Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 http://archive.org/details/entertainervideoOOunse Computer Entertainer INCLUDES Tikis Wiips© Cams Pi^pats r 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411 " N ^ © January, 1989 Volume 7, Number 10 $3.50 j In This Issue... Broderbund Steals the Show with U-FORCE A Complete Wrap-Up of CES with news you’ll see Nowhere Else! 1988 Awards of Excellence 1988 Index REVIEWS Include ... Predator | 720 ....for Commodore 64 Battles of Napoleon ...for Apple II Remote Joystick from Acclaim Othello Master Blaster ...for Nintendo R-Type Rambo III ...for Sega TOP FIFTEEN COMPUTER GAMES 1. Three Stooges (Cin/Co) 2. Ultima V (Ori/I) 3. Captain Blood (Min/1) 4. Pool of Radiance (SSI/Co) 5. 4th & Inches (Aco/Co) 6. Platoon (DE/Co) 7. ManhunterNew York (Sie/I) 8. Last Ninja (Act/Co) 9. Gauntlet (Min/Co) 10. California Games (Epy/Co) 11. Kings Quest IV (Sie/I) 12. Rocket Ranger (Cin/Co) 13. Grand Prix Circuit (Aco/I) 14. Rocket Ranger (Con/Am) 15. Fast Break (Aco/Co) TOP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMES 1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) 2. Bubble Bobble (Tai/NES) 3. R.C. Pro-Am (Nin/NES) 4. Bases Loaded (Jal/NES) 5. Double Dragon (TW/NES) 6. Life Force (Kon/NES) 7. Anticipation (Nin/NES) 8. T&C Surf Design (LJN/NES) 9. Legend of Zelda (Nin/NES) 10. Simon’s Quest (Kon/NES) 11. Cobra Command (DE/NES) 12. Punch-Out (Nin/NES) 13. Donkey Kong Classics (Nin/NES) 14. Shinobi (Sega/Sega) 15. Mickey Mousecapades (Cap/NES) Coming... More CES News including... Mediagenic (Activision) Mindscape Reviews include Bionic Commando Wrestlemania Skate or Die ...for Nintendo Leisure Suit Larry II Police Quest II ...for IBM Govellius ...for Sega V Nintendo’s huge CES booth was reminiscent of a three-ring circus full of countless attractions. In the midst of all the razzle-dazzle displayed by Nintendo and its 30+ licensees, Broderbund took the center ring and stole the show with its demonstration of U-FORCE the force field controller, an incredible accessory for the Nintendo system which eliminates? all physical contact between the player and the machine. Throughout the four-day CES, Broderbund had live demonstrations going about every 15 to 20 minutes and drew huge crowds of curious people who were amazed by what they saw: a young game player throwing punches in the air that were translated to punches on the screen in “Mike Tyson’s Punch- Out.” And to highlight the versatil¬ ity of U-FORCE, the youngster fol¬ lowed up with demonstrations of the controller in action with “Top Gun” and “Rad Racer,” still with no player connection to the Nintendo Control Deck. It was obvious that U-FORCE allowed this young player to become involved more directly in his games than possible with any normal controller, as he directed every on-screen motion with hand, arm and body motions that literally put him into the game. Having seen the magic of U- FORCE, a few onlookers still couldn’t believe what they saw. (One observer was overheard to say that another player had to be hidden somewhere, and that the hidden player must be controlling the screen action!) Gaming for the 21st Century Broderbund has catapulted video gaming into the 21st century with U-FORCE. Foronce, thatover-used advertising adjective, “revolution¬ ary,” legitimately applies to a new product that is part technology and seems to be part sorcery—and we believe that it will be completely irresistible to gamers. Broderbund’s slogan for U-FORCE, “Now nothing comes between you and the game,” is an apt description of U-FORCE’s likely appeal to players. Designed for use with almost any game for the NES that does not require either the Zapper or Power Pad, U-FORCE particu larly enhances the play value of more than 40 percent of existing games for the system, according to Broderbund. What Is U-FORCE and How Does It Work? As you can see from the accompanying photo, U-FORCE is about the size of a standard thrcc-ring notebook. It is used in an upright position (as shown) with some games and folded out flat for others. U-FORCE plugs directly into the controller port of the Nintendo deck and requires no batteries or other external source of power. A set of switches allows players to configure U-FORCE for play with specific games, as well as enabling the ‘Turbo” rapid-fire mode. (We were told that U-FORCE will be packaged with a chart providing configuration instructions for a wide variety of games.) And for players who want to hold onto something, at least for some games, U-FORCE will be packaged with a set of accessories which includes “firing handles” (two contoured handle grips topped with firing buttons) and aT-bar that can be used for steering action. Broderbund revealed very little about how U-FORCE actually works, except to say that U-FORCE detects a player’s exact motion, velocity, and relative position through a patent-protected series of electronic sensors and proprie¬ tary circuitry. The controller then instantly translates this player input into on-screen action. And What Will It Cost? What price will all this high-tech wizardry command? Many observers of the U-FORCE demon¬ stration guessed it would cost about $100, but Brodcrbund’s suggested retail price will be considerably less than that—about $70. Perhaps the best news of all, though, given the exciting possibilities of this breakthrough technology, is that Broderbund is working on new games that will exploit this controller’s unique capabilities. We can hardly wait! 1 r APPLE II Software NEUROM ANCER (***1/2/****) comes to the Apple 11 family in a beautifully programmed double hi-res version of the game we reviewed in November for Commodore 64/128. The animated adven¬ ture comes from the talented designers at Interplay Productions . and it’s based on the award-winning, cyberpunk novel of the same name by William Gibson. Complete with an original soundtrack by DEVO that sounds amazingly good on the Apple II’s meager sound system, the game is a futuristic hacker adventure spiced with both danger and humor. This one is a must for those who enjoy role-playing adventures. (Solo play; Joystick &/or keyboard; Blank disks required; 128K required.) Apple II version reviewed. Also available for Commodore 64/128 and coming soon for Amiga, MS-DOS. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) - A MS-DOS t AIRPLANE FACTORY (NA/***) is an interesting program de¬ signed for use with Chuck Yeager's Advanced Flight Trainer. Avail¬ able only through Electronic Arts Fulfillment Department (informa¬ tion below), this program from Design Software allows you to modify and create virtually an infinite variety of aircraft to be incorporated into Chuck Yeager. Easy-to-use menus allows you to choose everything from the size of the rudder, ailerons, flaps, etc., to the G-force limits as well as maximum cross wind. You can use any of these planes in any of the various courses and the program will keep a record of your best times. It’s an interesting addition for your library if you’re a AFT fan and would like to try out some new aircraft, (available only through EA Fullfillment Dept., 1-800-245-4525; add $3.00 for shipping) Recommended (MSR $22.95) BATTLES OF NAPOLEON (NA/***) is the latest advanced level wargame and construction set from SSI . On detailed tactical maps you can simulate virtually any Napoleonic engagement by way of the construction set. You can create five different types of terrain as well as building maps from scratch square-by-square or using random maps which can be modified. Obviously, you can creat your own armies, adjust existing armies, as well as weapons, nationality, strength, morale and more. If you simply want to jump into action, you can go to one of the pre-made scenarios such as Bordodino or Waterloo. For the Strategic Lovers With all the variables possible thanks to the construction set aspect of the game, any lover of strategy games will find a myriad of options allowing for session after session of wargaming set in Napoleonic times. It’s another detailed endeavor from the people who have brought the best of strategic wargaming to the home computer! (one player; reviwed on Apple II; coming for C64) Recommended (MSR $49.95) MACINTOSH Software CRAZY CARS (***/**1/2) takes you on a race against time on six tracks staged in areas such as Malibu, New York, Florida, etc. in a Mercedes 560 SEC. This game from Titus takes you through various tracks and, if you complete the race before the time runs out (that’s all six tracks), you’re upgraded to a faster car such as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Lamborghini Countach and a Ferrari GTO, with a total of 72 levels. Throughout the races you must drive as fast as possible while avoiding other cars on the roadway. Good Sound Effects The sounds are quite good in this version, with the whining high- pitched sounds of the engines very realistic. The driving is controlled by the keypad (which troubles us as many Macintosh owners do not own the extended keyboard with keypad - the directions do not address use of a keyboard without the keypad!) as opposed to the mouse which surprised us. The control is good, but our biggest complaint is that you cannot drive off the road and crash in the bushes, unlike any other driving game we ’ ve experienced. You can only move all the way to one side of the road or the other. Also, we would like to be able to choose our car for a little more fun. The game just does not stand out from other driving games out there and, in the Macintosh genre, does not hold a candle to Bullseye Software's Ferrari Grand Prix. That, in our opin¬ ion, is still the very best in the driving genre for Macintosh owners! (reviewed on Mac SE; works on Mac +, Mac SE with 1 meg. minimum; Mac II in color; also available for MS-DOS, Atari ST, Amiga) Not Recommended (MSR $39.95) Sierra Debuts SPACE QUEST III, SILPHEED and Others Sierra’s 3-D animated adventures have become a popular mainstay ol their software lineup, with two new ones featured in Sierra’s CES suite, GOLD RUSH, the first historical application of the 3-D animated adventure, is ready now for MS-DOS systems, with additional ver¬ sions for Apple 11GS, Apple II, Macintosh, Amiga and Atari ST to follow. The program is actually three games in one because it allows three different routes on your trek from the East Coast of the U.S. to the rich gold fields of California in the late 1800s. We look forward to reviewing this one. Sierra seems fond of turning good, successful games into very successful series. The Two Guys from Andromeda (Mark Crowe and Scott Murphy) are at it again with SPACE QUEST III: THE PIRATES OF PESTULON. This one looks better than its twc predecessors and sounds wonderful thanks to a full musical soundtrack written by rock musician Bob Siebenberg, drummer for Supertramp. The soundtrack supports Ad Lib, IBM and Roland MT-32 sound boards, and the enhanced music really adds a lot to the gaming experience. As to the content of the game, SPACE QUEST fans will find more of the challenge and absurdity that they’ve come to know and love in the continuing tale of Roger Wilco the space janitor. We also got a look at SILPHEED, the second title in Sierra’s licensing agree¬ ment with Game Arts of Japan—fabulous graphics, fast action, and. sound enhanced through the addition of a rhythm track added by Bob Siebenberg to the original Japanese soundtrack. Once again, IBM sound enhanced with a music board makes a big difference in the total feel and atmosphere of the game. The MS-DOS version of both SPACE QUEST III and SILPHEED will be followed by versions foi Apple I1GS, Amiga, Atari ST and Macintosh. Additional Announcements from Sierra Sierra announced four additional entertainment titles for 1989 at CES HOYLE’S BOOK OF CARDS, which contains Crazy 8s, Old Maid, Hearts, Cribbage, Solitaire and others. You can play by yourself or with up to three people against one of 12 different characters, including the author. THE PLANTATION MURDERS is a new 3-D animated adventure to be co-authored by Roberta Williams of Sierra and novelist Jackie Austin. The real-time murder mystery is to be filled with slapstick, cliches and suspense. CODE NAME: ICE MAN is a 3- D animated adventure written by Police Quest designer Jum Walls and a former U.S. intelligence officer. You become a member of the U.S. Navy SEALS commando team to rescue a kidnapped American ambassador to a North African country. KING ARTHUR will be the third new 3-D animated adventure, taking you in search of the Holy Grail and containing the familiar characters of King Arthur, Guinev¬ ere, Sir Lancelot and Merlin. Scenario Disks for Universal Military Simulator Rainbird Software has just released two new scenario disks for Universal Military Simulator. Available for Macintosh, Atari ST, MS- DOS, and Amiga, the two disks are The American Civil War: Scenario Disk One , and Vietnam: Scenario Disk Two. The American Civil War disk includes three battles: Shilog, Chattanooga, and Antietam. Vietnam’s scenarios are Hill 823, Ngoh Kam Leat, and Hill 875. The disks are available for $19.95 each. V___ 2 TH E RATING SYSTEM: 4 STARS = EXCELLENT 2 STARS = FAIR 3 STARS = GOOD 1 STAR = POOR * = ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1st set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value) NA - Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 1988 AWARDS of EXCELLENCE Announced! Once again, it's time to announce our Awards of Excellence. These are voted on by the editors of Computer Entertainer from the over 300 programs the newsletter has reviewed in the past twelve months. This is the seventh time we’ve locked ourselves in our offices and battled over the best of the best. As you will note, not all systems are represented in categories broken down by system. In those cases, we have decided there is no program worthy of this highest honor which we bestow on the industry’s best. Obviously, as always, there are some highly deserving programs which have not been recognized because of the strength of the programs out there! Congratulations to the winners! OmmiMi PROGRAM OF THE YEAR—ENTERTAINMENT: Amiga: ROCKET RANGER (Cinemaware) Apple II: WIZARDRY: RETURN OF WERDNA (Sir Tech) Apple IIGS: BUBBLE GHOST (Accolade) Atari ST: CAPTAIN BLOOD (Mindscape) Commodore 64/128: POOL OF RADIANCE (Strategic Simulations, Inc.) IBM PC/compatibles: BATTLEHAWKS 1942 (Lucasfilm, distributed by Mediagenic) Macintosh: THE COLONY (Mindscape) SPORTS PROGRAM OF THE YEAR: Apple II: STAR RANK BOXING II (Gamestar) Commodore 64/128: FAST BREAK (Accolade) IBM PClcompatibles: JACK N1CKLAUS ’ GREATEST 18 HOLES OF MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF (Accolade) DESIGNER OF THE YEAR (all systems): Ezra Sidran for UNIVERSAL MILITARY SIMULATOR (Rainbird, distributed by Mediagenic) MOST INNOVATIVE PROGRAM (all systems): BATTLE CHESS (Interplay Productions, distributed by