory. If it is food dropping the
object on your characters face will eat it if he is hungry, or if it is a
scroll doing the same will read the scroll. All magic scrolls are added to
your canvas when read. It is also possible to just place the object back down
on the ground or if you point the cursor higher up to throw the object. This
can be done to attack creatures for instance and a nice touch is the way the
ceramic jugs break when they collide with objects.
Whilst on the manipulation screen clicking the mouse over a character in the
main play area within range will speak to that character. This is important
later on but is not useful against anything that is hostile and attacks you.
It is important not to click on a character to talk to them when in the
movement screen as this will hit them and they will attack you and not talk to
you.
To start out with the game is fairly hard and you will find yourself dying
fairly quickly depending on what character you have chosen. Therefore it is
essential to get a good start and to kill a guard and get a weapon. Once your
in possesion of a weapon your hits are much stronger therefore reducing battle
time. It is generally a good idea to save the game if you accomplish anything,
after a hard battle, or before you do something you are unsure of.
>From personal experience I have found the value of a save, having to redo
entire sections because I made a mistake, forgot to do something, or used an
object up accidently that I needed.
Exploration is a vital key to game success, it is important to be thorough and
to watch out for secret walls carefully, this is where the automatic mapping
system comes in invaluable, showing up the areas you have yet to explore when
you are having difficulty finding the way ahead. Also be careful to speak with
or kill any creatures you meet as they often hold vital information or objects
to your quest.
On route you will find many objects, these range from keys to doors and food,
to gems, magical items and weapons. A fun weapon to use at the start of the
game is the bow. To use this you will also need some arrows but the advantage
of this weapon is that you can attack from a distance therefore keeping
yourself out of harms way. Other weapons include everything from your fist and
a mop, to swords, maces and magic wands.
Also scattered around the tower are various furnishings and other things such
as chains, pressure pads and pits. These all play a part in the many assorted
puzzles throughout the game. To start off with the demo section of the game
contains little in the way of puzzles, mainly consisting of exploring and
fighting, with some small secrets and puzzles thrown in. It is not until you
pass the demo section and enter the full game that it really comes to life.
As you progress the game opens up revealing more interesting mazes and
creatures along with many more puzzles and objects. You find yourself with
tasks to complete to move on to the next section, with each section bringing
new surprises and elements. At the moment I've got a handful of spells and I
look forward to completing my current section as I know the next section is
likely to contain a valuable and interesting object/spell and a new creature.
The game really does have that one more go appeal and it is very easy to lose
a few hours without realising, something I haven't really done since Dungeon
Master on my ST. Even when you are stuck or have to redo a section due to an
error it is hard to get fed up with the game as you often find yourself doing
the same area a second time round much quicker and efficiently. With each new
problem comes the prospect of an interesting solution and whilst not always
obvious the rewards for solving a puzzle or area can be great feeling of
satisfaction.
The game becomes much more structured later on with the many puzzles making the
game feel much more involved than the early demo levels which contain probably
too much wandering and not enough interaction. I can only skim the surface of
the game in this review as I am still making my way through the game and
enjoying the game more and more the further I get. I don't know how far I've
actually managed to get towards facing Daggan but have the feeling the way
ahead is only going to get better and better.
Graphics and Sound
~~~~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~
The graphics in Towers II are first class, from the opening picture and the
introduction, all the way through the game. All the graphics are in True
Colour and the shading on walls into the distance shows this off. For the most
part most of the wall textures remain the same and can seem a little boring
although they do change later in the game. All the characters you face are
attractively drawn and fully 3D (can be approached from all angles and been
seen properly from that angle). The spells, objects and furniture all look
excellent and my only critism is that they can get a little blocky close up
(especially in full screen mode). This is obviously a memory trade off as more
detail closer up would require bigger objects and more memory, which in turn
would reduce the number of objects available.
The framerate for the Falcon is first class with the game running at around
12 frames per second and a little less in full screen mode (although it isn't
very noticeable). Outside of some demos this is the best I've seen texture
mapping done on the Falcon and those demos were only doing texture mapping and
nothing else.
On the sound front there is an atmospheric sound track throughout which is
fairly pleasing. Whilst you won't find yourself listening to it purposely you
also won't want to turn it off as you tend not to notice it when invloved in
play and it seems to blend into the back of your mind without being obtrusive
to the game. The volume can be altered but you'll probably want to keep it on.
Throughout the game are a large range of sound effects all sampled and clear.
These range from the cutting sound of a knife and a cry of pain, to the subtle
click of a button on the floor. Sound effects accompany most actions such as
casting spells, fighting and opening doors and all play over the background
soundtrack. A good point about the in game sound is that it is in true stereo
which helps you to identify were sounds came from. You can hear the footsteps
of an approaching guard in the distance for instance and detect he's coming at
you from your left.
Gameplay
~~~~~~~
The gameplay is truely excellent and draws you deeper and deeper into the game.
The further you progress the more you appreciate the game as it's complexity
and storyline unfold. Each new discovery adds a boost to the appeal and new
discoveries are never very far away. The range of items, puzzles and creatures
are both diverse and interesting, with each step taking you closer to your goal
unfolding new and interesting things.
The demo section of the game whilst excellent really doesn't do justice to the
depth and interest you'll encounter later in the game. Control is very easy
and lends itself painlessly to this game, the only critism of the control
method I have is movement adjustments can sometimes be a little oversensitive
but for the most part are excellent.
Sound and graphics create an excellent set of surroundings and wonderful
atmosphere making it the closest you'll ever get on an Atari computer to date
to actually being there. At first I had doubts about it being a free movement
texture mapped game as I didn't think the Falcon was up to the job, but this
proved me wrong and is a testiment to the programming skill of those invloved.
Likewise the game has been brilliantly devised and the sound and graphics
superperbly implemented to blend this into what I'd consider the best Falcon
game to date.
I really can't recommend this game strongly enough, and whilst this type of
game may not be to everyones liking I recommend you get it anyway just to prove
what the Falcon is capable of, and to surprise yourself as to how playable the
game becomes.
Overall
~~~~~~
An excellent game which is hopefully the first of many more to come. I cannot
emphasise enough how much I think you should register this game to receive the
manual to play the full game. The game is easily commercial quality and with
such excellent gameplay and that one more go appeal it will be one you can't
put down for months. The game really picks up after the demo section and
should be an essential purchase for everyone who's tried the demo. If you
haven't already tried it I recommend you do. What are you waiting for go out
and get it!
Good Points:
- Excellent gameplay, one more go appeal.
- Brilliant use of the Falcons graphics and sound capabilities.
- Long term appeal.
Bad Points:
- Slightly over sensitive control for beginners.
- Fairly hard for beginners but just right for the average game player.
- Not enough clues to guide you sometimes.