Mediagenic) EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN GRAPHICS & SOUND (all systems): King's Quest IV (Sierra) BEST ADVENTURE/FANTASY (w/graphics): MAN HUNTER: NEW YORK (Sierra) BEST SIMULATOR: (tie) PS1 MUSTANG FLIGHT SIMULATOR (Bullseye Software for Macintosh) PT-109 (Digital Illusions for Spectrum Holobyte - Macintosh) BEST ACTION/ARCADE-STYLE GAME (all systems): CHOP'N DROP (Activision) BEST STRATEGYAVARGAME (all systems): DECISIVE BATTLES OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR , VoL 1 & 2 (Strategic Studies Group, distributed by Electronic Arts) BEST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM (all systems): MIXED UP MOTHER GOOSE (Roberta Williams for Sierra) \ Y1DEJ2 GAMER GAME OF THE YEAR: Nintendo: SUPER MARIO BROS. 2 (Nintendo) Sega: PHANTASY STAR (Sega) SPORTS GAME OF THE YEAR: Nintendo: ICE HOCKEY (Nintendo) Sega: GREAT BASKETBALL (Sega) MOST INNOVATIVE PROGRAM: MONOPOLY (Sega for Sega) Broderbund Debuts STAR WARS Game The Amiga version of STAR WARS from Broderbund was featured in Commodore’s booth, re-creating the famous movie scene in which Luke Sky walker runs the gauntlet of Tie Fighters in his X-Wing fighter to destroy the Empire’s Death Star. Rendered in first-person, 3-D color vector graphics, the program is based on the Atari Games coin-op and puts the player in Luke Sky walker’s pivotal role. The game will also be released in versions for C64/128, MS-DOS, and Atari ST (MSR $39.95, except C64/128 at $29.95). Broderbund Affiliates Show Variety of Programs In Broderbund’s own booth, the company displayed a variety of new titles from four of its affiliated labels. Origin showed a new fantasy role-playing game, TANGLED TALES, initially to be available for Apple II and Commodore 64/128, with an MS-DOS version to follow ($29.95). Subtitled “The Misadventures of a Wizard’s Apprentice,” the game is the first from Origin to feature a decidedly humorous approach to the usually serious theme of medieval adventuring. The designer promises that the game is full of odd characters, surprise and intrigue, and we look forward to being able to review it this spring. And after a long absence, Origin’s ULTIMA II will be available once again this spring for Apple II, C64/128 and MS-DOS systems. Best of all, it will be packaged with ULTIMA I and III as the ULTIMA TRILOGY ($59.95). Also on display in Broderbund’s booth was Velocity’s JET FIGHTER: THE ADVENTURE ($49.95), a flight simulation adven¬ ture with 30 missions for MS-DOS. And coming this month from Maxis is SIMCITY for Macintosh ($49.95), with Amiga ($44.95) and C64/128 ($29.95) versions to follow. SIMCITY lets the user become Mayor and City Planner of any of eight world cities at a point in real or simulated history when they are on the brink of disaster. It is also possible to design, plan and grow your own utopian dream city from the ground up. Japanese Games from Kyodai and Broderbund Broderbund’s fourth affiliated label, Kyodai, is actually a joint ven¬ ture involving Broderbund and 11 Japanese computer software com¬ panies. The object of the joint venture is to bring best-selling Japanese computer software to American audiences. Winter CES marked the first showing of Kyodai products: PSYCHIC WAR, HYDLIDE and ANCIENT LAND OF YS. The first is a fantasy role-playing game with a science fiction theme which is full of puzzles and features “psychic teamwork” as a strategy. HYDLIDE, actually the third game in a very popular Japanese action/role-playing game trilogy, features a wide variety of enemy creatures and looked very good to us. (The HYDLIDE game coming from FCI for the Nintendo system is the second game of the trilogy.) ANCIENT LAND OF YS is another number-one Japanese hit that combines role-playing elements with action in a quest for the six lost Books of Ys. (Another version of this game will be released on the Sega game system as Y’S: THE VAN¬ ISHED OMENS.) All three of the Kyodai games will be available for MS-DOS ($44.95 each). HYDLIDE will also be done for C64/128 ($34.95), and ANCIENT LAND OF YS is planned for Apple IIGS ($44.95). WHOOPS! A gremlin got into our lay-out room last month, inadvertently putting MOST HUMOROUS (all systems): SHUFFLEPUCK CAFE (Broderbund for Macintosh the Atari ST review of Karateka under the Apple II heading! Our apologies. Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 COMMODORE 64/128 Software | JORDAN VS. BIRD ONE ON ONE (****/****) is three basket¬ ball games in one from Electronic Arts in which the skills of Michael Jordan and Larry Bird are integrated into the program. You can choose to go one-on-one on a half-court which scrolls three screens wide; engage in a Jordan Slam Dunk contest with up to four players; or have a 3-point contest in which up to four players try to sink the long bombs. In the one-on-one contest, you can play a full game of four quarters (you can adjust the time for each quarter) or play to II or 15 points. At the end of each quarter, a stat screen appears in which you can see how you’re doing and what you should try and improve on. In the Slam Dunk contest, there are five judges who rate you on take-off, creativity in the air, and jam power. In the 3-point shootout, you can be Larry Bird with a clock of 60 seconds and five balls in five bins for a total of 25 shots. There are four levels of play to choose from. There’s also an instant replay feature which will replay all the great shots in slow motion. You don’t get to choose when the replays occur so you can either choose to have the feature “on” or “off.” Good Action, Good Graphics The game features some pretty great gaming as you do all your control with a joystick. The graphics have been reworked nicely for the Commodore version to enhance the characters so they are larger than the MS DOS version. As a result, the game has a nice feel and look to it. The sound effects are quite good as you get the realistic sound of the ball bouncing, as well as the swish of the net. All in all, it’s a good game of one-on-one, with the extra added features of the Slam Dunk contest and 3-point shootout (reviewed on C64; joystick rquired; 1-4 players; also available for MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $29.95) aliens come at you with increasing tenacity. Good Arcade Action This is a fast-paced shoot-’em-up which will test your reflexes as you move through the various sectors, shooting, saving hostages, and picking up better weapons. The graphics are crisp and quite colorful, with lots of aliens in all manners of shapes, sizes, and colors. It’s agreat game for all of you arcaders out there! (one or two player, joystick required; reviewed on C64; also available for Atari ST and Amiga) Recommended (MSR $29.95) TECHNOCOP (**/**) is a combination car driving game and shoot-’em-up from US. Gold and Epxx in which you must eradicate a ruthless crime family known as D.O.A. (Death on Arrival) as they attempt crime of every sort. You must speed down the highway and scan the screen on your V-Max car for the location of a crime, as well as time remaining to reach the scene. Once you reach the scene of the crime, you’ll run into all sorts of thugs brandishing knives, guns, etc. Your wrist console includes a health indicator and life counter as you work your way through a series of tenement buildings searching out the DOA kingpins. Lacks Excitement It’s an interesting combination of racing and arcade action as you take down the thugs, but we found it lacks that certain something to make it stand out from the crowd. The racing portion does not measure up to car racing games and the chasing of thugs and thieves has not been approached with any originality. Add to that, the graphics are not up to snuff as we found them blocky and somewhat undefined, consid¬ ering the capabilities of the C64. Overall, it’s just not a memorable game, (one player; joystick required; reviewed on C64; coming for Amiga, Apple II, MS DOS, Atari ST) Not Recommended (MSR $39.95) 720° (***^***) from Mindscave . takes you into the world of skateboarding, beginning in the Main Park where you can work on your skills. You must get to all the events before time runs out. There are several maps in case you get lost which will help you find the various events which include Downhill, Ramp, Jump, and Slalom. In the main park you must watch out for everything from cars, thugs, water, ramps, and more. Watch out for loose dollar bills along the way. Pick those us, as well as winning cash in the events and you can go buy some hot equipment in the four stores: Skateboard shop, Helmet shop, Shoe and Pad shops. In the various events you can show off everything from a skating handstand to the dangerous 720°. There are four levels of play. Fun for Skatboarding Enthusiasts We know from the phone calls we get there are quite a few skateboard enthusiasts out there (armchair or otherwise) and this will give you a chance to try all those moves that the local kids thrive on (and, you won’t break an arm!) There’s plenty of different skateboarding action to try out which will take you awhile to master. The graphics are simple, but good and there’s a nice demo to introduce you to the game. (One player; joystick required; reviewed on C64) (MSR $29.95) ALIEN SYNDROME (***1/2/***) is the latest computer conver¬ sion from Sem and distributed by Minds cape . Mysterious alien parasites have invaded our out- colony and taken hundreds of inhabitants as hostage. You must save the day by going in and blasting the aliens away with your laser exter¬ minator. Rescue hostages, pick¬ up hidden so¬ phisticated weapons, and shoot down the aliens as fast as you can. As you move throught the various sectors, you can touch a map along the walls and the locations of the hostages will be shown. Guarding every exit is a Super Alien, bigger and badder than all the rest. You must kill it before you can move on. There are electronic doors, hidden passageways, holes in the floors, and much more. All the while, the 4 PREDATOR (***^**1/2) is based on the movie of the same name ; starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and available from A division Enter¬ tainment (distributed by Mediagenic ). Using a Schwarzenegger-type J character in the graphics, you become his role of a leader of an elite • military rescue team battling your way through the jungles of South , America, past militant guerillas, rescuing US diplomats from a terror¬ ist stronghold. There’s multiple weaponry which can be found along t the way including machine gunes, flame throwers, and hand grenades. You must stalk your way through thirty screens, some at night, looking , for the hostages, while looking out for and killing the enemy who pops out from behind trees, below bunkers, etc. Nothing Extraordinary While the game does not break any new ground, it’s the type of game which will appeal to boys where they can pretend they’re Sch¬ warzenegger out there in the jungle all alone, fighting enemies at every turn. The graphics are quite nice with good detail and color. The big plus for this game is the attractive pricing which makes it a good selection as a shoot-’em-up for those who don’t want to spend the I normal $30-$40. (one player; joystick required; reviewed on Commo- , do re 64) (MSR $14.95) j AMIGA Software BATTLESHIP (***^**) pits your naval fleet against a friend or the computer in a battle simulation from Epxx . You begin by strategically positioning your ships on a grid. Then, you are asked to, on the opponent’s grid coordinates (the ships do not show on the grid), mark out the shots you wish to make (beginning with 24 shots, decreasing as the opponent sinks your ships). The winner is the person who sinks all the opponent’s ships first. Quickly Boring While the graphics are good and there’s nice speech, the gameplay quickly becomes boring as all you do is place the location of your shots and then watch a simulation of your ship’s cannons sending shots into the distance at your opponent’s ships. The only action is an occasional plane which flies atyou and the sinking of ships as you hitthemenough times. That’s it...nothing more. Not enough to keep us interested more than one session (one player; multi-player tournament option; re¬ viewed on Amiga; coming for MS-DOS) Not Recommended Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 , 1943 (Preview) ! 1943: Battle of Midway ; 4x4 Off-Road Racing i Adventure Island Afterburner Air Traffic Control Simulator Alex Kidd: Lost Stars ) Alien Fires-2199 A.D. . Alien Syndrome , Ancient Art of War at Sea Apache Strike Arcade Game Construction Kit Aztec Adventure B-24 Balance of Power: 1990 Edn Ballblazer Bard's Tale III: Thief of Fate Barnyard Blaster Bases Loaded Battle Chess Battledroidz Battlchawks 1942 Battlezone Beyond Dark Castle Blackjack Academy Blackjack Academy Blade Eagle 3-D Blades of Steel Blockbuster Blockbuster Blockbuster Blockbuster Blue Max Bomber Raid Bubble Bobble Bubble Ghost Bubble Ghost Bubble Ghost Bump'n'Jump California Games Captain Blood Captain Blood Card Sharks Chop’n Drop Chuck Yeager Adv Right Sim City Connection Clubhouse Sports Cobra Command Colony, The Commando Commando Contra Cosmic Relief Cosmic Relief Crazy Cars Crazy Cars Crazy Cars Cyborg Hunter David's Midnight Magic Deathlord Decisive Battles Civ War V 1 Decisive Battles Civ War V 1 Decisive Battles Civ War V2 Decisive Battles Civ War V2 DeluxePaint II Demon's Winter Dinosaurs Are Forever Dive Bomber Dive Bomber Dondra: New Beginning Double Dragon Double Dragon Double Dragon Dr. Chaos Dragon Power Dungeon Masters Assistant VI Ebonstar Elite Epyx 500XJ Joystick F-18 Hornet Fantasy Zone II Fantasy Zone: Maze Fast Break Fight Night Fighting Golf (Preview) Final Assault Final Assault Final Assault Fire & Forget Fire & Forget Fire & Forget Fire Power First Expedition Freedom Force Freedom Stick Galaga Games Winter Edition, The Games: Summer Edition Games: Summer Edition GATO Gauntlet Gauntlet Gauntlet Global Commander Global Defense Golgo 13 Gotcha Grand Prix Circuit Grand Prix Circuit Great Basketball NES Capcom May NES Capcom Dec C64 Epyx Sep NES I Iudson Soft Nov Sega Sega Apr Mac IUCS/W May Sega Sega Jul IBM Paragon Aug Sega Sega Apr Ap Broderbund Dec Mac Silicon Beach Jan Co Broderbund Dec Sega Sega Mar IBM SSI Apr Mac Mindscape Sep XE Atari Jan £ Elec Arts Atari Apr Jan NES Jaleco Sep Am Interplay Nov Co Datasoft May IBM Lucasfilm Nov XE Atari Feb Mac Silicon Bch Mar Co MicroDlusionsMar IBM MicroDlusionsMar Sega Sega Oct NES Konami Dec Co Mindscape Apr IBM Mindscape Apr ST Mindscape Apr Am Mindscape Apr XE Atari Jan Sega Activision Dec NES Taito Dec C64 Accolade Sep ST Accolade Jul GS Accolade Nov NES Vic Tokai Dec 2600 Epyx Jul Co Mindscape Oct ST Mindscape Aug Co Accolade Jan Co Activision Dec Mac Elec Arts Jul NES Jaleco May Co Mindscape Jul NES Data East Dec Mac Mindscape Sep Int INTV Corp Feb 2600 Activision Jul NES Konami Mar ST DataSoft Aug Co DataSoft Aug IBM Titus S/W Dec ST Titus S/W