Overall Score
~~~~~~ ~~~~~
Graphics = 90%
Sound = 88%
Gameplay = 95%
Overall = 94%
The manual retails for $24 and is available from us (JV Enterprises) or from:
STeve's Sales (916) 661-3328
B&C Computers (408) 986-9960
Goodman International (0782) 335650
Merlin PD (0453) 882793
JV Enterprises
PO Box 97455
Las Vegas, Nev. 89193
1-800-252-0194
(702) 734-9689
Atari ST FTP Sites Update
-------------------------
Last edit: 18-April-1995
Additions/changes since last list: 8
- ftp.informatik.rwth-aachen.de (Directory change)
- ftp.uni-bremen.de (Replaces wowbagger.pc-labor.uni-bremen.de)
- nibelung.worms.fh-rpl.de (Site removed no Atari section)
- ftp.rz.tu-bs.de (Replaces rzserv3.rz.tu-bs.de)
- ftp.coli.uni-sb.de (Directory change)
- ftp.uni-giessen.de (New site)
- ftp.rz.tu-harburg.de (New site)
- ftp.fu-berlin.de (Replaces pascal.math.fu-berlin.de)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
()==========================()
// ____/__ __/ ____/ //\\
// / / / _/ // ()
// __/ / ____/ // //
// / / / // //
// _/ _/ _/ Archives // //
// // //
()==========================() //
\\ \\//
()=========================()
(log in with "anonymous" as name, and full name/e-mail address as password)
FTP instructions after this list!
A T A R I S T F T P S I T E S :
-------------------------------------
USA:
---
atari.archive.umich.edu...(141.211.120.11)..../atari/
email server.............atari@atari.archive.umich.edu
cs-ftp.bu.edu.............(128.197.13.20)...../PC/ATARI-ST/
world.std.com.............(192.74.137.5)....../src/atarist/ and /pub/atari/
ftp.std.com...............(192.74.137.7)....../pub/atari/
f.ms.uky.edu..............(128.163.128.6)...../pub2/atari/
CZECH REPUBLIC:
---------------
ftp.dcs.muni.cz.....(147.251.48.3)........../pub/archives/atari/
SLOVAKIA:
---------
ftp.upjs.sk.........(158.197.16.30)........./pub/systems/atari
NETHERLANDS:
------------
nikhefh.nikhef.nl...(192.16.199.1)........../pub/atari/
star.cs.vu.nl.......(192.31.231.42)........./pub/atari/
ftp.twi.tudelft.nl..(130.161.156.11)......../pub/atari/
ftp.icce.rug.nl.....(129.125.14.129)......../pub/erikjan/Atari
FINLAND:
--------
ftp.funet.fi........(128.214.248.6)........ /pub/atari/
FRANCE:
-------
ftp.cnam.fr.........(163.173.128.15)......../pub/Atari/
GERMANY:
--------
alice.fmi.uni-passau.de...(132.231.1.180)...../pub/atari/
ftp.uni-kl.de.............(131.246.9.95)....../pub/atari/ or /pub3/atari/
ftp.uni-erlangen.de.......(131.188.1.43)....../pub/atari/
ftp.tu-clausthal.de.......(139.174.2.10)....../pub/atari/
email server.............mail-server@ftp.tu-clausthal.de
ftp.uni-muenster.de.......(128.176.121.55)..../pub/atari/
ftp.uni-paderborn.de......(131.234.10.42)...../atari/
ftp.cs.tu-berlin.de.......(130.149.144.4)...../pub/atari/
email server.............mail-server@cs.tu-berlin.de
ftp.fu-berlin.de..........(160.45.10.6)......./pub/atari/
ftp.uni-regensburg.de.....(132.199.1.202)...../freeware/software/atari/
vax.ph-cip.uni-koeln.de...(134.95.64.1)...... /pub/atari/
ftp.germany.eu.net........(192.76.144.75)...../pub/comp/atari-st/
email server.............archive-server@Germany.eu.net
ftp.uni-stuttgart.de......(129.69.8.13)......./pub/systems/atari/
email server.............ftpmail@ftp.uni-stuttgart.de
ftp.informatik.tu-muenchen.de...(131.159.0.198)..../pub/comp/platforms/atari/
ftp.informatik.rwth-aachen.de......(137.226.225.3)....../pub/comp/Atari/atari/
ftp.uni-bremen.de.........(134.102.228.2)...../pub/atari_st/
ma2s2.mathematik.uni-karlsruhe.de..(129.13.115.2)........./pub/atari/
reseq.regent.e-technik.tu-muenchen.de..(129.187.230.225)../pub/comp/
platforms/atari/
email server...........ftp-mailer@ftp.informatik.tu-muenchen.de
ftp.hrz.uni-kassel.de....(141.51.12.12)......./pub/machines/atari/
ftp.ira.uka.de...........(129.13.10.90)......./pub/systems/atari/
ftp.thp.uni-koeln.de.....(134.95.64.1)......../pub/atari/
ftp.rz.tu-bs.de..........(134.169.9.44)......./pub/atari/
ftp.coli.uni-sb.de.......(134.96.68.1)......../pub/comp/atari
ftp.inf.tu-dresden.de....(141.76.1.11) ......./pub/atari/
ftp.uni-giessen.de.......(134.176.2.177)....../pub/atari
ftp.rz.tu-harburg.de.....(134.28.240.5)......./ATARI/
UK:
---
micros.hensa.ac.uk (148.88.8.84) ............/micros/atari/
email server......archive-server@micros.hensa.ac.uk
disabuse.demon.co.uk.(158.152.1.44)........../pub/atari/
phlem.ph.kcl.ac.uk...(137.73.4.24).........../pub/atari/
SWITZERLAND:
-----------
ftp.isbiel.ch.....(147.87.2.27)............./atari/
ezinfo.ethz.ch....(129.132.2.72)............/st/
ftp.switch.ch.....(130.59.1.40)............./mirror/atari/
ftp.switch.ch.....(130.59.1.40)............./software/atari/
AUSTRALIA:
---------
closer.brisnet.org.au.....(203.4.149.97).../pub/archive1/ATARIST
FTP "mirror"-sites:('back-door' to other FTP sites when they are too busy
------------------- or there are other problems accessing them!)
mirror.archive.umich.edu...(128.252.135.4) or (128.193.2.13) or
(128.193.4.2) or (128.255.21.233) or (128.255.40.200)
barnone.citi.umich.edu.....(141.211.128.22)...
/afs/umich.edu/group/itd/archive/atari
- (umich.edu, USA)
archive.wustl.edu (128.252.135.4)....../mirrors/archive.umich.edu/atari/
- (umich.edu, USA)
ftp.switch.ch..............(130.59.10.40) or (130.59.1.40)...
/mirror/atari/ - (umich.edu, USA)
src.doc.ic.ac.uk (146.169.2.1)........./packages/atari/umich/
PS!!! 155.198.1.40 is more reliable!!! - (umich.edu, USA)
src.doc.ic.ac.uk (146.169.2.1)........./packages/atari/uni-paderborn
PS!!! 155.198.1.40 is more reliable!!! - (uni-paderborn, GERMANY)
- to find the numbered address of the FTP site, use the following command,
while inside FTP: ftp> !host FTP-address [CR] i.e. "!host cs.bu.edu"
DOWNLOADING FILES, Instructions: [CR]= carriage return/return/enter
--------------------------------
1) Go to the directory where you want the files to be downloaded.
2) ftp [CR].
3) open {ftp address} [CR]. i.e. "open ftp.uni-kl.de" [CR]
OR use the (IP) number address, NOT both!
4) "Name": anonymous [CR].
5) "Password": {full e-mail name/address}. i.e. "hallvart@ifi.uio.no" [CR]
6) use "cd" to access the appropriate directory. i.e. "cd pub/atari" [CR]
7) bin [CR]. (set `binary` transfer mode)
8) hash [CR]. (shows 'hash` signs (#####...) when transferring data)
9) get {filename} [CR]. i.e. "get rename.lzh" [CR]
10) mget [CR] to get several files at once.
i.e. "mget syst12.Z fixdsk.arc icon4.zip" [CR]
11) prompt [CR] to download several files with "mget" without having
to reply "y" for each file when asked "get {filename}?".
12) quit [CR] to end FTP session and go back to UNIX
13) close [CR] to close the FTP site you're currently on, so that another
site can be opened without having to set bin, hash, prompt etc. again.
- bin, hash, prompt will be turned on/off each time it's typed!
- Be sure to check if all modes are set correctly (especially 'bin')!
- stat [CR] or; status [CR] will show all modes and where you are connected.
- Most files are compressed. Use an appropriate program on your computer on
which the programs were intended, or in UNIX .......
- uncompress [CR] if ".Z" file
- uudecode [CR] if ".uu" file
- very often, files are still compressed in another format after
uncompressing .Z and/or .uu.
Use the appropriate decompression program for this.
- ls [CR] lists files (shows all files in current directory).
- pwd [CR] shows path. i.e. /pub/mirrors/umich/atari/utilities
- If down-loading several files with similar names use "*".
i.e. "mget *sys" [CR] (will get f.x.; datasys, lm23isys,
xlinksys etc...) (ALL files with "sys" in their names)
i.e. "mget *.lzh" [CR] (will get f.x.; stest.lzh, dw3.lzh,
xlba.lzh etc...) (ALL files ending with ".lzh")
i.e. "mget * [CR] (will get ALL files in the current directory!)
- If your computer doesn't have a disk drive you can "remote login" to
another computer (use an other terminal's disk drive);
- rlogin {computer name} [CR]. i.e. "rlogin hnoss" [CR].
- You can now access the disk just as if it was on your own machine.
- eject [CR] to eject disk on disk-drives without "eject button"
TRANSFERRING FILES TO MS-DOS DISKS
----------------------------------
Part of this is dependent on you having the GNU msdos-utilities available
at your site. If you don't, ask your local system operator how to transfer
files to/from MSDOS disks.
- mcopy {filename} a: [CR] i.e. mcopy microtcx.zoo a:
i.e. mcopy microtcx.zoo icone.lzh shblr.arc a:
- mdir [CR] to show disk-directory/space left.
- fdformat -d [CR] to format an MS-DOS 3.5" 1.44mMb disk ("-d" for MS-DOS)
- fdformat -l -d [CR] to format an MS-DOS 720Kb 3.5" disk ("-l" for
"low density")
- mcopy a:{filename on disk} {copy filename} [CR] to get a file from
disk to computer. i.e. "mcopy a:dlist.txt test1.zip"
- mdel a:{filename} [CR] to delete a file on disk. i.e. "mdel a:dslist.txt".
- eject [CR] to eject disks from disk-drives that don't have "eject buttons".
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Original idea and list compilation by Hallvard Tangeraas, Oslo, Norway
Now handled by Mark Stephen Smith (msh@dl.ac.uk) with permission from Hallvard
This list may by all means be reproduced and distributed freely, but only
with all data intact.
Copyright (C) 18-April-1995
Portfolio Support Area
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Fred Horvat
News from the Czech Republic
----------------------------
Here's some very interesting and encouraging information about
our beloved Portfolio that I received from Jan Sedlak a little while
back. Who says that noone is supporting our favorite palmtop computer!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jan.Sedlak@pedf.cuni.cz (Jan Sedlak)
Subject: Portfolio lives
To: ap748@cleveland.freenet.edu
>From Portfolio Users and Club in the Czech Republic:
In February we have finished a graphic version of Portfolio BIOS and DOS.
This means that Portfolio can display any character using direct
access to the LCD driver. This means that Portfolio can be used
in countries with extended alphabet (eg. in Czech Republic). We used
similar routines to those used in your PGC and PGX format. The resident
program runs even under ROM aplications.
We hope to implemet other graphic features:
* blinking
* inversion
Portfolio thus will become more PC alike.
Another aim of ours is to make Portfolio display 60*8 characters using
8*4 pixel fonts. This will mean that user will see more of the whole
screen.
There is also a lot of hardware we have designed and we produce:
* FolioDrive - 3,5" floppy disk unit
with included parallel interface and battery pack
It was specially developed for Portfolio and enables to read and write
1.44 MB PC diskettes. No cables more needed. You can run files directly
from the diskette.
* PortWalk - tape recorder interface
Enbles to save and load files onto any tape recoder casettes. It is
very handy, and unlike 8-bit era of "tape recording", this interface
is very reliable thanks to error detecting code.
* 128 KB RAM CARD
Atari cards are very expansive - the RAM card we developed uses one
Low-Low Power chip and CR 2025 lithium battery (plus some diods).
The assumed life expectancy of the battery at least 2 years.
* 25 pin parallel interface
As there are big problems with Atari dealers in Europe, we decided
to produce 25 pin Centronics (Parallel) Interface. It is a bit
smaller than original interface and consumes twice less energy.
*********************************
FUTURE:
If there are enough Portfolio users that will be interested in our
products, we will be able to produce following:
* 3.5 inch FDD unit with parallel interface and internal
128 KB memory chip to serve as cash and B: disk.
* FAX-MODEM module to send and receive fax, modem messages every where
in the world
* 512 KB or 768 KB SRAM module to serve as a data storage medium
* Interface for PCMCIA cards
***********************************
Lynx Support Area
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Barry Cantin
Letter from Edward Castle
-------------------------
Hi All!!
If you haven't guessed I'm a lynx fanatic! I've loved Atari and all
their computers since I got an Atari ST. I went on to buy a Lynx
and have started building up my games collection. I also write
reviews for games (let me know if you want a review for any of the
games I mention at the end of my letter). I have recently
purchased a Jaguar and I am very happy with it. I love my Lynx and
don't want it to suffer the same fate as the Nintendo (total
oblivion), so I have put together this survey and letter to Atari
that I have frequently been posting on the Atari and Lynx
newsgroups. I hope this letter will show Atari that there is
support for the Lynx and to **get their butt in gear!!**. I hope
you have already filled in the survey, if you haven't please do!!
My email address is: pcastle@cherita.win-uk.net.
NOTE! This is not the finished letter! If you have replyed to me
and aren't on the list let me know and I make sure you're put on!
Thanks for your support!
-EDD- Edward Castle (NOT PAUL!!!!!!!!)
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Dear Atari,
I have recently conducted a survey in the Lynx and Atari internet
newsgroups. (*alt.games.lynx* and *rec.games.video.atari.*) Here is a copy
of the survey:
________________________________________________________________
Help Support The Lynx!