Dec Am Titus S/W Dec Sega Activision Dec XE Atari Jan Ap Elec Arts Feb Co SSG Feb Ap SSG Feb C64 SSG Aug Ap SSG Aug IBM Elec Arts Apr Ap SSI Sep Ap Polar ware Apr ST U.S. Gold Aug Ap U.S. Gold Sep Ap Sped. Holo. Jan NES Tradewest Jul Co Arcadia Dec IBM Arcadia Dec NES FCI Dec NES Bandai Apr Ap SSI Sep Am MicroDlusionsMay IBM Firebird Feb Sega Epyx Jul Co Absolute Ent Dec Sega Sega Jan Sega Sega Oct Co Accolade Oct XE Atari May NES SNK Feb Co Epyx Oct IBM Epyx Oct Am Epyx Oct IBM Titus SAV Dec ST Titus SAV Dec Am Titus SAV Dec Am Microlllusions Feb IBM Interstel Mar NES SunSoft Jul multi Camerica Oct NES Bandai Oct Co Epyx May Co Epyx Oct Ap Epyx Dec XE Atari May IBM Mindscape Feb Ap Mindscape Apr NES Tengen Aug Co Datasoft May Sega Sega Mar NES Vic Tokai Oct NES UN Toys Feb IBM Accolade Nov Co Accolade Dec Sega Sega Jan 1988 INDEX Hardball XE Atari Jan Hat Trick Co Capcom Jan Home Video Producer IBM Epyx Aug Home Video Producer C64 Epyx Aug I Iunt for Red October, The IBM Datasoft Mar I Iunt for Red October, The Co Datasoft Apr Ice Hockey NES Nintendo Apr Ikari Warriors Ap Data East Feb Ikari Warriors IBM Data East Sep Ikari Warriors II (Preview) NES SNK Jan Impossible Mission II ST Epyx May Impossible Mission II Co Epyx May Indiana Jones/Temple of Doom ST Mindscape Jul Indiana Jones/Temple of Doom C64 Mindscape Aug Into Eagle's Nest IBM Mindscape Feb Iron Tank NES SNK Oct Jack Nicklaus Greatest 18 Holes/ Maj Champshp Golf IBM Accolade Nov Jaws NES UN Toys Feb Jet Am SubLogic Mar Jet-Boys Co Avantage Oct Jinxter Co Rainbird Mar Karateka ST Broderbund Dec Kamov Co Data East Jul Kamov NES Data East Feb Kenseiden Sega Sega Nov Kid Niki Co Data East Feb Kid Niki Ap Data East Feb L.A. Crackdown Co Epyx Jun L.A. Crackdown IBM Epyx Jun Lane Mastodon Vs Blubbermen AP Infocom Mar Lane Mastodon Vs Blubbermen Co Infocom Mar Lane Mastodon Vs Blubbermen IBM Infocom Mar Last Ninja, The IBM Activision Jul Last Ninja, The Ap Activision Dec Legend of Blacksilver Co Epyx Dec Legendary Wings NES Capcom Aug Legendary Wings (Preview) NES Capcom May Life Force NES Konami Sep Lock-On IBM Data East Sep Magnetron Co Broderbund Jan Mainframe Co MicroDlusionsJul Major League Baseball NES UN Toys May Manhole, The Mac Activision Nov Manhunter: New York IBM Siena Oct Manhunter:New York GS Siena Nov Master Ninja IBM Paragon Mar Master Ninja Co Paragon Jul Maze Hunter 3-D Sega Sega Jun Mean 18 Mac Accolade Nov Mega Man NES Capcom Jan Mega Programmable Controller NES Bandai Oct Metal Gear NES Ultra Aug Mickey Mousecapade NES Capcom Sep Milon's Secret Castle NES Hudson Soft Nov Mini Golf Co Capcom Jan Mini-Putt IBM Accolade Feb Miracle Warriors Sega Sega Nov MISL Soccer Co Mindscape Feb MISL Superstar Soccer IBM Mindscape May Mixed-Up Mother Goose IBM Siena Jan Monopoly C64 Virgin Games Aug Monopoly Sega Sega Oct Napoleon in Russia At Datasoft Aug Napoleon in Russia-1812 IBM Datasoft Nov NES Max NES Nintendo Mar Neuromancer Co Interplay Nov Obliterator Am Psy gnosis May Obliterator ST Psygnosis May Ocean Ranger C64 Activision Sep Operation: Clean Streets IBM Broderbund Dec Out Run Co Sega Oct P51 Mustang Rt Simulator Mac Bullseye S/W Nov Panzer Strike Co SSI Mar Paperboy Ap Mindscape Jun Paperclip Publisher Co Batteries Inc Apr Parlour Games Sega Sega May Patton Vs Rommel Co Elec Arts Apr Penguin Land Sega Sega Feb Pete Rose Pennant Fever IBM Gamestar Nov Phantasy Star Sega Sega Dec Pharaoh's Revenge Ap Publ. Inti Aug Pharaoh's Revenge IBM Publ. Inti Aug Plasmatron Co Avantage Feb Ratoon C64 Data East Sep Pole Position Int INTV Corp Mar Police Quest Mac Siena Sep Pool of Radiance/AD&D C64 SSI Sep Ports of Call Am Aegis May Postermaker Rus Mac Strider S/W Apr Power at Sea Co Accolade Mar PT-109 Mac Spect. Holo. May IT-109 IBM Spect. Holo. Oct Q*Bert Co Data East Mar Q-Ball Am Mindscape Jan Question of Scruples Ap Virgin Games Sep Question of Scruples C64 Virgin Games Sep Questron II Co SSI Mar R.B.l. Baseball NES Tengen Dec R.C. Pro-Am NES Nintendo Apr Rack'Em Co Accolade Nov Rack'Em IBM Accolade Nov Racket Attack NES Jaleco Nov Rambo NES Acclaim Jul Rampage IBM Activision Apr Rampage Ap Activision Dec Rampage Co Activision Dec Rampage Sega Activision Dec Rapid Fire Control Stick Sega Renegade NES Rescue on Fractalus XE River Raid II 2600 Road Runner Co Road Runner ST RoadRaider Am RoadRaider ST Roadwars Co Rocket Ranger Am Rocket Ranger IBM Rocket Ranger Co Rockford the Arcade Game Co Rommel Battles for N Africa Co Rommel Battles for N Afriwca Ap Search & Destroy IBM Seicross NES Serve & Volley Co Serve & Volley IBM Shadowgate IBM Shanghai Sega Sherlock: Riddle/ Crown Jewels all Shufflepuck Cafe Mac Sinbad/Throne of Falcon ST Sky Travel Co Slam Dunk Super Pro Basketball Int SI ayg on ST Soko-Ban Ap Solitaire Royale Mac Solitaire Royale Am Sons of Liberty At Space Harrier Co Space I Iarrier ST Space Harrier 3-D Sega Space Quest II Mac Space Station Oblivion IBM Speed Buggy Co Speed Buggy ST Sporting News Baseball C64 Spy Vs Spy Sega Star Command IBM Star Raiders II XE Star Rank Boxing II IBM Star Rank Boxing II Ap Steel Thunder Co Stocker Co Street Sports Football Co Street Sports Soccer Co Strike Reel Ap Strike Reet Co Super Mario Bros. 2 NES Super Pitfall NES Superbike Challenge IBM Take Down Co Tamrac Game Keeper NES Tamrac System Keeper NES/Sega/At Tanglewood ST Tetris IBM Tetris Co Tetris Mac Tetris Ap Tetris GS Three Stoogese Am Thunder Blade Sega TKO Co TNK III Co Tomahawk IBM Tower Toppler C64 Town & Country Surf Designs NES Train, The Co Train, The: Escape to Normandy IBM Twilight's Ransom IBM Typhoon of Steel AP Typhoon of Steel Co Typhoon Thompson/Sea Child ST Universal Military Sim ST Universal Military Sim IBM Up Periscope IBM VCR Companion Ap Victory Road Co Video Shooter NES Video Title Shop At Warlock GS Warship IBM Wasteland Ap Wheel of Fortune NES Where/Europe/Carmen Sandiego C64 Where/Europe/Carmen Sandiego Ap Where/World/Carmen Sandiego Sega Wings of Fury Ap Winter Challenge Co Wizardry: Return of Werdna A P Wizards & Warriors NES Wonder Boy in Monster Land Sega Xevious NES Zaxxon 3-D Sega Zelda II: Adventure of Link NES Zig Zag Co Zillion Sega Zillion II: Tri Formation Sega Zinger Joystick NES Zorkquest: Assault on Egreth Castle Co Zorkquest: Assault on Egreth Castle IBM Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 Sega Oct Taito Feb Atari Jan Activision Dec Mindscape Jun Mindscape Jul Mindscape Nov Mindscape Nov Arcadia Jul Cinemaware Nov Cinema ware Nov Cinemaware Dec Arcadia Jun SSG Jun SSG Jun Broderbund Jan FCI Nov Accolade Nov Accolade Nov Mindscape Aug Sega Nov Infocom Feb Broderbund Aug Cinemaware Sep MicroDlusionsJul INTV Corp Feb Microdeal Mar Spect. Holo. Jul Spect. Holo. Jan Spect. Holo. Aug SSI Apr Sega Oct Sega Oct Sega Jul Siena Sep Epyx Nov Data East Feb Data East Jul Epyx Sep Sega Nov SSI Apr Atari Jan Gamestar Jan Gamestar Sep Accolade Nov Capcom Jul Epyx Dec Epyx Jun Lucasfilm Apr Lucasfilm Jan Nintendo Oct Activision May Broderbund Jan Gamestar Oct Tamrac Aug Tamrac Aug Microdeal Jan Spect. Holo. Feb Spect. Holo. Feb Spect. Holo. Jul Spect. Holo. Sep Spect. Holo. Sep Cinemaware May Sega Nov Accolade Dec Data East Mar Datasoft Feb U.S. Gold Sep UN Mar Accolade Jan Accolade Nov Paragon Mar SSI Oct SSI Oct Broderbund Aug Rainbird Apr Rainbird Apr ActionSoft Aug Broderbund Sep Data East Nov Flaco Toys Dec Datasoft Apr Three-Sixty Nov SSI Aug Elec Arts Apr GameTek Oct Broderbund Aug Broderbund Mar Parker Bros Dec Broderbund Jan Thunder Mtn Mar Sir-Tech Feb Acclaim Jan Sega Sep Bandai Oct Sega Apr Nintendo Nov Spect. Holo. Feb Sega Jan Sega Jul Beeshu Mar Infocom Jul Infocom Jul 5 — C.E.S. Highlights The 1989 Winter Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas was a busy and exciting show where the mood was generally upbeat among the companies of most interest to our readers—those who produce computer entertainment software, video games, and accesso¬ ries for computers and video game systems. Since CES encompasses all of consumer electronics, many other products are represented, from video and audio to telephones, calculators and even watches. Notable products at the ’89 Winter CES which fall outside our usual area of coverage included the first consumer-oriented, still video cameras from Canon and Sony (video “snapshots” are taken on a reusable 2- inch mini floppy disk and shown on a TV monitor) and the emerging technology of HDTV (high definition TV, which will require a new broadcast standard for full effect). We’ve seen early experiments in 3- D TV at previous shows, but this year was the first time we saw completely flicker-free 3-D TV (from Toshiba). All of this was “neat stuff’ and quite fascinating to anyone who enjoys watching the continuing march of technology, as we do. But for us, all the REALLY neat stuff was over in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, which housed the computer and video games. Fun and Games in the West Hall We weren’t the only ones interested in all the fun and games in the West Hall, as the building was constantly bustling with crowds during the four-day show. Nintendo and its licensees occupied the biggest chunk of real estate in the Hall, an extremely large booth which was always full of people. Nintendo wasn’t stealing crowds from other exhibitors in the Hall, though, because most other booths were busy, too—most notably the Sega booth across the aisle from Nintendo. Within the Nintendo booth, Broderbund consistently drew the largest and most attentive crowds of their show with its U-FORCE controller. Some of the most memorable NES games we saw during CES were Scika’sSHADOWG ATE, Nintendo’s P1NBOT, Activision’sTHREE STOOGES, Ultra’s SKATE OR DIE, Milton Bradley’s MARBLE M ADNESS andTaito’s OPERATION WOLF. On the Sega side of the aisle, the games that stood out in our minds were Sega’s Y’S: THE VANISHED OMENS, Parker Brothers’ MONTEZUMA’S RE¬ VENGE and Activision’s GALAXY FORCE. The word on game shortages in 1989 is that supplies are beginning to ease just a little. A number of Nintendo licensees were happy with their first-half alloca¬ tions from Nintendo, and some were not happy at all. While there may not be enough games to go around, there will definitely be more than enough controllers and other accessories. Nintendo’s is the band¬ wagon that everyone wants to jump onto, meaning a proliferation of joysticks and other accessories—probably too many for the market to support all of them. As always, the best and strongest will survive. As for video game systems, no one showed 16-bit technology, no new systems were introduced, and Atari was conspicuous in its absence. (Atari did maintain a hotel suite away from the Convention Center, however.) More Variety and Quality in Computer Games The good word about computer games is that there seemed to be more variety and quality than ever at this year’s CES. Technology marches ahead, with both Cinemaware (DEFENDER OF THE CROWN) and Activision (THE MANHOLE) showing the first completed CD-ROM entertainment products. We salute both companies for their obvious commitment to the future of computer gaming, in spite of the certainty that neither company is going to sell many of those CD-ROMs in 1989. (The installed base of CD-ROM drives is still very small.) MS-DOS appears to be the new king of the hill in computer games, with the Commodore 64/128 market still very important. Developers are still introducing new product for the venerable Apple 11 family, although not as much as in the past. No one seems to have a handle on Macintosh when it comes to computer games. Some entertainment titles have sold very well on Mac while many do poorly. New titles are still being shown for Atari ST, particularly from companies that have a strong market in Europe where the ST is more popular than it is here. Privately, a number of developers express disappointment in U.S. sales of ST software. One we talked to, who did not give us permission to use his name, considers his upcoming release of the ST version of a game as a test because the game has been a major hit in other formats. “If this one doesn’t sell the way it should, it will probably be the last ST game we do,” he said. The Amiga market is growing, as is the Apple IIGS market, and designers seem to like working with these two machines. Among the wide array of computer games we saw at CES itself and in hotel suites, there were many notables including Infogrames’ HOS- _ TAGE for Amiga, Electronic Arts’ KINGS OF THE BEACH for MS- DOS, Cinemaware’s LORDS OF THE RISING SUN for Amiga, Sierra’s SPACE QUEST III for MS-DOS, Kyodai’s HYDL1DE for MS-DOS, Taito’s ARKANOID for Apple IIGS, Tengen’s PAC- MANIA for Amiga,The Software Toolworks’ LIFE AND DEATH for MS-DOS, Epyx’s AXE OF RAGE for Amiga, and Data East’s SUPER HANG-ON for Macintosh. And we won’t be able to decide between the two auto racing previews we saw on MS-DOS, one from Spectrum HoloByte and one from Three-Sixty, until we get the chance to review the finished products. It was a great show! Electronics Arts Shows Three New Entertainment Programs for IBM Two new military simulations and a sports game for MS-DOS systems from Electronic Arts Studio made their debut at CES. 688 ATTACK SUB puts you in charge of a top-secret Los Angeles-class U.S. attack sub in any of 10 missions, or you can choose to command an Alfa-class Soviet sub. This program also has a modem option that lets you play against a friend in a different location. ABRAMS BATTLE TANK is a combat simulation which can be viewed from any of four different stations within the powerful Abrams M1A1 tank. There are eight missions against the Soviets plus a World War II campaign. EA recruited today’s number-one beach volleyball team of Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos to help with the development of KINGS OF THE BEACH, a very impressive and realistic sports simulation set on four famous beaches. And EA announced improved MS-DOS versions of two hit programs: EARL WEAVER BASEBALL 1.5 (improved graphics, more realistic batter’s perspective and now supports 16- color EGA graphics) and CHUCK YEAGER ADVANCED FLIGHT TRAINER 2.0 (includes four new aircraft, enhanced graphics, and the “Flying Insights” audio tape by Yeager). EA Affiliates Show New Programs Additional products in Strategic Simulations’ Advanced Dungeons & Dragons line were the highlight of the company’s CES showing in the Electronic Arts Distribution suite. The new programs are the fantasy role-playing game, POOL OF RADIANCE, for MS-DOS systems ($49.95); the action game, HEROES OF THE LANCE, for Amiga ($39.95); and the database utility program, DUNGEON MASTERS ASSISTANT, VOL. 1: ENCOUNTERS, for MS-DOS systems ($29.95). SSI also announced the upcoming release of the next role-playing game set in the AD&D Forgotten Realms World, HILLS FAR ($39.95 for C64/128 and $49.95 for MS-DOS). Arcade- style action sequences will be part of HILLSFAR, including archery and equestrian events. SSI’s only new game that is not part of the AD&D group is FIRST OVER GERMANY, a World War II B-17 flight emulator coming forC64/128 and Apple II ($49.95). Other EA affiliates showing or announcing new titles were Arcadia with DOUBLE DRAGON (new Amiga version $39.99) and ARTURA (medieval action-adventure for Atari ST at $39.99 and C64/128 at $34.99), Datasoft with the Apple IIGS version of HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, and Miles Computing with Macintosh and IBM versions of the puzzle game THE FOOL’S ERRAND, the combat flight simulator HARRIER STRIKE MISSION II, and the clip art utility MAC THE KNIFE 6: TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS. Miles also showed a graphic adventure, THE MAGIC CANDLE, available currently for Apple II and coming soon for MS-DOS and C64/128 and planned this summer for Apple IIGS. We were not initially impressed with this one, but we’ll reserve final judgement until we’ve had a chance for a hands-on review. Virgin Games introduced an MS-DOS version of the classic boardgame, MONOPOLY, and announced that they will soon release Atari ST versions of another pair of classics, RISK and CLUE. Strategic Studies Group of Australia announced their first wargame for MS-DOS systems, HALLS OF MON¬ TEZUMA, the battle history of the U.S. Marine Corps ($44.95). New fromThe Software Toolworks are FIDELITY CHESSMASTER2100 for Apple IIGS and LIFE AND DEATH for MS-DOS. One of our reviewers fell in love with the humor and true-to-life realism of the latter program, which is a simulation of a young surgical intern’s early experiences in a hospital operating room. Moved??? Don’t forget to tell us so you don’t miss any issues. Send us your new address, along with your old zip code and subscriber number (the last FOUR digits of your mailing label) and we’ll do the rest. Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 t Konami & Ultra Introduce New Computer Games New Konami and Ultra computer games for Commodore/ 64/128, \migaand IBM were introduced at WinterCES: AJAX (aerial combat vith jet fighters, tanks, helicopters, ships and aircraft carriers); 2ASTLEVAN1A (classic encounter with fiendish creatures in Count Dracula’s castle); LIFE FORCE (battle against Zelos, the planet- bating alien; forC64/128 only); METAL GEAR (military adventure to oil terrorist leader and his weapon of ultimate destruction); and TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (help the four comic-book urtle heroes fight off the Evil Foot Clan in the sewers of New York). Additional Konami and Ultra games planned for later in 1989 are ADVENTURES of BAYOU BILLY (fighting, shooting and car ;hases in the swamps of Louisiana) and BLADES OF STEEL (hockey). Spectrum HoloByte Shows Conversions , Sneak Previews Auto Racing Game New versions of popular Spectrum HoloByte programs were spot¬ lighted at the company’s CES hospitality suite. Amiga owners can now Experience the realism of FALCON ($MSR $49.95), the F-16 fighter simulation, even engaging in dogfights via modem with a friend who plays the simulation on another Amiga or even an Atari ST or Macintosh. Special features on the Amiga include advanced electron¬ ics/radar systems and a digitized voice (Bitchin’ Betty) warning system. The final conversion of Spectrum HoloByte’s mesmerizing puzzle game from the Soviet Union is due this month for Atari ST ($34.95). With the ST version available, all personal computer owners can have equal access to this totally addictive game. Spectrum Holo¬ Byte was also previewing /what appears to be one very hotpiece of auto racing software, expected to be ready in early April for IBM/com¬ patibles, with Amiga and M acintosh versions to follow. The game does not have a name yet, but it sure does have lots of speed, smoothly scrolling 3-D graphics, and plenty of realism. The game is played on the streets of San Francisco, complete with recognizable landmarks. (Too bad our resident auto racing fanatic wasn’t at Winter CES to see this one! We would have had a tough time tearing her away from this game.) We were also told about, but did not see, a game in development which will be an “escape from Alcatraz” adventure. FALCON Software to Be Utilized for Military Flight Trainers Sphere, Inc., parent company of Spectrum HoloByte, recently signed a seven-year exclusive contract with Perceptronics, Inc. of Woodland Hills, Calif, to furnish the software for a family of F-16 training products called the ASAT (Avionics Situational Awareness Trainer) line. FALCON, the very same simulation that home computer owners can enjoy, will be the foundation for the ASAT software. Cinemaware Shows LORDS OF THE RISING SUN and CD-ROM We’re getting used to being dazzled by Cinemaware, the company whose designers have an incredible knack with graphics and sound— and the content of their games is getting stronger with each new release, too. Fortunately, getting used to being dazzled does not mean that we’re in any danger of becoming bored, because this company always seems able to come up with a surprise or two to keep us on our toes. At this CES, we were looking forward to seeing the nearly completed LORDS OF THE RISING SUN for Amiga since we’ve seen bits and pieces of the program while it has been in development. The program incorporates strategic wargaming and arcade-style ac¬ tion in a historically accurate scenario set in feudal Japan. The player can be either of two warring brothers, and the choice of character will determine whether a particular game is dominated by action /or strategy gaming. Wargamers accustomed to hex grids will be amazed at fully animated battles against realistic scenic backgrounds that vary with the time of day, weather and changing seasons. Action gamers will be equally pleased with the added challenge of plotting strategies. Graphics are as gorgeous as you expect from Cinemaware, and the original music is superb. The surprise from Cinemaware this time came in the form of the completed IBM version of DEFENDER OF THE CROWN on CD-ROM. We knew the company has been working on CD-ROM, but we had no idea that they had completed a program. Graphics are no different from the standard floppy disk version of the program, but disk access waiting time is virtually eliminated. And on CD-ROM, the game is more movie-like than ever because of full narration and CD-quality music. The potential buying audience for this product is very small right now, but they’re going to love it. Epyx Shows Many New Products There was a lot to see in the Epyx booth, starting off with the newest entries in their Masters Collection of games for advanced players: OMNICRON CONSPIRACY (C64/128 and MS-DOS) and TRIALS OF HONOR (MSR $49.95 Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS; $39.95 C64/ 1288). The first is a humor-laced mystery adventure in which space detectives search the galaxies for a lost space ship. TRIALS OF HONOR (by Infogrames of France, a company recently acquired by Epyx) is an adventure of medieval splendor in which the player seeks to reclaim the throne from the usurper king who murdered his father. Players face a series of tests such as sword fights and bouts of arm wrestling. Also developed by Infogrames in UNDERSEA COM¬ MANDO ($49.95 Amiga, ST, Macintosh; $44.95 Apple 11GS; MS- DOS $34.95; C64/128 $29.95). This espionage action-adventure pits the player asgovemment agent against the Yellow Shadow’s underwa¬ ter network, with action including submarines, hydro-scooters, and one-on-one scuba skirmishes. There’s more adventure in DEVON AIRE IN “THE HIDDEN DIAMOND CAPER” ($49.95 Amiga, ST; $39.95 MS-DOS; $29.95 C64/128, Apple II). The story involves a reformed cat burglar hired by a wealthy widow to find the jewels which were hidden in her mansion by her eccentric late husband. This one looks intriguing with its three-quarter overhead perspective and the ability to manipulate any object in the mansion. CURSE BUSTER is an arcade-style game of multiple mazes ($29.95 C64/128, Amiga, ST, MS-DOS). As a prince or princess under an evil spell, the player hops through the subterranean passages, Zapping a variety of dangerous creatures with royal spitwads. Newest of the Epyx sports games is SKATE WARS (originally announced under the title ICE THRASH¬ ERS), a futuristic and violent blend of hockey, soccer and outright war ($34.95 C64/128, $39.95 MS-DOS, $49.95 Amiga and ST). And speaking of violence, Epyx showed AXE OF RAGE, a sequel to DEATH SWORD (both by Palace Software of the U.K.). AXE OF RAGE is a really wild fighting game that pits the Barbarian or the Princess MaMriana against the phantasmagorical creatures of Drax in four levels of action. Some of the creatures we saw in AXE OF RAGE are among the most inventive we’ve seen in any computer game— truly worthy of a Monty Python animated short. (Same systems and Data East Shows Heavy Hitters, Supports More Systems Adding Macintosh and Amiga to the list of computers it supports, Data East showed a group of very strong arcade-based titles for early 1989.(Data East games are also made for C64/128, IBM and Atari ST.) ROBOCOP is based on the movie of the same name, but the game plays like the new coin-op, also by Data East, and follows the plot of the movie. BAD DUDES, which pits good-guy street fighters against kidnappers of the President of the U.S., is very hot in the arcades. GUERILLA WAR, licensed from SNK, puts one or two players in the middle of a revolution to overthrow a dictatorship, liberate the country’s people and rescue fellow guerillas being held hostage. HEAVY BARREL combines strategy and action as players must recapture an underground control complex of a nuclear missile site currently occupied by terrorists. The above four titles are not available for Macintosh, but Data East did show SUPER HANG ON (licensed from Sega) as its first Mac title. This fast-paced motorcycle race spans the globe and even includes a course editor—the game looks very good. Also coming for Mac is KARNOV, a popular arcade action- adventure. Both Mac titles support color on the Mac 11. Data East computer titles carry retail pricing of $44.95 (Amiga), $39.95 (IBM, Macintosh and Atari ST), and $29.95 (C64/128 except for ROBOCOP, which is $34.95) ’omputer Entertainer - January, 1989 7 I-— XV/mg ^ ing arrangement, Capcom will be doing THE CALIFORNIA RAI¬ SINS game, starring everyone’s favorite singing and dancing charac¬ ters direct from the grapevine. (The newly announced Capcom games for the NES are all at $42.95 each.) Culture Brainy USA This company showed the same four titles previewed last June at Chicago CES: FLYING DRAGON and FLYING DRAGON II (ac¬ tion-adventures featuring a variety of martial arts fighting styles), i KUNG-FU HEROES (originally known as SUPER CHINESE HE¬ ROES), and THE MAGIC OF SHAHRAZAD (spelling of the prin¬ cess’ name simplified, but otherwise the same adventure set in Arabia with lots of magic). Data East USA f Inc. Data East is a company with several major hits waiting in the wings— I hits which have been severely delayed due to the infamous chip shortage. They have trimmed their line of existing titles to the bone, no doubt hoping to get larger chip allocations for BAD DUDES, RAM¬ PAGE and ROBOCOP. RAMPAGE, the delightful monster game, should be available very soon. BAD DUDES, a major hit in the arcades, has been slated for spring to replace ROBOCOP’s earlier spot in the Data East release schedule. ROBOCOP, which is now enjoying a very hot early run in its coin-op version, has its release in NES format noted as “TBD” (to be determined). You can be sure that it WILL be released, and we’ll let you know when as soon the release date is Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 ‘ available. BURGERTIME fans} will be happy to know that this previously discontinued title is now available again. FCl (Fujisankei Communications International, Inc.) There was plenty of medieval hoopla at the FCI portion of the Nintendo booth, since Lord British (Richard Garriott), creator of the Ultima series of computer adventures, was present in full regalia. He graciously demonstrated FCl’s ULTIMA (MSR $53.95) for the NES and even participated in demonstration sword fights just in front of FCI’s “castle.” (Adventure gamers note: FCl plans to make a hint book available for ULTIMA.) FCl also showed its second fantasy role¬ playing/action game, HYDL1DE, whose hero is dubbed “the knight of a thousand challenges .” This game, like the Ultima series in the U.S., is part of a popular Japanese group of related role-playing games. It was explained to us that FCl’s HYDL1DE for the NES is actually HYDL1DE11. (The other H YDLIDE from Kyodai, shown for comput¬ ers in the Broderbund computer software booth at CES, is H YDL1DE III.) GameTek There is nothing new to report from GameTek, since their 1989 line of game-show titles was set lastyear. The company’s first-half releases include junior editions of both WHEEL OF FORTUNE and JEOP¬ ARDY for younger children, along with HOLLYWOOD SQUARES and DOUBLE DARE. Hal America , Inc. Four previously announced titles were shown by Hal America at CES. ADVENTURES OF LOLO is a maze adventure full of puzzles and evil spirits. ROLLERBALL is another version of the popular pinball theme, this one featuring four vertically scrolling screens, multiple balls, and a one-on-one pinball-hockey game in the second screen for fun with a friend. AIR FORTRESS is a maze game that requires planning ahead, as you must have enough bombs and energy before you enter the maze and attempt to save the planet. VEGAS DREAM includes the casino games Roulette, Blackjack, Keno and slot machines. Hi-Tech Expressions In addition to its upcoming initial releases, SESAME STREET ABC and SESAME STREET 123 ($34.95 each), Hi-Tech Expressions announced several new family games. THE CHESSMASTER ($44.95) will be the first chess simulation for the Nintendo system, and WIN, LOSE OR DRAW ($39.95) offers another popular game show to NES owners. The company also announced a third game for the younger set, MUPPET ADVENTURE ($39.95). Hot-B USA BLACK BASS 11 is the first announced title from this new Nintendo licensee. Sorry, folks, but we didn’t see this one and don’t have any more details. Hudson Soft USA , Inc. STARSHIP HECTOR, a space game, and the action-adventure, ADVENTURE OF DYNO-RIKI, are the next games expected from Hudson Soft, one of the major producers of games for the Nintendo Family Computer in Japan. Jaleco USA To date, Jaleco has shown a flair for highly realistic sports simula¬ tions, and they showed two new ones at CES. GOAL! ($46.95) is a soccer simulation with a choice of World Cup action (choice of 16 different national teams), Tournament play (8 U.S. pro teams) and a “shoot competition” pitting one forward against two defenders and a goalkeeper. HOOPS ($42.95) is a one-on-one or two-on-two neigh¬ borhood-style basketball game with eight unique players in which defense is as important as offense. Graphics