Please fill in the following questionnaire and post it back to me before May
1s
the results on 15th May. I will also be sending the results to Atari. Come
on!
them that there still is plenty of support for the Lynx! I will be giving
them
address so they can ask you any questions they wish. If you do not want me to
g
you address, please say. Please Email me.
________________________________________________________________
**What is the best ever Lynx game?**
I think the best ever Lynx game is <insert name of game>.
**What score would you give that game? (As a %)**
I would give it <insert game % here>.
**What game would you most like to see on the Lynx?**
The game I would most like to see on the Lynx is <insert game name here>.
________________________________________________________________
*EXTRA QUESTION*
**What question(s) would you ask Atari given the chance (like this one)?**
The question(s) I would ask Atari are:
________________________________________________________________
**I support the Atari Lynx!!!**
<Place your name here>.
Thanks a lot, lets hope Atari takes some notice of us Lynx game hungry
gamers!
Edward Castle.
________________________________________________________________
The response I have had has been quite pleasing. Here are the results of this
survey:
**What is the best ever Lynx game?**
The best ever Lynx game, voted for by the gaming public is.......
KLAX!!
Close behind it were:
Lemmings, Battlewheels, Shanghai, STUN Runner, Rampart, Blue
Lightning, Chips Challenge, Xenophobe, Crystal Mines II, APB, Dracula the
Undead, Warbirds, California Games and Baseball Heroes.
**What score would you give that game?**
The highest score given was 100%!!!. This was for Shanghai and was given
by Barry W. Cantin.
The second highest score given was 99%!!. This was for Lemmings and was
given by James Bruce Haire and Klax and was given by Gregg Woodcock.
The third highest score given was 98%. This was for KLAX and was given
by Jason Simpson and Edward Barrett.
The second lowest score given was 80%. This was for Klax and APB and
was given by Andrew S. Wheat and was for Baseball Heroes and was given
by Francisco Machin.
The lowest score given was 70%. This was for California Games and was
given by Jordan Ficklin.
The majority of people gave 95% as the score for their favourite game.
The average Score was: 94% (although no one actually gave this score).
**What game would you most like to see on the Lynx?**
The games that most people want to see on the Lynx are:
Decent RPG games. (What happened to Guardians: Storm Over Doria? And
where is Eye of the Beholder?)
A Doom style game, both Wolfenstein and AvP came up more than once.
Also mentioned were Doom itself and Dark Forces.
Also mentioned a lot were Classic games Like Tempest, Battlezone,
Asteroids, Pong!!, and Space Invaders.
Some of the others that came up are Primal Rage, (come on, it's going to be
on the Game Boy!!), Super Breakout, Marble Madness, Othello, and Crystal
Mines III, Ikari Warriors, Xevious, Ultra Vortex, Road Rash 3, John Madden
Football.
Here is a list of some of the People who filled in the questionnaire:
Edward Barrett, ad503@detroit.freenet.org
Alyssa Forhan, forhan@mill2.millcomm.com
Andrew Chin, asc@seattleu.edu
Chris Pickett, cpicket@cello.gina.calstate.edu
David Bush, dbush@northnet.org
Gregg Woodcock, woodcock@bnr.ca
Kurt Olsen, KURTO@cc.usu.edu
Jesse Wiens, chinatom@clark.net
Laura Wiens, " " " "
Thomas Scaefer, tom@traveler.rhein.de
Carl Forhan, forhan@vnet.ibm.com
Brian Osserman, osserman@ocf.berkeley.edu
Rob J Batina, rbatina@infinet.com
Eric Lutz, iceman-e@nwu.edu
Jesse Fuchs, fuchsjm@ucsu.colorado.edu
Andy Norman, ange@hplb.hpl.hp.com
Dan Woodard, SA073@getty.onu.edu
Scott McCall, szm+@pitt.edu
Jason Simpson, waxed2@seanet.com
Andrew S. Wheat, tanatoes@netcom.com
Kathy Madison, klm@umich.edu
Steven M Henry, smhenry@vt.edu
Barry W. Cantin, cantin@maf.nasa.gov, or aa852@cleveland.freenet.edu
Frank Gemignani, FOG@ix.netcom.com
Jim Dowling, dowlingj@alf2.tcd.ie
David Poland, LORDJ@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
Jordan Ficklin, jofickli@nmsu.edu
Francisco Machin, machfro00@dons.ac.usfca.edu
Sam Houston, Not Connected
Jonathan Clarke, Not Connected
Bloke Down Fast Forward (Brilliant Computer/Video Shop), Not Connected
Me, Edward Castle, pcastle@cherita.win-uk.net
If you wish to contact anyone to ask them questions, or just have a chat,
feel free to do so. If you wish to contact Sam Houston or Jonathan Clarke,
please let me know and I will forward any questions, or info to them.
Here are the questions asked by everyone, in most cases I have included their
name next to the question(s), so you can reply by email, or you can send all
the answers to me and I will make sure the varios people get the answers to
their questions that they asked. Questions marked with a * on either side are
ones I feel are important and I would like to have the answers sent to me as
well so I can forward them to the Lynx and Atari news group.
!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"
!
Me, Edward Castle:
1. I once saw a magazine for the Lynx that had reviews, previews, and maps.
I think this mag was for retailers only as I saw it in the aforementioned
Fast Forward. What was it? Can I get some issues of it?
2. In a Telegames leaflet I saw a preview of Guardians: Storm over Doria.
When will this game be released?
*3. When will Eye of the Beholder be released?*
*4. A long time ago I read that with the release of the Jaguar you would re-
release the Lynx. What went wrong?*
5. What happened to the Lynx version of Alien Versus Predator (AvP)? Did
Rebellion scrap it?
6. Would it be possible for you to lend me copies of Lynx and Jaguar games
that I could review, and post the review on the net, then return (or buy)
the games?
*7. What are your current plans for the Lynx?*
Steven M Henry:
*1. Why don't you reduce the price of the Lynx development kits, so people
can program their own Lynx games? The Atari Club in Europe managed to
make an excellent Tetris game. What could it hurt to lower the price and let
people develop and sell games?*
Daniel Cheng:
1. Could you consider making Lynx versions of Jaguar hits (AvP, T2K, IS)?
2. Also, would you please make them multi-player (comlynxable)?
Carl Fohran:
*1. Why aren't you releasing more games games and obtaining more third
party support? The Lynx is generably accepted to be superior in terms of
hardware to the competing portable systems, but people always complain
about the lack of of new/quality games.*
2. Would you develop a Super Lynx adapter for the Jaguar, especialy one
that would have hardware to intertpolate so the picture would not seem
blocky on television.
3. Every store I talk to says the Lynx with 4 games package sells
wonderfully. Why don't you get some more of your titles (all available by
mail order) and accessories, especialy Comlynx cables, into stores?
David Poland:
*1. What are your current plans for the Lynx?*
*2. Will the current games that are finished ever go into production?*
Gregg Woodcock:
*1. When are some of Sega's licenses that you acquired going to show up on
the Lynx?*
2. Why don't you advertise on TV more?
3.Why don't you do more to court gaming magazines, particuarly for the Lynx
(like giving them early evaluation copies of software AND hardware to play
them on)?
Thomas Scaefer:
*1.Why is Atari withholding new games for the Lynx that are awaiting their
releases for months and even years?*
2. Do you consider bringing back the Lynx to the main retailers again or will
the Lynx handheld and games only be available through mail order firms in
the future?
3. Are there any plans at all at Atari concerning the futurew of the Lynx?
>From the customers point of view it looks like you are giving the Lynx too
much suopport for it to die but too little to live.
4. Why did Atari stop signing up contracts with software firms willing to
develope new carts for the Lynx?
The Bloke Down At Fast Foward (I go down there every day, but still
don't know his name):
1. I have read about you retail outsrech plan and was wondering if it only
applied in America. There is quite a market for Jags in England and I would
love to extend my Jaguar range but cannot afford it. This would be a perfect
way. If it is possible could you please send me details through Edward.
"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!
I hope this letter has shown you that there is plenty of support for the Lynx
still (and this is only the people on the net, there are hundreds more that
are connected), so please don't let it die, and keep those games coming! Please
send me a reply with the current status of the Lynx and answers to the
questions, and feel free ask anyone mentioned in this letter any questions
you want.
I own a Lynx 1 and a Lynx II. I have a large selection of games which
include:
Ninja Gaiden, Shanghai, Klax, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, European
Soccer Challenge, Basketbrawl, Xenophobe, Chips Challenge, California
Games, Viking Child, Pinball Jam, Batman Returns, Zarlor Mercenary,
Kung Food, Super Squeek, Xybots, Warbirds, Joust, Scrapyard Dog,
Rampage, Gauntlet: The Third Encounter, Gates Of Zendocon, Checkered
Flag, Ms. Pac-Man and Rampart.
Perhaps you can see why I don't want the Lynx to fade away and die like so
many computers, come on, do something to stop this happening!
Edward Campbell-Castle.
Proud Lynx Owner in the UK.
Lynx Commentary
---------------
It's refreshing to see people with enthusiastic attitudes about the Lynx. Ed
Castle is one of those people and if you haven't already I encourage you to
participate in his survey. This is the only way Atari will know how Lynx
owners feel...
Many Lynxes were sold over the past six months, and it's beginning to show up
on the net and everywhere else. It's a great handheld and the best buy in
portable gaming right now.
Not much in the way of NEW games, and even I'm beginning to doubt that we'll
see any more new releases for the Lynx. It's true that Telegames is
about to release Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (which may be out by the time you
read this), but other than that that, it looks very bleak. Atari has four
titles *completed*, but it takes money and resources to put them into
production. Right now BOTH of those are going into the Jaguar, which Atari
(correctly, IMO) sees as their future.
This isn't much consolation to us Lynx fans (unless you're a Jag owner too)
but take solace in the fact that there are over 70 titles available for the
Lynx. Even the early titles, for the most part, hold up well today. If
you're the type of gamer who needs the latest of everything, the Lynx
probably isn't for you. But if you're the type of gamer who just wants some
great games (like "Joust", the best version yet!) at a very good price, then
the Lynx *is* for you.
If you don't want to see the machine go down without a fight, then complain.
That's why Ed Castle has created this survey, which will get sent to Atari
on May 15th. If you care at all about you Lynx, then reply to this -- and do
it SOON.
We'll try to get to the remainder of those Bubble Trouble hints/tips next
month... it's not an easy game on Level 4! Anyone willing to contribute
their own tips and tricks for this, please contact me at
aa852@cleveland.freenet.edu and you will get full credit for your findings.
In the meantime, Lynx up! %^)
Jaguar Support Area
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Len Stys
Jaguar News
-----------
Atari Corporation releases the specs of the Jaguar Virtual Reality headset
at the E3 show in Los Angeles:
Jaguar Virtual Reality - VR Headset Official Specs
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Head Mounted Display (HMD):
Less than 1 pound. Two degrees of freedom (DOF)
tracking, stereo sound, and 52 degree horizontal by 40
degree vertical field of view. Uses a single 0.7" TFT
active matrix color LCD containing 104,000 pixels.
Optical System:
Custom-designed pupil projection with aspheric acrylic
lenses, beam splitters, mirrors and thin film coatings.
Large exit pupil size of 5mm x 14mm. Can be used by
anyone with an interpupilliary distance between 45mm
and 70mm.
Focus Adjustment:
There is no need for focus adjustment because the
optical system is highly tolerant, projecting a
binocular image, aligned to infinity to both eyes.
Tracking Systems:
"V-Trak" is the fastest tracker ever developed for the
consumer market, with a sample rate of 250Hz and a
lagtime of only 4 milliseconds.
Optional Joystick:
Offers two of six degrees of freedom, allowing greater
control over movements in the virtual world. Jaguar VR
games can also be played with the standard Jaguar
controller.
Docking Station:
Houses "V-Trak" position sensing system, a joystick
interface and high speed communications link to the
Jaguar for transferring audio and visual tracking data.
Atari has been in the video game business for over twenty
years. Today, Atari markets Jaguar, the only American made,
advanced 64-Bit entertainment system. Atari Corporation is
located in Sunnyvale, CA.
###
Internet Jaguar Game Reviews
----------------------------
HOVER STRIKE
------------
From: rjung@netcom.com (Robert A. Jung)
Subject: Jaguar review! HOVER STRIKE
Date: Thu Apr 27 23:29:33 1995
Well, the pictures on the back of the box look nifty, at least. What's the
game itself like? Let's find out...
==============================================================================
HOVER STRIKE
1-2 players
Cartridge
Atari Corp., for the Atari Jaguar
$59.95
OVERVIEW:
The Federation's worst fears have been confirmed: Terrakian pirates have
taken over the distant colony world, slaughtering and enslaving the populace.
A rescue armada has been assembled, but are kept at bay by the Terrakian
atmospheric cannon and defense network. A plan using the new HS709 armored
hovertank is devised. Dropped behind enemy lines, the pilot must use it to
destroy Terrakian installations and ships, working up to the cannon itself.
Only then can the rescue force arrive and save the day.
Okay, it's a fairly hackneyed and generic sci-fi storyline, but there it
is. As expected, HOVER STRIKE casts you as the pilot of the hovertank, to
blaze through the Terrakian forces on the ground and in the air. There are 30
missions in various terrain and visual conditions, divided into groups of six.
Find powerups to rearm and refuel your hovertank, or recruit a second player
to join in as the gunner. A tank is destroyed when it takes too many hits or
runs out of energy, and the game ends when all are lost. Finally, the
cartridge offers three difficulty levels and the ability to save a game in
progress.
GAMEPLAY:
HOVER STRIKE is similar to X-WING and CYBERMORPH in that it's an action
game for thinkers. It is not enough to simply point and shoot, as this
cartridge requires good mental juggling to keep abreast of the current
situation. For example, some missions are dotted with baited traps that must
be sprung, while others pit you against gigantic mazes of mountains or the
pull of the tide. The pace of the game reflects this mental emphasis, and
firefights are often separated by quiet lulls. Some will welcome the diverse
complexity, but there will be those who bemoan the pauses in the combat.