and animation in both games are outstanding. The company also showed ROBO WARRIOR ($39.95), an action-adventure that appears to offer plenty of depth, challenge and complexity. Koei Corp. Another of the newly announced licensees, Koei, has made a name for itself among those who enjoy strategic wargames on computers with NOBUN AGA’S AMBITION. This military, economic and diplo¬ matic simulation set in 16th Century Japan is now planned for the Nintendo system and is obviously aimed at older players. Konami f Inc. and Ultra Software Corp. Many new titles were highlighted in the busy Konami and Ultra section of the Nintendo booth. They showed previously announced but as yet unreleased titles including SKATE OR DIE (multi-event skate¬ boarding game licensed from Electronic Arts), TRACK & FIELD II (beautifully animated series of sports events), THE ADVENTURES OF BAYOU BILLY (combining Zapper shooting action, hand-to- hand fighting, and car chases), DEFENDER OFTHE CROWN (action and strategy game set in the time of Robin Hood, licensed from Cinemaware), and TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (de¬ lightful, unlikely martial arts action with four very unusual turtles). A pair of arcade classics were also shown: the high-speed space action of GYRUS$ and the charmingly eccentric antics of Q*BERT. CES also marked the first showing of the new Konami and Ultra hand-held games: TOP GUN, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, DOUBLE DRIBBLE, CONTRA and GRADIUS. And, as if all of that were not enough, Konami announced that it had recently completed licensing agreements that will bring two computerhits to the Nintendo. The first is SILENT SERVICE by Microprose, a submarine simulation game that combines action and strategy. The second is JACK NICK- LAUS’ GREATEST 18 HOLES OF MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF by Accolade. (The real test on that one will be to get the entire title to fit on the cartridge label!) UN Toys, Ltd. Now that programming is farther along, the most promising of the new UN titles appear to be the action-adventures, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT and MARVEL’S X-MEN and the sports simula¬ tion, NFL FOOTBALL. Certain themes are a matter of personal preference, and FRIDAY THE 13TH is going to be popular with those who like gory movies but objectionable to many people. (The game involves hunting down the murderous Jason and trying to keep him from killing too many young campers at Crystal Lake.) In our opinion, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET is much worse because the player takes the role of the razor-fingered Freddy Kruger, slashing and killing the teenagers on Elm Street. We believe that turning this theme into a video game shows deplorable taste. UN also announced some new licenses it has acquired. Movie-based games in the works are BACK TO THE FUTURE and BEETLEJUICE, and the company is working on another game from the Marvel Comics license, THE PUNISHER. There will also be a game based on PICTIONARY, and UN announced one non-licensed original project, WORLD WAR 111 Mattel f Inc. The POWER GLOVE, a new concept in game controllers, was shown by Mattel. The futuristic-looking, gauntlet-style glove with its pro¬ gramming buttons might make the player feel a bit like the bionic man or woman, but it’s designed to let the player control games with hand and finger gestures instead of with a conventional control pad or joystick. Unfortunately for Mattel, Broderbund’s U-FORCE accom¬ plishes much the same effect without the player being restricted by a glove. (Also, Mattel’s POWER GLOVE is expected to sell for $100 or more, as opposed to the approximately $70 price tag on U-FORCE.) Mattel also plans a number of dedicated software titles for the NES which would take advantage of the POWER GLOVE. Mattel’s first NES game is to be BAD STREET BRAWLER, which the company acquired from Mindscape. Milton Bradley Co. The first three NES games from Milton Bradley, MARBLE MAD¬ NESS, WORLD GAMES and CALIFORNIA GAMES all looked great, the first is one of the great arcade action classics, and the other two are licensed from Epyx, one of the acknowledged masters in the area of computer sports games, especially those with multiple events. At CES, Milton Bradley also showed their NES version of another computer sports classic, JORDAN VS BIRD ONE ON ONE, which is licensed from Electronic Arts. Soon NES owners will have quite a choice of basketball simulations! Mindscape , Inc. Mindscape showed its NES versions of two arcade games licensed from Atari/Namco: 720 (skateboarding game) and ROAD RUNNER, a maze-chase based on the popular cartoons and starring the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote. Mindscape also announced an additional NES title based on one of its own computer hits, INFILTRATOR by Chris Gray. This was an excellent action and strategy game on computers, and it promises to be a very good game on the Nintendo system. Romstar , Inc. This company announced that its first NES game will be AIR HAWK. Unfortunately, we did not have a chance to see this one, so we have no details on the content of the game. SNK Corp. of America Adding to the supply of popular military-themed games, SNK showed versions of its own coin-ops, GUERILLA WAR and P.O.W. ($44.95 each). The first allows cooperative play for two as you guerilla band attempts to battle a dictator’s army, rescue prisoners, and bring Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 9 ■> /- liberation to your small island country. Escape from an enemy prison camp is the goal of the second game. SNK also announced a sports simulation, BASEBALL STARS ($49.95). Seika Corp. (Kemco-Seika) In addition to the previously announced SPY VS SPY II-THE ISLAND CAPER, Seika added DESERT COMMANDER (formerly DESERT TANK FORCE) and SHADOWG ATE to its 1989 lineup of NES games. The adventure game SHADOWGATE is based on the computer game of the same name, licensed from ICOM Simulations. It’s highly interactive and unlike any adventure that has yet appeared on the Nintendo system—a genuinely scary trip through a haunted mansion. Seta USA, Inc . Another new Nintendo licensee debuts in the U.S. market as Seta introduces ADVENTURESS OF TOM SAWYER. The game features river rafting, a trip through a dark forest, a visit to a haunted mansion and more. Sunsoft In addition to the recently released XENOPHOBE (reviewed in this issue), Sunsoft introduced TERMINATOR (based on the movie of the same name) and FESTER’S QUEST, an adventure starring one of the best-loved characters from the classic TV series, The Addams Family. Taito Software, Inc. Taito showed two new NES titles, both of which looked exceptionally good: OPERATION WOLF ($44.99) and SKY SHARK ($42.99). OPERATION WOLF is a hostage rescue mission with plenty of shooting action and great graphics. Taito offers the player the choice of using the Zapper or a standard controller to play this game. SKY SHARK is a World War II aerial action game in which the player flies a P-40 fighter behind enemy lines. Taxan USA Corp. MAPPY LAND, shown first at Summer CES last year, was also shown at this CES. In addition, Taxan introduced FIST OF THE NORTH STAR and MYSTERY QUEST. Tecmo, Inc. TECMO BASEBALL and TECMO BOWL, both to be released soon, were on display in Tecmo’s section of the Nintendo booth. NINJA GAIDEN was also shown in its completed form, and it definitely looks promising. Tecmo also announced two additional titles for later in 1989: PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING and SILK¬ WORM, a military-themed action game. Toho Co., Ltd. This is another new Nintendo licensee, and their first NES release will be GODZILLA: MONSTER OF MONSTERS. The game promises ten horrifying monsters, eight planets and seven places to attack. With all these Japanese companies producing games for the NES, sooner or later one of them had to come up with a game starring the quintessential Japanese movie monster. What fun! Trade west, Inc. The soon-to-be-released JOHN ELWAY’S QUARTERBACK ($44.95) was available forplay in the Trade west comer of the Nintendo booth, and it’s one that football fans have been looking forward to. Tradewest also announced the acquisition of the rights for the NES version of MAGIC JOHNSON’S FAST BREAK from Mastertronic International, which has done the computer versions of this basketball game. Tradewest also showed TABOO, THE SIXTH SENSE ($39.95), a game based on Tarot cards which is aimed at older NES players. Vic Tokai, Inc. This company showed its upcoming NES version of the arcade classic, TERRA CRESTA, along with other new titles KID KOOLand CLASH AT DEMON HEAD. Regarding the Availability Update We occasionally hear from readers who say, “that program shipped ages ago. Why do you still show it as not having shipped?” Obviously, keeping track of the programs is a monumental job and one that cannot be accurate without the help of the manufacturers. Unfortunately, some manufacturers send us original press releases annoucing plans for a particular title and then never follow it up with notice that the game has released. If the game comes in for review, of course we know it’s shipped. We attempt to follow-up with phone calls to manufactur¬ ers at least four times a year. However, due to the vast amount of material coming from the various companies, as well as the number of companies, we are not always successful in getting updated informa- \jion. 10 Sega Booth Full of New Games There was plenty of excitement in the Sega booth, with new games and promotions for 1989. If you’re on Sega’s consumer mailing list, you’ve already received your first Team Sega “Game of the Month” book, which lets you earn a free Sega Spinner (yo-yo), watch, or brand- new RAMBO III game for buying one, two, or three games by February 12,1989. This promotion will continue, offering new premi¬ ums with each book. Sega’s array of 1989 games is headed by one of the hottest games currently in the arcades, ALTERED BEAST. The home version looks very much like the coin-op, letting the player become a centurion warrior called from the grave to rescue the daughter of Zeus. The warrior earns “power up” atoms by defeating enemies, giving him the ability to transform into a wolf man, dragon, bear man and tiger man. Other arcade hits headed for the Sega system are VIGILANTE (street fighting action against the bad guys), TIME SOLDIERS (rescue adventure through time and space for one or two players) and RASTAN (lots of swordplay as the barbarian tries to rescue the king’s daughter). More sports action is due in 1989 with SUPER BASKETBALL (excellent graphics), CALIFORNIA GAMES (licensed from Epyx: surfing, frisbee, BMX, roller skating, skateboarding and hackey sack), REGGIE JACKSON BASEBALL (played from the batter’s point of view) and WALTER PAYTON FOOTBALL (addressing player complaints about GREAT FOOT¬ BALL). New Action, 3-D, Role Playing and More One of the most popular Sega characters is back in ALEX KIDD: HIGH-TECH WORLD as Alex battles his way through ninjas and border guards to reach the video arcade. And TV favorite ALF,W the bad-boy alien, needs your help in Fixing his broken spaceship. Sega showed a trio of new 3-D games: POSEIDON WARS 3-D (combat at sea; much improved over the early version we saw last June at Summer CES), OUT RUN 3-D (includes new driving music and optional 2-D mode), and MAZE HUNTER 3-D II (sequel with new weapons and 30 rounds of action). Appropriate to the Las Vegas CES location, Sega showed CASINO GAMES for the whole family (Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat, slot machines and pinball). And there are three{ additions to the new role-playing category of sega games. Y’S: THE VANISHED OMENS (with battery) is a swordsman’s adventure to save the land of Y’s by finding six magical books and freeing the goddesses from a milennium of slumber. LORD OF THE SWORD is an adventure that includes both swordfighting and bow. WARRIOR QUEST is a four- mega adventure that moves from ancient past to distant future as the player works to discover the secret of mysterious forces. Now There Are Three Sega Licensees Existing Sega licensees Parker Brothers and Activision were joined by Absolute Entertainment at CES. Parker Brothers showed two upcoming games: KING’S QUEST: QUEST FOR THECROWN (one of the most popular of all computer adventures, licensed from Sierra) and MONTEZUMA’S REVENGE, a challenging action-adventure set in Aztec lands which many of you may remember as a popular 1984 Parker Brothers game on a variety of computer and video game systems. Activision showed its three new games which we previewed in last month’s issue: CYBORG HUNTER, RAMPAGE and BOMBER RAID. (These titles are about to be released as we go to press with this issue.) The company also showed a fourth game due this spring, a four-mega cartridge based on the Japanese arcade hit, GALAXY FORCE. It’s a futuristic spacefighter game with five different spacescapes varying from fiery seas of lava to meteorite storms and subterranean mazes. Absolute Entertainment was first announced as a new Sega licensee at the show, and their first two projects are in the early stages of development. R.C. GRAND PRIX lets players assemble an R.C. (radio controlled) car and race on dirt and concrete tracks. JAMES BOND 007-COUNTDOWN TO MELT¬ DOWN casts the player as 007 in a global race to recover pieces of a puzzle which lead to an overheated thermonuclear reactor buried deep in the earth by the evil Scaramanga. And Now a Word about ColecoVision In the “gone but not entirely forgotten” segment of the video gaming world, ColecoVision made an unassuming return appearance at this year’s Winter CES in the guise of a “new” Coleco-compatible system from TeleGames USA. TeleGames is also marketing many of the original Coleco titles as well as releasing some that were completed but never made their way into distribution when ColecoVision was pulled off the market. The other older system which has been mildly active in the past couple of years, Intellivision, was nowhere to be seen at CES. Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 Tetigen Shows Four New Games for NES Tengen’s first 1989 release for the Nintendo system will be TETRIS, i puzzle game developed by two Soviet programmers that has been a rig hit in various computer formats (from Sphere and Spectrum -loloByte). TETRIS is one of those deceptively simple games to learn hat turns out to be totally addictive. Tengen’s remaining three games ire based on coin-op games, two from its parent company, Atari james Corp. (SUPER SPRINT and VINDICATORS), and one from Mamco (ROLLING THUNDER). SUPER SPRINT is a Grand Prix iriving game with seven courses and the ability to customize cars. VINDICATORS is described as the tank battle of the 21st century, ritting one or two players against 14 alien space stations on the way to die final confrontation with the Evil Emperor. ROLLING THUNDER ;asts the player as Agent “Albatross” in a mission to penetrate the Headquarters of a secret society and crush the organization. Coming for Atari Game Systems from Activision and Absolute Although Atari did not have a booth atCES, stalwart Atari third-party developer Activision and its affiliate, Absolute Entertainment, were showing new titles for the Atari 2600 and Atari 7800 game systems in die Mediagenic booth. (Mediagenic is the new corporate name which mcompasses Activision Entertainment and its many affiliates.) Activ¬ ision showed its versions of the arcade hits DOUBLE DRAGON and RAMPAGE for both the Atari 2600 and 7800 systems, both scheduled for spring release. With their detailed characters, these are difficult games for the Atari 2600 to accommodate graphically, but Activision seems to have done agood job given the system’s limitations. The 7800 versions, of course, look much better. Absolute Entertainment showed dtree new releases for the Atari 7800: PETE ROSE BASEBALL, TOMCAT: THE F-14 FLIGHT SIMULATOR, and TITLE MATCH PRO WRESTLING. F-14 was the most attractive of the three. Abso¬ lute was not showing any future releases under their own label for the 2600, but they are doing some development for Atari. It’s interesting lo note that Activision and Absolute Entertainment are the only developers doing third-party games for Atari systems at this time. Also, Activision is now the only company creating games for all three of the video game powers in today’s market: Nintendo, Sega and Atari. David Crane Joins Design Staff of Absolute Entertainment Moving from Activision, well-known game designer David Crane stays within the Mediagenic family of affiliated publishers as he becomes Senior Designer at Absolute Entertainment, a company which produces both computer entertainment software and video games. The company’s president, Garry Kitchen, dubbed Crane “the single most successful designer of video games in the world.” Crane’s designs, including PITFALL, DECATHLON, GHOSTBUSTERS and LITTLE COMPUTER PEOPLE, have sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Crane is also the only two-time winner to date of Com¬ puter Entertainer’s “Designer of the Yeari’ award (1982 for PITFALL and 1984 for GHOSTBUSTERS). Actually, David Crane and Garry Kitchen should be a formidable team—Kitchen is also a past winner af our “Designer of the Year” award (1985 for GAMEN1AKER). NINTENDO Software SIMON’S QUEST: CASTLEVANIA II (***tf****) from Konami is more than a worthy sequel to the first game. SIMON’S QUEST, with its goal of collecting the five scattered body parts of Count Dracula in order to eliminate him, outdoes its predecessor in every way. Set in the town of Transylvania and surrounding country¬ side, the second game offers better graphics, more challenges, more variety in settings and tests of the gamer’s skill, and much more reliance on adventure gaming elements. This is definitely an action- adventure with the accent on adventure, as you have the opportunity to gather clues from friendly villagers and purchase weapons and magical items on your quest. SIMON’S QUEST is a very well crafted game that provides excellent play value, superb graphics, lots of music, and some special touches that add to the enjoyment of the game., such as the changes from day to night when the evil creatures appear in great numbers. (Solo play; Pause.) Available for NES only. Recommended. (MSR $43.95) Taito Arcade Games for Computers Seemingly intent on making its mark in the computer entertainment software market as quickly as possible, Taito Software made a very impressive showing with its arcade conversions at CES. The company showed eight major titles across a variety of systems (only Macintosh was not represented); some titles were released very recently and others are slated for release in the next few months. ALCON is a classically styled scrolling space shoot-out with power-up features which is available now for C64/128 (MSR $29.95) and due this month for MS-DOS and Atari ST ($39.95). ARKANOID is another coin-op favorite that has you knocking blocks out of space walls on the way to the ultimate confrontation with Doh, the grid monster. ARKANOID is available now for MS-DOS and Atari ST ($34.95), and for C64/128, Apple II and Apple IIGS ($29.95). (The GS version utilizes the system’s digitized stereo sound and advanced graphic capabilities for a version so captivating that we had to drag one of our reviewers away from the machine!) From this point, all games listed retail for $34.95, except for Amiga and Atari ST versions at $39.95. BUBBLE BOBBLE is a charming game in which a pair of cartoonish brontosau¬ ruses encase their enemies in bubbles to eliminate them. Based on our experience with the Nintendo version, this is an addictive game. (Available now for C64/128; coming for IBM, Apple II, Amiga, Atari ST.) OPERATION WOLF portrays a hostage rescue mission with outstanding graphics and plenty of action (now for C64/128; coming for Amiga, ST). QIX, coming for all but Apple IIGS, is a classic puzzle game that requires mental dexterity and strategy, not speed. R ASTAN transports the player to a land of myths, evil creatures and magical weapons (now for C64/128; coming for all but Apple II and GS). RENEGADE, a street-fighting action game, is a coin-op favorite (now for C64/128; coming for all systems). And SKY SHARK is a World War II aerial combat game for one or two pilots of P-40 aircraft (coming for all but Apple II and GS). Our overall impression of the Taito computer games was very good: highly detailed graphics, faithful adherence to the coin-op originals and popular themes. Accolade Introduces New Translations, Announces Contest Accolade’s CES display showcased new versions of existing titles for a variety of systems. New to MS-DOS are JACK NICKLAUS’ GREATEST 18 HOLES OF MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF (MSR $49.95), FAST BREAK and TKO ($39.95 each). Commodore 64/128 owners can now play GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT and STEEL THUNDER ($29.95 each). SERVE AND VOLLEY ($39.95) is new for the Apple IIGS, and Macintosh owners can enjoy the action of MEAN 18 and 4th & INCHES ($44.95 each). In further sporting game- related news, Accolade announced their Play by Play Sweepstakes offering a choice of a Sports Fan Fantasy for two. Prizes include a pair of sporting event tickets and a visit with a famous sportscas ter covering thatevent. The prizes coverboxing (Marv Albert), Los Angeles Lakers (Chick Hearn), NFL Monday Night Football (Hank Stram), tennis tournament (Bud Collins), and PGA golf tournament (J ack Whitaker). Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 11 r c SEGA Software R-TYPE (***1/2/**1/2) is an 8-level arcade action game from Sega in which you must pilot R-9, a nuclear-powered space fighter through alien space. You will face all sorts of villains from the Bydo Empire, with Boss Aliens to confront at the end of each stage (except the sixth). There are “Power Up” parts which appear when you defeat Bydo POW Armor units. These parts, as well as Droid Units which you can hook up to your ship, will help you in your quest. In fact, you don't have a chance to make it to the end without help! Good Game But Expensive for Type This is frenzed arcade action at its’ best. In fact, the best way to stand a chance against the villains is to use a rapid-fire control stick. The villains come at you from all sides, requiring quick reflexes. The graphics are very bright and colorful, with some terrific looking creatures from the Bydo Empire! The biggest problem here is value for the money. There’s nothing here to separate this from any other space shoot- ’cm-up; meanwhile, the price (Sega doesn’t give exact suggested retail pricing) is very high for a straight-ahead arcade action game which simply features aliens, 8 levels, and a big monster at the end of each level. The scenario certainly sounds familiar and, while you might be ready for yet another action game for your shelf, this one is going to set you back quite a bit of money! Check it out first, if possible, prior to purchase! (One player; continuous feature; 4-meg) (MSR approx. $60.00 RAMBO III (***/***) puts you, once again, in the guise of Rambo in this Sega game using the light phaser. Colonel Trautman has been captured by Soviet forces in Afghanistan. Even though the C.I.A. is ready to leave him there, you’re his friend so you’ll go in alone. Your arsenal includes a Kalashinikov assault rifle, as well as a bomb (use the bomb by shooting the bomb icon). The screen scrolls slowly to ght right and you must shoot all the enemies - soldiers, helicopters, tanks - in sevel battles (levels), beginning with the troop barracks and working through the village, mountain, prison camp, etc. Be careful not to shoot the villagers as they’re not the enemy! The game turns your lightphaser into arapid- fire unit. You can use that feature by simply holding down the trigger. Watch how many bullets you have though as you may be forced to return to single fire action until the end of the round. Continuous Shooting A ction The game provides for plenty of shooting action as you aim and fire, killing the enemy before they get too many hits on you! We always enjoy pulling our phaser out for a new game of shoot-’em-up action and this one has plenty of that! The graphics are fine with good size characters staring you in the eyeballs! Instead of having to purchase yet another peripheral with the previously announced mega- phaser which was going to offer rapid-fire (now cancelled), we applaud Sega for finding a way to build in the rapid-fire capability into the game so you can use that light phaser you’ve had all along! (one playcr;2-meg) Recommended (MSR approx. $55.00) SHINOBI (****/****) by Sega is the bestgame with a martial arts theme that we’ve seen on a video game system. What makes it so good is a combination of great depth and variety plus superb animation. You control a martial arts instructor who changes to his alter ego, Master Ninja, in order to rescue the kidnapped children of the world’s leaders from a terrorist group. Your character starts out }with shurikens and his incredible agility as his only weapons, but he can acquire many others. The terrorists, of course, are armed to the teeth. As your character eliminates more of the terrorists, he gains new powers, and in bonus rounds he can learn elements of Ninja magic to be used in the next round against the terrorists. We loved the look of this game with its realistically animated martial arts moves, and it offers enough playing challenge and variety to keep gamers happily occupied for a long time. (Solo play.) Available for Sega; coming soon forC64/128 ($34.95), MS-DOS ($39.95), Amiga and Atari ST ($49.95). Recommended. (MSR approx. $45-$50) ATTENTION: ALL SUBSCRIBERS!!! >v Please take a moment to look at your mailing label and jot down your subscriber number! We have been moving into a new computer sorting system and, as your subscription has been renewed, your Subscriber Number has CHANGED!!! Many of you have not noticed the change and have continued to give an old number. Please make a note of your new number and, if your renewal is coming up shortly, be advised that the number WILL CHANGE when the renewal is recorded at Computer Entertainer! Know Your Subscriber Number! It’s the quickest way to identify your subscription when renewing, changing an address, etc. Also, THE ONLY WAY YOU WILL GET SUBSCRIBER PRICING IS TO GIVE US THAT ALL-IMPORTANT 4-DIGIT NUMBER. Without it, you will be charged regular pricing! The number is easy to find...look at your mailing label and it is the LAST four digits of the number above your name. The first digit is ALWAYS a letter and that’s following by three numbers. When placing an order by phone or by mail, you MUST provide that number! J V_ 12 Discovery Software Plans ARKANOID II for Amiga, Mac Following its success with versions of the original ARKANOID (li censed from Taito) for Amiga and Macintosh, Discovery Software showed the Amiga version of AR¬ KANOID II in the Commodore booth at CES. They were also show¬ ing their successful arcade-action quest, SWORD OF SODAN (MSR $49.95) with its extra-large, beauti¬ fully animated characters. This title has just been converted for Apple I1GS ($49.95), and an MS-DOS conversion is planned for Spring re¬ lease. ...contd.from Page 14 Tecmo Baseball (TEjC) Tecmo Bowl (TEC) Track & Field II (KON) Ultima (FCl) MARCH Challenge Pebble Beach (BAN) Dr JekyU Sc Mr. Hyde (BAN) Gyrus* (ULT) Maible Madness (MB) Ninja Gaiden (TEC) Ninja Taro (AS) Operation Wolf (TAI) Power Pad (N1N) Predator (ACT) Spy Vs Spy II (KS) Tetris (TEN) World Games (MB) FIRST QUARTER Chester Field (VT) Goal! (JAL) Mappy Land (TAX) Terra Cresta (VT) Willow (CAP) APRIL Adventures of Lolo (HAL) NOTE: Programs noted have shipped as of press time but may not yet be distributee nation wide Projected shipping dates are provided b manufacturers and subject to change CVUTASX CODES ABS, Absolute Enteruinmer ACC Access ACM Acclaim Eiuenainmei ACO .Accolade ACT. Acuvision/Mediagenk' AH...Avalon Hill ARC. Arcadia AS . Amencan Sammy AT Atari BAN Bandai BAU...Baud villc BE . Bullscye S/W BRO Brodcrbtmd CAP.. Capcom CB . Culture Brain CIN. Cinemaware Adventures ofTom Sawyer (SET) COS Cosmi Airwolf (ACM) Dance Aerobics (NIN) Fester’s Quest (SUN) Hoops (JAL) Hydiide (FCI) Iron Sword (ACM) Rolling Thunder (JEN) Sky Shark (TAJ) Super Mario Bros (NIN) Super Sprint (TEN) Taboo (TW) MAY Bad Dudes (DE) Battle of Olympus (BRO) Cobra Tnangfc (NIN) Double Dare (GT) Friday the I3th (LJN) Hollywood Squares (GT) Jeopardy Jr (GT) Marvel’s X Men (LJN) NFL Football (UN) Nightmare on Elm St (LJN) Ride-On Bus Tnp (FP) Vindtaton (TEN) Wheel of Fortune Jr (GT) CSG. .CSG ImageSoft DE. Data East DES. Design S/W D (IS Discovery S/W DS DataSoft EA .Electronic Arts EPY.Epyx FQ PCI FP. Pisher Price GAM . Gamestar GDW Game Designer's Workshop GT GameTek HAL.. Hal America HJC HJCS/W HS Hudson Soft HT Hi-Tech Expressions INF. Jnfocom INS Interne I INT.JNTVCoip IP Interplay IS . JCOM Simulations JAL Jaleco KOE, Koei KON Xonami Who Framed Roger Rabbit (LJN) KS Kemco Seika JUNE Air Fortress (HAL) Bowling (FP) Chcssmaster (HT) Fire House (FP) Little Piano Teacher (FP) Muppct Adventure (HT) Roller Ball (HAL) U Force (BRO) Vegas Dream (HAL) Wm Lose Or Draw (HT) SEGA DECEMBER x-GoIvellius (SEG) x Power Strike (SEG) x R-Type (SEG) x Rambo III (SEG) x Where/Carmen Sandiego (PB) JANUARY Bomber Raid (ACT) Cyborg Hunter (ACT) Rampage (ACT) Y's (SEG) FEBRUARY Lord of the Sword (SEG) MARCH Poseiden Wan 3-D (SEG) APRIL Galaxy Force (ACT) Rxstan (SEG) Reggie Jackson Baseball (SEG) MAY Alf(SEG) King’s Quest (PB) Time Soldiers (SEG) Vigil ante (SEG) JUNE Altered Beast (SEG) California Games (SEG) Casino Games (SEG) Out Run 3 D (SEG) KYO. Xyodai LF .Lucasfilm Games LJN UN Toys MAX