The entire Jaguar controller is used, with buttons for weapons select,
target locks, braking, thrust, and firing. While the controls are responsive,
piloting requires new skills. Since the tank hovers off the ground, it moves
and steers depending on the thrust applied, while enemy fire and aspects of
the terrain can change the course vector. It's similar to ASTEROIDS' thrust-
and-turn controls, and can be learned after a few minutes of practice. The
effort is worth it; able players can perform complex maneuvers like banking
off a hill while strafing the enemy in a rapid retreat.
Game difficulty and mission diversity are reasonable. The first set of
missions are fairly straightforward, but the challenge builds up in later
sets. While engagements can quickly become chaotic, your tank can take a good
number of hits, and the availability of powerups is fair. In a two-player
game, the gunner can aim all over the screen and have quicker access to the
weapons. With coordination between the driver and the gunner, the hovertank's
efficiency is noticeably increased, without relegating either player to a
minor role.
GRAPHICS/SOUND:
The graphics on HOVER STRIKE are very good, but fall short of greatness.
On the up side, texture mapping and shading is used everywhere, and night
missions feature an impressive "flare" source-lighting effect. Instruments
and text are all easy to read, though the main radar is a little small. Extra
touches like the minutae on the instruments and an adjustable external view
flesh out the visuals. On the down side, the frame rate could have been
better. It's passable most of the time, but drops slightly when things get
frantic, and turning is fast but choppy. Some areas are short on animation,
like the underground turrets that simply "pop" into view. Finally, textures
are disabled on night missions, which is disappointing.
Fortunately, the music and sounds are free of such discrepancies. Game
effects are a good, healthy mix of weapons fire, sound effects, warning
klaxons, and the voice of your on-board computer. Everything meshes together
well, completely reflecting the current situation. A number of nicely-crafted
ominous tunes play throughout the game, adding to the action without diverting
the player's attention.
HOVER STRIKE is not an action game for players who like their combat
nonstop and uncomplicated. Rather, the challenge of driving a hovercraft and
the measured pace of many of the missions make this a game for folks who want
to exercise their brains along with their thumbs. With nice graphics and
better sounds, this is a very good -- though not totally earth-shaking -- game
for the Jaguar.
GAMEPLAY: 8.5
GRAPHICS: 8
SOUND: 9
OVERALL: 8.5
Rating values 10 - 8 Great! This game can't get much better.
7 - 5 Good. Average game, could be improved.
4 - 2 Poor. For devotees only.
1 Ick. Shoot it.
==============================================================================
--R.J.
B-)
From: taylor@wherry.stsci.edu (None The Wiser)
Subject: Hover Strike Impressions
Date: Tue May 9 15:45:43 1995
Hey Everyone,
Here's my take on Hover Strike - (Jaguar mailing list members may want to
skip it since you've probably already read it)
I really dig this game! In my opinion, it's one of the better Jag
games currently available. I've sunk quite a few hours into it in the
couple weeks I've had it, usually not realizing how long I've been playing.
The low frame rate that's been mentioned is only bothersome when you're
getting tossed around by enemy fire or careening off the walls. In these
circumstances it should be disorienting and tough to aim. I suppose it
would be nicer it it was silky smooth, but a $150 box is going to have
limitations.
The reversed stereo is annoying and troublesome. How does something like
that get through testing?? I've also noticed that when there's a lot
of activity it sounds like the sounds are clipping. It's an ugly crackly,
popping sound.
Otherwise this game's got the goods. The night missions are very cool!
It took me a couple tries to really get the hang of using the flares
effectively though. I also really like the night mission music too. Very
spacey. Landscapes are interesting and require you to employ different
tactics. The enemies look good and provide plenty of challenges. I also
like the type of two player arrangement that was chosen, but have not tried
it. Many times I prefer cooperative type games because none of my friends
have Jags. It's just not that much fun (espcially for them) to kick some-
one's ass over and over and over again. This setup sounds like it will
work well. I can let them be the gunner since the most difficult part of
the game is maneuvering the hovercraft.
Finally I'd like to praise the ability to save between individual missions.
I often don't have time to play games for several hours at once, but want
to play a quick game before going out or to bed, etc. I've been stuck on
the third set of missions in I.S. forever because of that. I'm actually
getting a little sick of playing the first three and then buying it on
Best Defense :). Hover Strike's approach suits me perfectly. I can pick
a mission and finish it with the satisfaction of progressing in the game.
I think they chose the right way to do it.
Well I guess that's all for now.
Patrick
PS: What do you guys think of that galaxy that is displayed during the mission
briefing? To me it's extra cool because it's an actual image from the
Hubble Space Telescope. I happen to work at the Space Telescope Science
Institute! We even got a credit in the manual.
Internet E3 Show Reports
------------------------
From: carcarian@aol.com (CARCARIAN)
>Newsgroups: rec.games.video.atari
Subject: THEA REALM FIGHTERS
Date: Thu May 11 17:27:13 1995
Among the best games at the E3 show.
Jag best: Hoverhunter,Thea Realm,Battleshpere(good job 4play),Ultra
Vortex,Rayman. I can't believe how fast and smooth and ultra cool hover
hunter was, and how clear and smooth Thea Realm Fighters was. How the
hell did Atari get Primal Rage so far so fast. It looks almost done. VR
helmet will sell the Jaguar, its awesome.
From: carcarian@aol.com (CARCARIAN)
>Newsgroups: rec.games.video.atari
Subject: E3 SHOW JUST GOT BACK
Date: Thu May 11 16:23:33 1995
BATTLESPHERE AWESOME
HOVER HUNTER UNBELIEVABLE
THEA REALM FIGHTERS FREAKING AWESOME
RAYMAN AWESOME
WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP VERY GOOD
HAMMERHEAD EARLY DEMO BUY PRETTY DAMN GOOD
DEFENDER 2000 NEEDS WORK, NO MUSIC WHEN I WAS THERE
POWERDRIVE RALLY AWESOME
BLUE LIGHTENING THE WORST GAME I HAVE SEEN FOR JAG
HIGHLANDER AWESOME
ULTRA VORTEX VERY GOOD
FIGHT FOR LIFE NEEDS ALOT OF WORK
HOVERHUNTER,BATTLESPHERE AND THEA REALM WERE THE BEST
VRHELMET LOOKS GREAT. CAN'T WAIT. HAD ZONE TROOPERS ON
From: joecat@ix.netcom.com (Joe Cataudella)
>Newsgroups: rec.games.video.sega,rec.games.video.3do,rec.games.video.atari,rec.
g
ames.video.sony
Subject: Tronix/E3 DAY 1 (Part 1)
Date: Fri May 12 00:32:03 1995
Temporary E-mail address just for this report - my regular
E-mail address is joecat@phantom.com.
================================================
E3 NEWS from Tronix - [Day 1] Thursday, May 11th 1995
================================================
Part 1
Howdy folks - it's now 6:15 LA time, the first day of E3 has now
come to close. Two words can best describe the first day: Exhausting
and Outstanding. Compared to the Winter Consumer Electronics Show
in Vegas, E3 is a gamer's paradise - yet there's so much to see in
this dense activity of sight and sound - there's no way you can cover even
half of it in one day. The first day of the show is always brutal. You
walk around with a video camera (I have to) in one arm, and 50 lbs
of literature in the other. You can't stop and really enjoy any games
as you're either filming or reorganizing your press kits before your
bags burst open. I'll give you a brief rundown of what I saw just
today - but don't forget, more will be covered (and more extensively)
as the show continues (with less hassle).
The day started with Keynote Speakers - Tom Kalinski of Sega, and
Olaf Olafsen of Sony. Both gave nice presentations of where they
felt the market was going, each ending with a video demo collage of
their 32-bit babies. Both "performances" received a wave of applause.
Kalinski's final words were "It's out there", referring to the sudden
stealth-like release of the US Saturn. Kalinski stated that the Saturn
will have 20 titles on shelves by the end of August. So, what's with
Saturn-Day? Sony's ending comments pretty much brought the
crowd to its knees when they announced a $299.00 price tag on the US
Sony Playstation which will be coming September 9th.
On With the Show!
CAIN EDITOR'S NOTE: The Sega and Nintendo part of this message was edited
out to conserve space.
Jaguar
---------
The Jaguar setup though much small than the others had it's own
healthy crowd - with two Virtual Reality setups at opposite ends
of the booth. This new VR system will be coming out in the late
fall - and will be priced under $299.00. Tomorrow I will get in
line to try it - but from what I can tell from the external displays -
the game people were "immersed" in looked mighty impressive.
It was some kind of 3D space exploration game - looking a bit
like AvP, with lots of detailed polygons. The tile is called Zone
Hunter, and according to one of the heads of this project, this
might very well be the pack in. People who tried on the goggles
stepped off the specially made platforms with smiles on their faces
Another title we might be seeing for this Jaguar add-on is a 90's
Missile Command, VR-style.
As far as games, there wasn't exactly a large explosion of new
titles, but many of the promised titles were finally finished, or much
further along in progress. There were a few monitors that weren't
showing anything, so aside from the list below - more can show up
on tomorrow's report.
*Defender 2000 - Once again, Jeff Minter is king. I can't even begin
to describe the magic surrounding this updated William's coin-op
classic. D2K is chock full of special effects, and simply put - the
hottest Jag-game in Atari's booth.
*BurnOut - 3D motorcycle racing - updated further - and looking
better and better!
*RayMan - Hey, it's almost here - and it'll be worth the wait.
*Flip-Out - Very nice-looking puzzle game...
*Baldies - Looks like another Lemmings-type - not impressive.
*Brett Hall Hockey - too early to tell - but knowing Accloade, don't
count on it knocking your socks off.
*TRF - A new fighting game - in fact, it was displayed on a large
screen as everyone thought it was Mortal Kombat III as they passed.
Looks great!
*Myst - Jaguar CD - like the other 900 versions.
*Highlander - Jaguar CD - looks juicy, though I'll have to look at
it more closely tomorrow.
*BattleMorph - Jaguar CD looks like Cybermorph - but it's unfair to
judge, as I didn't take a crack at it yet.
*Creature Shock Jaguar CD - looks sharper than the PC version!
*Fight For Life - They added more textures to the characters since
the last time I saw it. Still needs works - but improving.
*Vid-Grid - Jaguar CD -Some rock-n-roll-stye puzzle game with full
motion music videos.
*Varuna's Forces - Jaguar CD - looking hot! A space/action adventure
which I will be playing tomorow.
*Blue Lightning - Jaguar CD - Another improvement from the last
time it was on display at WCES.
*Primal Rage - Only had a the title page done.
*Ultra Vortex - Yep, once again it's here - and they've added a lot
more. The final version should be great (damn-well better be!).
* DeathWatch (I think this is the name ) - An immensiely colorful
platform game - though showin in early stages.
See Part 2 (3DO/SONY).... (Give me a few hours - I need to
take a short nap as my eyes are going).
--
~ TRONIX MULTIMEDIA ~ ////Ahead//of//the//Game////
3DO * Jaguar * PC-CDROM * Sega * VISIT THE TRONIX WEB FOR MORE
Nintendo * Sony * Imports * Magazines INFORMATION, VIEWS, PRICES, ETC..
Multi-Format Entertainment Mail Order at http://www.phantom.com/~joecat
From: rjung@netcom.com (Robert A. Jung)
Subject: Rob's Jaguar E3 bits
Followup-To: rec.games.video.atari
Date: Sun May 14 02:19:04 1995
(Note the crossposting. Followups to rec.games.video.atari, thanks B-)
Taking advantage of the generousity of a few good friends of mine, I snuck
into the Los Angeles Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) for a few hours today
to see what's up with Atari and the Jaguar. I may or may not also have gotten
recorded by AEO's video crew, but that's another matter all together. Herein
a report of what I saw.
(Note: This is not, in any way, shape, or form, a report on the E3 show as a
whole. I didn't have the time or the inclination to see every major player's
booth, and I'm not claiming anything of the sort [hey, I had errands to run and
things to do]. If you want reports on what everyone else was showing, there
are plenty of other USENET reports that will do the job. This message is for
those who want a detailed scrutiny of Atari's area)
Hokay, let's jump into the fray...
* FLOOR SPACE. Yes, Atari had the smallest space of the various console
makers at the show. On the other hand, their space was well used. Sega's
area (which was in the center of the South hall and next to Atari) was the
biggest, but much of the area was open space, big displays, and to redudant
showings. The Saturn area, for instance, had three units running DAYTONA (A
personal disappointment for me -- the resolution's low, the horizon is -far-
too short, and the steering wheel is sensitive as h*ll. Give me RIDGE RACER
on the PlayStation instead), three running PANZIER DRAGOON, etc. Sega also
had a section devoted to different forms of shelving(!) and Sega merchandise,
and massive mock-ups for less-than-stellar games like GARFIELD and VR
TROOPERS. Or look at Nintendo, who wasn't even in the South Hall with
Atari/Sega/3DO/Sony, but in the West Hall with most of the computer firms.
I lost count of how many Jaguar games I saw (I'll have to count after I finish
this message); almost each kiosk was running a completely different title,
with a few networked demo exceptions, which helped Atari cram more games in a
small amount of space. A few games -- RAYMAN, THEA REALM FIGHTERS, WHITE MEN
CAN'T JUMP, and ULTRA VORTEX -- got the "big screen" treatment, with massive
color TVs and a decorated theme area. RAYMAN, for instance, had vines and
plants in the area, and "tree stump" seats for people to sit in.
* JAGUAR VR. This was Atari's "big gun" product, and they made sure everyone
knew it. Atari was handing out VR promotional packets with free photographic
slides (for you magazine publishers) and lots of information, as well as
"Jaguar VR" T-shirts (take the traditional black Jaguar tee, but replace the
blood-red Jaguar logo on the back with a shiny embossed "Jaguar VR" instead).