Maxis MB Milton Bradley MD McroDeal/MichTron MH Melbourne House MI Mcrolllusions MIC Micro Prose MIN. M mdse ape NIN...Nintendo NWC .New Work! Computing ORI . Origin PAR Paragon PB Parker Bros POL.Polarware PSY...Psygno»is PI. Publishing Im’I RAJ Rambud SEG Sega SET Seta SIE Sierra SIR SnTech SNK SNX Carp SPE.. Spectrum HoIoByte SSG Strategic Studies Gp SSI. Strategic Simulations ST Soft ware Toolworki SUB Sublogic SUN . SunSoft TAJ .Taito TAX . Tax an TEC.Tecmo TEN. Ten gen TI. Titus S/W TS Three Sixty Pacific TW TredeWest ULT Litre USG U S Gold VIR Virgin Games VT. VcTokai Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 NINTENDO Software ANTICIPATION (**1/2/***) is an interesting departure for Nin- ?ndo as they bring their first video board game to the Nintendo mtertainment System. The object of the game is to quickly guess what le video pictures are as they are being drawn by a pencil connecting le dots. As the pencil draws the picture, time is ticking away by way f a Die in the upper right comer counting down to zero. If it makes it 3 zero before you “buzz in,” another puzzle will appear. Once you uzz in, you have as many seconds as what shows on the timer to spell >ut the answer with the alphabet along the lower portion of the screen. )n the game board screen there are four colors showing on the wheel /hich all have to be landed on and correct answers given in order to dvance to the next levels. When you reach those levels (or choose to tart on a higher level of play), the puzzles really get tough as there’s ither fewer or no dots showing at all! You simply must get an idea of /hat the pencil is drawing and buzz in before it’s finished! Not easy, 'here are sixteen puzzle categories which include everything from lath to alphabet, tools, food, music, clothing, travel, miscellaneous, ffice, man made, and more. Nintendo promises “hundreds” of puzzles f om the categories assuring many hours of non-repeated puzzles. Makes You Think This is one of those games which will undoubtedly be a “sleeper,” in lat it gives adults an alternative to fast arcade action. It also makes a reatgame for the family to play together and, obviously, good for a arty setting. Even though the game offers up to four players, you can lay with more by forming teams. As simple as it is, the game does tend ) be a bit addictive for those who like to figure puzzles out! (one to four layers; allows up to 3 computer players) Recommended (MSR $42.95) iLASTER MASTER (***^***) takes place below the earth’s urface through an endless maze of tunnels and caverns. This SunSoft ction game starts as Jason’s pet frog Fred makes a dash for the door. )utside, Fred finds a radioactive chest which causes him to grow to an normous size. The chest, Fred, and Jason all fall into a hidden lanhole into a world of terrifying creatures. But there’s an armoured ehicle to jump into as you fight the mutants, created from escaped idioactive waste. They are controlled by the Plutonium Boss, your ltimate enemy. There’s no scoring in this game, simply stay alive and estroy the mutants.There are three special weapons which can be amed by catching certain items during play. Within each level (8 in 11) there is a Mutant Boss which must be defeated before moving on. Arcade Action This is a straight-ahead arcade action game with plenty of monsters ) kill as you drive, jump, maneuver, and shoot. The graphics are Morful and offer up some pretty find monsters and mutants for your leasure. Certainly the game doesn’t offer anything “new,” but it can e enjoyed by those of you who enjoy “numb thumbs.” (one player; ontinue feature) ViSR $36.95) ENOPHOBE (*\/2/*l/2) is a split-screen action game from Si/ft- %(L which finds you aboard the first derelict space station. Your bjective is to destroy as many Xenos as fast as possible before the ?ace station self-destructs. At the beginning of the game, you have ealth points which will deplete as you go whenever you are injured by Tacking Xenos. You can regain health by picking up special objects "by successfully clearing the space station of Xenos. You move from )om to room, horizontally, on the upper screen. In the two-player lode only, the lower screen is activated and both your movements will s tracked separately on the split-screen. Pretty Dreadful We couldn’t find any redeeming factors in this one and, frankly, e’re surprised Nintendo allowed this game to release! The graphics 'e about the most basic we’ve seen on Nintendo (virtually stick gures, vs. the full-size figures of the arcade version) and the action is )out as boring as it comes. All your man does is move from room to •om, shooting at the enemy while avoiding dripping slime and the ien lifeforms. Don’t bother with this one! (one player; two-player multaneous) ot Recommended (MSR $39.95) -\ OTHELLO (***/***l/2) is a long-standing and popular board game, originally called Reversi when introduced in England in the 1800’s. Now re-incarnated for NES owners (rom Acclaim Entertain¬ ment . it’s as addictive as ever. The premise is deceptively simple as one player plays black discs, the other plays white on a “checker-like” board. The discs are laid down, one by one, with each player trying to “trap” his opponent’s discs between two of his own. When he does, the opponent’s discs are flipped to the color of the trapper’s discs. This game allows for three different time limits as well as four levels of play. Addictive This game, targeted at adults, requires a good deal of thinking and strategy. While simple to play once you know the rules, it is maddening in its’ ability to totally change complexion at many points during the contest. Time after time, you’ll find yourself feeling “close” to victory just to see the board completely change in favor of your opponent with one critical move. Obviously, each game is vastly different and we bet that anyone who enjoys thinking games will have a very hard time walking away! (one player; two-player simultaneous) Recommended (MSR $46.95) SPY VS. SPY (**\/2/**\/2) makes itto yet another system, this time by the newest Nintendo software company to offer titles in the U.S., Kemco-Seika . The scenario is pretty familiar by now as it features the mad-cap antics of a pair of cartoon secret agents. Black and White. These two bumbling guys delight in booby- trapping one another as they can both set-up traps within an em¬ bassy maze in this split-screen game. There are five impor¬ tant items hidden within the rooms which must be col¬ lected before locating the exit and escaping to the airport and an awaiting plane. Making things rough is that there is only one of each item so the race is truly on. If the other guy gets an item you need, you’ll have to punch him out or use booby-traps to try and get the item(s) you need. Still Best for T wo Players We have found, in every version reviewed, that the two-player version is best as it really allows the best use of boooby-trapping and remedy-finding aspects of the game with a friend. Gameplay is fun and strictly tongue-in-cheek. Graphics are simple but pretty good using the split-screen approach as you race from room to room, (one player; two player simultaneous) (MSR $36.95) THE ACCLAIM REMOTE CONTROLLER is the latest wireless controller for Nintendo and features a unit which is similar in size and feel to the original NES control pad. This unit is a little thicker than the original equipment and, mainly because of the batteries, slightly heavier which actually gives it a nice feel. In addition, there is a rapid- fire switch on the unit, allowing for that important feature to come into play. The infrared receiver simply plugs into Port 1 on the controldeck, with the controller able to work up to thirty feet away. We played with the controller while reviewing the Nintendo games this month and quickly forgot we were playing with a remote unit, it felt so much like the original control pad. We were playing at an angle from where the Infrared unit was and we did not miss a shot or move (at least due to signal problems). The controller has a90-day manufacturers warranty, (requires four “AAA” batteries, not included) (MSR $42.95) y impuler Entertainer - January, 1989 13 r ATARI ST DECEMBER x-Annals of Rome (DS) x-Arkanoid (TA1) X DejxVu II (IS) x Die am Zone (BAU) x Falcon (SPE) x Firezone (DS) x-Operarion Clean Streets (BRO) x Out Run (SEG) x-Sorceror Lord (DS) x Technocop (USG) JANUARY Alcon (TAJ) Alien Syndiome (SEG) Bad Dude* (DE) Bionic Commando (CAP) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Captain Fizz (PSY) Combat Course (MIN) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Guerilla War (DE) Hosuge (MIN) X-Lcisuie Suit Larry II (SIE) x-Manhumer New York (SIE) Operation Wolf (TAI) Platoon (DE) Renegade (TAI) Street Fighter (CAP) x Zak McKracken &. Alien Mindbenden (LF) PEBRUARY Anura (ARC) Balance of Power 1990 (MIN) Savage (RAI) Shogun (INF) Star Wars (BRO) Zork Zero (INF) MARCH After Burner (SEG) Colony, The (MIN) Demon’s Winter (SSI) Journey (INF) Qix (TAI) Rutin (TAI) Shinobi (SEG) Sky Shark (TAI) FIRST QUARTER Android Decision (DS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Balllehiwki 1942(LF) Clue (VIR) Curse Buster (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Cxpcr (EPY) Double Dragon (ARC) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Guardians of Infinity (PAR) Ice Thrashers (EPY) LJ2J5. Storm (CAP) Master Ninja (PAR) Mini Putt (ACO) Monopoly (VIR) 1943 (CAP) Red Storm Over London (IS) Risk (VIR) Rocket Ranger (C3N) Side Arms (CAP) Skate Wan (EPY) Spons-A-Roni (USG) Tetris (SPE) Thud Ridge (TS) Trials of Honor (EPY) Undersea Commando (EPY) Wizard Wars (PAR) JUNE Battle Chets (IP) COMMODORE 641128 DECEMBER x Alien Syndrome (SEG) x Chop & Drop (Act) x Crossbow (ABS) x-Jack Nicklaus Greatest 18 (ACO) x-Jordan Vs Bird (EA) x Predator (ACT) x Rampage (ACT) x Stocker (CAP) JANUARY Aussie Games (MIN) Chesterfield (VT) Combat Course (MIN) Hostage (MIN) I nil Team Sports (MIN) x Operation Wolf (TAI) Qix (TAI) x 720 (MIN) Sgt Slaughter Mat Wars (MIN) Sky Shark (TAI) Star Wan (BRO) Warlock (TS) FEBRUARY After Burner (SEG) Anura (ARC) BauleTech (INF) F-14 Tomcat (ACT) Fim Over Germany (SSI) Project Fircstart (EA) Qix (TAI) Robocop (DE) Savage (RAI) Shinobi (SEG) MARCH Battles of Napoleon (SSI) Camcr Com m and (RAI) Dondra New Beginning (MI) Might and Magic II (NWQ Sim City (MAX) Tangled Tales (OR!) Ullim a Trilogy (ORI) P1RST QUARTER Ajax (KON) Alien Fires (PAR) Android Decision (DS) Annals of Rome (DS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Bad Dudes (DE) Curse Buster (EPY) Demon’s Winter (SSI) AVAILABILITY UPDATE Destroyer Escon (MIC) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) P-86 Sabre Strike (ACO) Falcon (SPE) Firczone(DS) Guerilla War {(DE) Ice Thrashers (EPY) Jackal (KON) LED. Storm (CAP) Life Force (KON) Mmd Roll (EPY) 1943 (CAP) Omnicron Conspiracy (EPY) PT 109(SPE) Skate Wan (EPY) SoroerorLord (DS) Sport* A Roni (USG) x-Technocop (USG) Test Ride (CAP) Thud Ridge (TS) UltimxV (ORI) Utriv Military Simulator (RAI) Wizard Wan (PAR) APRIL Hill*far (SSI) Overrun (SSI) JUNE Spider Man & Capt America (PAR) SECOND QUARTER Castlevanii (KON) Heavy Barrel (DE) Hydride (KYO) Indiana Jones St Last Crusade (LF) Joumey/C128 only (INF) Last Duel (CAP) Last Ninja 2 (ACT) Metal Gear (KON) Pete Rose Pennant Pever (GAM) Shogun/C 128 only (INF) Super Hang On (DE) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) Trials of Honor (EPY) Undersea Commando (EPY) AMIGA DECEMBER x-Drcam Zone (BAU) x Heroes of the Lance (SSI) x-Land of Legends (MI) x Out Run (SEG) x Pinball Wizard (ACO) x-Planetarium (MI) x Rebel Charge/Chickaroauga (SSI) x-Reel Fish’n (INS) x-Space Hamer (SEG) x Starglider II (RAI) x-Tetris (SPE) x-TV Sports Football (ON) x-Technocop (USG) x Turbo (MI) x-Twilight’s Ransom (PAR) x-Univ Military Simulator (RAJ) JANUARY Alien Syndrome (SEG) x Balance of Power 1990(MIN) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Captain Fizz (PSY) Combat Course (MIN) x Elite (RAI) x-Falcon (SPE) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Guerilla War (DE) Hostage (MIN) Operation Wolf (TAI) Renegade (TAI) x-Zak McKracken St Alien Mindbenden (LF) FEBRUARY Bad Dudes (DE) Neuromincer (IP) Savage (RAI) Shogun (INF) Star Wars (BRO) Zork Zero (INF) MARCH After Burner (SEG) Colony, The (MIN) Deja VuII (IS) DeluxePurn 3 (EA) Journey (INF) Qix (TAJ) Ristan (TAJ) Shinobi (SEG) SimCuy (MAX) Sky Shark (TAJ) FIRST QUARTER Ajax (KON) Android Decision (DS) Ann ala of Rome (DS) Arkanoid 11 (DIS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Baulehawks 1942 (LF) Battleship (EPY) Bionic Commando (CAP) Curse Busier (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Dive Bomber (USG) Double Dragon (ARC) Double Dribble (KON) Fire zone (DS) Guardians of Infinity (PAR) Gunship (MIC) loe Thrashen (EPY) Jack Nicklaus Greatest 18 (ACO) Jackal (KON) Leisure Suit Larry [U (SIE) Lords of Rising Sun (ON) ManhunterNew York (SIE) Monopoly (VIR) 1943 (CAP) Operation dean Streets (BRO) Police Quest (SIE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Risk (VIR) Sale Arms (CAP) Silent Service (MIC) Skate Wan (EPY) Sorceror Lord (DS) Space Racer (BRO) Sporn A Row (USG) Street Fighter (CAP) Street Sporu Football (EPY) Thud Ridge (TS) Trials of Honor (EPY) Undersea Commando (EPY) Wizard Wan (PAR) SECOND QUARTER Cistlevania (KON) Indiana Jones St Last Crusade (LF) LED. Storm (CAP) Last Duel (pCAP) Meul Gear (KON) RoboCop (DE) Teenage Mutant NipjxTurtles (ULT) Test Ride (CAP) APPLE lit flic DECEMBER x-Arkanoid(TAJ) x Battles of Napoleon (SSI) x Crossbow (AfiS) x-Might xnd Magic H (NWC) x Ncuromnicer (IP) x-Platoon (DE) x Street Sporu Basketball (EPY) JANUARY Bubble Bobble (TAI) Renegade (TAJ) Victory Road (DE) Zork Zero (INF) FEBRUARY Bad Dudes (DE) BauleTech (INF) John Madden Football (EA) Shogun (INF) MARCH Fust Over Germany (SSI) Journey (INF) Overrun (SSI) Fool of Ra 2 diance (SSI) Qix (TAI) Tangled Tales (ORI) Ulrijnx Trilogy (ORI) FIRST QUARTER Games: Winter Edition (EPY) Gunship (MIC) Hum for Red October (DS) Leisure Sun Larry II (SIE) ManhunterNew York (SIE) Mmd Roll (EPY) Risk (VIR) Sporting Newi Baseball (EPY) Street Sports Football (EPY) Street Sports Soccer (EPY) Supemar loe Hockey (MIN) Technocop (USG) Tower Toppler (USG) Wizard Wan (PAR) SECOND QUARTER Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Legend of Blredtailver (EPY) APPLE IICE DECEMBER x-Arkano id (TAI) x4th St Inches Team Const Disk (ACO) x-Pinball Wizajd (ACO) JANUARY Balance of Power 1990 (MIN) Renegttle (TAI) FEBRUARY B sale Chess (IP) Cxplam Blood (MIN) Shogun (INF) Zork Zero (INF) march Deja Vu II (IS) Journey (INF) FIRST QUARTER Dondra New Beginning (MI) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Final Assault (EPY) Games Summer Edition (EPY) Sin bad St Throne/Falcon (CIN) Jack Nicklaus Greatest 18 (ACO) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) PT 109 (SPE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Rocket