Two raised diases were set up in the front of the area, where visitors got a
chance to try the Jaguar VR prototype gear. One line was devoted to members of
the press and media, while a second line was for "everyone else." Both lines
were long, though the media got preferental treatment. The hardware is 98%
finished, and final molds of the equipment were on display. The VR system
consists of three parts:
(1) VR goggles. No stereo vision, but otherwise a snug-fitting headset. Works
fine with glasses, too. Adjustable knobs for picture focus and head fit.
Plugs into the expansion port of the Jaguar.
(2) Trigger controller. A lightweight hand-held controller with two buttons: a
"trigger" and an "action" button. Plugs into the Jaguar controller port.
(3) Infrared receiver. Not used in the demo setups, but the final Jaguar VR
set will use an infrared receiver to track the position of your trigger
relative to your helmet.
The software being shown was ZONE HUNTER, a shoot-everything-that-moves
sci-fi game. It was currently running on a dedicated computer (unseen,
possibly an IBM PC). A Virtuality rep I talked to says that work on the Jaguar
game software has begun; the polygon count will probably be lower in the end,
but they expect to make up for it by giving you a larger "virtual world" to
play in.
Yes, I got to try the VR gear. B-) ZONE HUNTER is a simple game: you play a
futuristic space Marine, who walks around, through, and under a high-tech
city, blowing away all sorts of aliens and enemies. Grab powerups for your
gun, avoid damage, and reach your checkpoints before time runs out. Nothing
too complicated, but it was fun to play -- think of it as VR DOOM, if you
want (though not as fast). Graphics were plain polygons with a minimal amount
of texture-mapping; sounds consist of weapons fire and a "radio" voice from
your headquarters.
The prototype VR gear works like a charm, and the tracking of your head and
gun are perfect. For example, I stopped at the end of a hall, spun around,
and blew away a mutant creeping up behind me, and didn't feel any sort of
discontinuity from the game. Suffice it to say that this is a solid product.
I expressed some doubt that the $300 price tag might not make it worthwhile for
players. The Atari rep I talked to quickly contradicted me: a LOT of retailers
and sales representatives think there's a HUGE market for a $450 ($300 headset
plus $150 Jaguar) setup. Atari's very eager to get this out by Christmas 1995
as a result, and I can't blame them.
Final VR note: The current plans are to have at least two VR games available at
the headset's release: ZONE HUNTER and MISSILE COMMAND 3D. I managed to sneak
a peek at MC3D (it wasn't being shown to the general public), but the game was
too early to get a feel for what was going on. At least coding has started...
* NEWS AND MISINFORMATION. Here's a good time to segue into some potpourri of
Jaguar news and whatnot...
>> DOOM to be Jaguar pack-in? Don't be so sure of that, folks. Yes,
Atari was showing new Jaguar packaging, with more colorful box art, more
screen shots, and promotions of the Jaguar CD, Jaguar VR, and JagLink
cables to retailers in private. And yes, the front of the box says "DOOM
included."
But wait! What's that -other- box over there, the one that says "ALIEN VS.
PREDATOR included," then? Turns out that both boxes are marketing
mock-ups. While there are plans to bring back the Jaguar-and-game package,
there is no decision made yet as to what the pack-in will be. DOOM and AvP
are merely used to give retailers a feel for the new box design.
>> Does Atari have a clue? Despite what some people will say, Atari is not
unaware of their situation in the market. They have a good machine for a
good price, but their weakness is in software. They KNOW that.
"So what are they going to do about it?", you ask. Good question. How
does hiring experienced programmers from Sega sound for an answer. You
heard correctly. Apparently, Sega of America recently laid of twenty-five
programmers due to their own downsizing efforts. Atari is currently
interviewing each and every one of those ex-Sega coders, and wants to grab
the best of the bunch to work on Jaguar software.
But wait, there's more. Atari's new Director of Game Development (who was
also hired from Sega, as readers of my April report on the "Dealer
outreach pilot program" may remember) is also acutely aware of the problem
of the small Jaguar game library. Reports are that he's working "very
aggressively" on the development of new games, and he might have been the
leading force behind Atari's increased use of focus groups for new game
development (as reported previously on the net by various sources).
In theory, then, Atari's assembling the pieces necessary to increase the
quantity and quality of Jaguar games in a BIG way. Can they do it? Only
time will tell...
>> What about Christmas 1995? More programmers and better development are
good solutions for the long term, but what about the short? Well, Atari's
E3 line is that they're looking at "50 new games for 1995." Their handouts
and E3 advertising reflect this, with the tag line "50 new games + 64 bits
+ $159 = Do the Math."
Sounds incredulous? So am I. But it gets more interesting. When I asked
an Atari rep about how realistic this goal was, she insisted that it was a
serious goal. Atari is counting 50 titles from themselves and their
third-party developers; "We're actually trying to get more than 50 titles
out, but we admit there's a chance that some of them won't make it in
time."
Well, she seemed sincere, anyway. I'm still doubtful, personally, but I
only report what I hear...
>> Who's Afraid of Sony? Is Atari worried about the $300 Sony PlayStation?
No. Why not? Because it doesn't exist.
Take this with a bag of salt, too, but apparently the $300 PlayStation
announcement is a bit of misdirection from Sony, to recoup some of their
lost thunder from Sega's early Saturn release. The PlayStation will hit
the 'States for $300, but there are reports that it's the WHOLESALE price.
If this is true, then depending on how retail sales go, the PlayStation may
end up costing anywhere from $340 to $380 retail after the dust settles...
Semi-related sidebar: most of the retailers I talked with weren't floored
with Sega's early Saturn release. The feeling is that, at $400, it's still
priced too high for most consumers. The SNES and Genesis are still seen as
the price favorites, and the low-cost upgrades -- the Jaguar and the 32X --
are given better odds for survival. The consensus is also that the Jaguar
is technologically superior to the 32X, and Atari's lack of games is the
biggest thing holding them back (hmmm, sound familliar?).
Okay, enough gossiping. Let's get back to the really interesting stuff, and
talk about peripherals...
* JAGUAR SIX-BUTTON JOYPAD. Yes, it was there, being used to show off ULTRA
VORTEX. It feels about the same as the existing Jaguar joypad, but with the
following changes:
(1) Six buttons under the right thumb. The existing A, B, and C are joined by
1, 2, and 3, which map into the keypad buttons. The buttons are raised and
round, instead of the flushed squares on the existing pad.
(2) Two index finger buttons, which map into the keypad buttons 4 and 6 for
left and right.
(3) Minor mold changes near the keypad area, ostensibly to make removing
overlays easier.
(4) More tactile feedback on the joypad.
For the most part, those familliar with the existing Jaguar controller will
have no problems with this new one. Expect to see it appear in the Fall.
* JAGUAR CD. Everyone seems to be looking at August as a release date for this
peripheral. Why the delay? (Repeat after me) "No software!"
A walk around Atari's E3 floor will confirm that -- NONE of the Jaguar CD
titles shown were finished. Even VID GRID, the so-easy-I-can't-believe-it
title, was running as an unfinished "E3 Demo Version." You could play it, but
there were no provisions to set options y