Ranger (C3N) Scooby-Doo/(M1) Sentinel Worlds I Future Magic (EA) Serve St Volley (ACO) Silent Service (MIC) SOpheed (SIE) Street Sporu Football (EPY) Superstar loe Hockey (MIN) Sub Battle Simulator (EPY) Sword of Sod an (DIS) Thud Ridge (TS) Zoom! (DIS) SECOND QUARTER Hosuge (MIN) Undersea Commando (EPY) MACINTOSH DECEMBER x DejxVuD (IS) x-Fire Power (MI) x-4th St Inches (ACO) x-Gauralet (MIN) x Mean 18 (ACO) x Pirates (MIC) x-Quarterstaff (INF) x-Tetris/Mac U (SPE) x-Univ Military Simulator (RAI) x Zork Zero (INF) January Son City (MAX) Super Hang On (DE) Warlock (TS) FEBRUARY Captain Blood (MIN) Kamov (DE) S hogun (INF) MARCH Journey (INF) FIRST QUARTER Ariuncnd Construe Set (DIS) 4th St Inches Team Const Disk (ACO) Games: Summer Edition (EPY) Guardians of Infinity (PAR) Leisure Sun Larry II (SIE) ManhunterNew York (SIE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Ultima IV (ORI) SECOND QUARTER Arkanoid II (DIS) Hoatage (MIN) Sceptre (DIS) Undersea Commando (EPY) MS-DOS DECEMBER X-Airplane Factory (DES) x-Annals of Rome (DS) x Balance of Power 1990 (MIN) x Bard’s Tale II (EA) x BauleTech (INF) X Captain Blood (MIN) a-Card Sharks (ACO) x-Colony, The (MIN) x Dungeon Master’s Asst (SSI) x Past Break (ACO) x Fire zone (DS) x Genghis Khan (KOE) x -Guerilla War (DE) x Hal Trick (CAP) x Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) x Police Quest II (SIE) x Pool of Radiance (SSI) x Side Arms (CAP) x Sidewinder (ARC) x Sorceror Lord (DS) x-Skate Or Die (EA) x Superstar Indoor Sports (MIN) x Ted Bear Games (BAU) x Video Gammon (BAU) a-Zany Golf (EA) JANUARY Alcon (TAI) Aussie Games (MIN) x Battle Chess (IP) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Combat Course (MIN) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Gold Rush (SIE) Halls of Montezuma (SSG) Hosuge (MIN) x Monopoly (VIR) Renegade (TAI) Sgt Slaughter Mat War* (MIN) Silpheed (SIE) Sky Shark (TAI) Space Harrier (SEG) Sprc Quest III (SIE) Sur War* (BRO) FEBRUARY Abrams Battle Tank (EA) Bad Dudes (DE) Carrier Command (RAI) Might and Magic II (NWC) Out Run (SEG) Prophecy I (ACT) Savage (RAJ) Shogun (INF) 688 Attack Sub (}EA) Super Hang On (DE) MARCH Crossbow (ABS) Demon's Winter (SSI) Harpoon (TS) Inti Team Sports (MIN) Journey (INF) Kings of the Beach (EA) Neuromancex (IP) Qix (TAI) Rasian (TAJ) Spider Man St Capt America (PAR) Suzuki RM 250 Motocrou (GAM) UllimxTrilogy (ORI) Wasteland (E A) Zork Zero (INF) FIRST QUARTER Ajax (KON) Android Decision (DS) Axe of Rxge (EPY) Battleship (EPY) Curse Busier (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Dive Bomber (USG) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) loe Thrashers (EPY) Jwackal (KON) Mmd Roll (EPY) 1943 (CAP) Omnicron Conspiracy (EPY) Pirates (MIC) Red Storm Over London (IS) Red Storm Rising (MIC) Risk (VIR) Sarge(CAP) S coo by Doo (MI) Serve 8t Volley (ACO) SinbvJ &. ThroneEalcon (CIN) Skate Wan (EPY) Spcnung News Baseball (EPY) Sports A Roni (USG) Stocker (CAP) Street Cat (USG) Street Fighter (CAP) Street Sporu Football (EPY) Street Sports Soccer (EPY) TX O. (ACO) TV Sports Football (CIN) Technocop (USG) Test Ride (CAP) Times of Lore (ORI) Tower Toppler (USG) APRIL Dejx Vu II (IS) Hills far (SSI) MAY After Burner (SEG) Alien Syndiome (SEG) Shinobi (SEG) JUNE F-14 Tomcat (ACT) SECOND QUARTER Casllevania (KON) Heavy B arrel (DE) Hybns (DIS) Hydride (KYO) Indiana Jones St Last Crusade (LF) Last Duel (CAP) Metal Gear (KON) Psychic War (KYO) Quartersiaff (INF) RoboCop (DE) Sword of Sodan (DIS) Teenage Muunt Ninja Turtles (ULT) Trials of Honor (EPY) Undersea Commando (EPY) ATARI 2m DECEMBER Crack’ed (AT) Dark Chambers (AT) Nebulus (AT) x Pete Rose Baseball (ABS)) Spnnimaster (AT) Super Baseball (AT) Super Football (AT) x Tomcat F-14 Simulator (ABS) SECONDQUARTER Double Dragon (ACT) Rampage (ACT) ATARI DECEMBER Ace of Aces Commando (AT) Crack’ed (AT) Crossbow (AT) Dark Chambers (AT) a P-18 Hornet (ABS) Fig hi Night x-HxtTnck (AT) x-Impossible M us ion (AT) Jinks (AT) x-Mario Bros (AT) Nebulus (AT) Skyfox (AT) Super Baseball (AT) Super Huey (AT) a Super Skateboardin’ (ABS) Touchdown Football (AT) FIRST QUARTER Pete Rose Baseball (ABS) Title Moaich Pro Wrestling Tomcat F-14 Simulator (ABS) SECOND QUARTER Double Dragon (ACT) Rampage (ACT) ATARI XE CAME DECEMBER Ace of Aces (AT) Airball(AT) Choprifler(AT) Commando (AT) Crime Busters (AT) Crossbow (AT) Crystal Castles (AT) Dark Cham ben (AT) Desert Falcon (AT) Eagle's Nest (AT) F-16 Fighting Falcon (AT) Pood Fight (AT) Jinks (AT) Karateks (AT) Mario Bros (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) Nebulus (AT) Necromancer (AT) Summer Games (AT) Ultim ate Driving (AT) miEXPQ. DECEMBER x-Antictpiiion (NIN) x Bionic Commando (CAP) x Blades of Steel (KON) x Blaster Master (SUN) x Indiana Jones Temple/Doom (MIN) x Paperboy (MIN) x Simon’s Quest (KON) x Super Team Games (NIN) x-Xenophobe (SUN) JANUARY B om berms n (HS) x Othello (ACM) Platoon (SUN) Rampage (DE) Sesame Street 123 (HT) Sesame Street ABC (HT) Skate Or Die (ULT) WWF WrcsUcMinii (ACM) FEBRUARY Amagon (AS) Athletic World (BAN) John El way’s Quarterback (TW) Q’Bcrt (ULT) Robo Warn or (JAL) ... contd . on Page 12 © 1989 Computer Entertainer and Video Game Update. $25.00 annually in U.S. funds for 12 issues, published monthly. Foreign$33.00inU.S. Funds. Send payment to; Computer Entertainer, 5916 Lemona Avenut Van Nuys, CA 91411. (818)761-1516. Computer Entertainer accepts no advertising from any software manufacturer. The philosophy of this newsletter is to provide the reader with honest evaluations of product on the market. It is our intention to act as an independent watchdog, providing critical commentary and analysis. The opinions are solely those of Computer Entertainer and are not influenced by the manufacturer To describe a program, we may use existing literature from the manufacturer, but that will have no bearing on the rating system. Any reproduction, duplication, or re-publication of this copyrighted work withoi written consent of Computer Entertainer is strictly prohibited. Any violation of applicable copyright laws will be vigorously prosecuted and subject to civil and criminal penalties. This work may not be changed c, altered in any way. I 14 Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 SUBSCRIBER BUYING SERVICE Program Alien Syndrome (Co) Alien Syndrome (ST;Am) American Civil War Scenario Disk 1 (Am,I,Mac,ST) Anticipation (NES) Battleship (Am) Battles of Napoleon (Ap;Co) Crazy Cars (Mac) Jordan vs. Bird (Co) Jordan vs. Bird (I) Master Blaster (NES) Neuromancer (Ap;Co;I*;Am*) Othello (NES) Predator (Co) Rambo III (Sega) Remote Controller/Acclaim (NES) R-Type (Sega) 720 (Co) Shinobi Sega) Simon’s Quest (NES) Spy vs. Spy (NES) Techno Cop (Co;I*;Apl*) Techno Cop (Am*;ST*) Vietnam Scenario Disk 2 (Am,I,Mac,ST) Xenophobe (NES) Cost Sys/Format Quantity Total 22.30 _ 28.80 _ 14.60 33.60 ' _ 28.80 _ 36.40 _ 28.80 _ 22.30 _ 28.80 _ 31.50 _ 28.80 _ 37.60 _ 11.20 _ 40.80 _ 34.40 _ 47.90 _ 22.30 _ 40.80 _ 33.25 _ 29.75 _ 28.80 _ 36.40 14.60 _ 31.50 _ DISCONTINUED TITLES (available only while supplies last) F16 Fighting Falcon (Sega) 23.20 Great Soccer (Sega) 28.80 Maze Hunter 3D (Sega) 36.20 Missile Defense 3D (Sega) 36.20 Ninja (Sega) 28.80 Penguin Land (Sega) 42.90 Sports Pad Football (Sega) 28.80 Teddy Boy (Sega) 23.20 MASTER INDEX!AWARDS - 1982-1988 4.50 (shipping included) RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! One Year Renewal 21.00 Two Year Renewal 38.00 One Year Overseas Renewal 33.00 NAME:_ ADDRESS:_ CITY_ STATE_ZIP_ Phone__Subscriber #_ _Check/MO _Bankcard....Expiration Date_ Card #:_ Signature:_ KEY: *=preorder;AM=Amiga;Ap=Apple II;Co=Commodore 64/128; MS=MS DOS; IBM PC/compatibles;Mac=Macintosh;GS=Apple GS; ST=Atari ST; NES=Nintendo; SEGA=Sega Sub-Total_ 61/2% Tax (CA only)_ Shipping:_ TOTAL ENCLOSED:_ Shipping Chart: UPS - $2.00 for 1st item; 50d each additl item (48 states) POSTAL: $3.75 for 1st item; 75tf each additl item (US/APO/FPO) CANADA: $4.75 1st item; 75d ea additl item FOREIGN: Please consult us Save time and PHONE your order in at 1-800-228-4336 (outside Calif.) NOW YOU CAN FAX YOUR ORDER! - 818-904-3682 Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 15 From: BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 Discontinued and Cancelled NES Titles As a service to collectors, we do our best to keep our readers updated on games and related items which have been discontinued j or cancelled by their manufacturers. Nintendo has dropped TEN¬ NIS, PRO WRESTLING, KID ICARUS and the NINTENDO PLAYER’S GUIDE. (The PLAYER’S GUIDE is also being dropped as part of the basic hardware package, the Nintendo Control Deck Set.) Bandai has announced that there will be one more shipment of DRAGON POWER to its dealers this spring before the title is dropped from the company’s line. Data East has discontinued TAG TEAM WRESTLING. KARNOV, KID NIKI, BREAK- THRU. SIDE POCKET and KARATE CHAMP, while Jaleco has dropped CITY CON NECTION. Previously announced titles which no longer appear in company lists of upcoming releases include EMPIRE CITY (Acclaim), MISSION XX (American Sammy), BLACK TIGER and TITAN WARRIOR (Capcom), SECRET WARRIOR (Seika), KEN and CYCLE SHOOTING (Taxan), and BABY GANGSTER (Vic Tokai). Some of these deletions are permanent, and some titles may reappear at a later time. As always, we’ll keep you posted. Update on Atari Games Vs. Nintendo Lawsuit As reported in last month’s issue, Atari Games Corp. of Milpitas, Calif, (not affiliated with Atari Corp. of Sunnyvale, Calif.) filed an antitrust suit against Nintendo of America Inc. in December, 1988, alleging that Nintendo has monopolized the U.S. market for video game cartridges that play in the NES. At the time the lawsuit was filed, it was announced that Tengen Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Atari Games and previously a Nintendo licensee, would distribute R.B.I. BASEBALL, GAUNTLET, and PAC-MAN independently and that these and subsequent Tengen titles for the NES would be manufactured in the U.S.. Earlier this month at CES in Las Vegas, Nintendo senior vice president Howard Lincoln announced that Tengen has been given notice of termination of its license agreement with Nintendo. Asexpected, Nintendo has filed acountersuit against Tengen and its parent company, Atari Games, claiming breach of contract, violation of federal and state trademark laws and unfair competition. Nintendo’s lawsuit also alleges that Atari Games has conspired with and aided Tengen’s violations* of Nintendo’s rights; has tortiously interfered with Nintendo’s contract with Tengen; and has engaged in activities which violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (commonly known as RICO). Nintendo declines further comment at this time since the matters are in litigation. 16 Self Mailing folder. Fold Here Sega Drops Some Titles from its Line In making room for new titles, Sega has discontinued a number of accessories and games. Accessories which will not be available once current stocks are depleted include the SPORTS PAD or POWER BALL and the RAPID FIRE ADAPTOR. (The RAPID FIRE CONTROL STICK package, which includes a RAPID FIRE ADAPTOR, will continue to be available.) The following Mega Cartridges have been discontinued: ASTRO WARRIOR (also no longer included with Sega Base System, which will come with HANG ON built into the Power Base), FANTASYZONE,THENINJA,QUARTET, WORLDGRAND PR1X and the sports games GREAT ICE HOCKEY, SOCCER and VOLLEYBALL plus SPORTS PAD FOOTBALL. Discontinued Sega Cards are F-16 FIGHTING FALCON, MY HERO, TEDDY BOY and TRANSBOT. The Two-Mega Cartridge PENGUIN LAND and 3-D games MAZE HUNTER and MISSILE DEFENSE have also been dropped from the Sega lineup. New from Sega for Computers Three Sega arcade hits are headed for Commodore 64/128, MS-DOS, Amiga and Atari ST: AFTER BURNER, SH1NOBI and ACTION FIGHTER. The first puts you in the pilot’s seat of an F-14 Tom Cat to fly a variety of rescue missions. (MSR $34.95 C64/128, $39.95 MS- DOS, $49.95 Amiga, ST.) SH1NOB1 (same pricing as AFTER BURNER) is a Ninja action-ad venture in which you try to save the children of the world’s leaders from an evil terrorist network. ACTION FIGHTER starts on a motorcycle but can progress to a customized car or aircraft as you find the right parts during your five dangerous air and ground battles. (MSR $24.95 C64/128, $29.95 MS-DOS, $39.95 Amiga, ST.) The Sega computer games are distributed by Mindscape. Computer Entertainer - January, 1989 Computer Entertainer INCLUDES Turn Vidco Q/km IIpdati 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411 S ©February, 1989 Volume 7, Number 11 $3.50 j In This Issue... More News from CES More From C.ES. SNEAK PREVIEWS of... Goal Hoops ...for Nintendo Test Drive II ...for MS-DOS REVIEWS Include... Caveman Ugh-lympics ...for Commodore 64 Dcja Vu II Pirates ...for Macintosh TV Sports Football ...for Amiga Skychase ...for Atari ST!Amiga Oids ...for Atari ST Rampage Bionic Commando Indiana Jones/Temple of Doom ...for Nintendo Govellius ...for Sega TOP FIFTEEN COMPUTER GAMES 1. Three Stooges (Cin/Co) 2. Ultima V (Ori/1) 3. 4th & Inches (Aco/Co) 4. Captain Blood (Min/I) 5. Manhunter New York (Sie/I) 6. Platoon (DE/Co) 7. Pool of Radiance (SSI/Co) 8. Falcon (Spec/I) 9. Rocket Ranger (Cin/Co) 10. Grand Prix Circuit (Aco/I) 11. Kings Quest IV (Sie/I) 12. Last Ninja (Act/Co) 13. Gauntlet (Min/Co) 14. TV Sports Football (Cin/Am) 15. Rocket Ranger (Con/Am) TOP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMES Mindscape Offers Many Conversions, New Games There was a lot to see in Mindscape’s CES booth. Major new conversions shown included GAUNTLET for Macintosh and color Mac II (MSR $49.95), BALANCE OF POWER: 19090 EDITION for IBM/compatibles and Amiga ($49.95), and THE COLONY for IBM/compatibles ($49.95). Additional conversions of BALANCE OF POWER: 1990 EDITION are in the works for Apple IIGS and Atari ST; THE COLONY is also slated for Amiga and Atari ST. New games shown included 720 for C64/128 ($29.95), an aerial skateboarding arcade game licensed from Atari/ Namco, and SGT. SLAUGHTER’S MAT WARS for IBM ($34.95) and C64/128 ($29.95), a wrestling game that lets you manage as well as play. COMBAT COURSE offers five levels of military training with obstacle courses, attack dogs, land mines and more. It will be available for IBM ($34.95), Amiga and Atari ST with voice synthesis for the drill sergeant ($39.95), and C64/ 128 ($29.95). INTERNATIONAL TEAM SPORTS for C64/128 ($29.95) includes water polo, volleyball, soccer, swimming relay and track relay events. And for the sillier side of sports, Mindscape offers AUSSIE GAMES ($29.95 C64/128, $39.95 IBM). The program has six wacky but authentic events: beer-bottle shoot, dry-river boat race, belly-whack competition, boomerang toss, beach football and marlin fishing. Outstanding New Releases from Mindscape The most outstanding new releases we saw at Mindscape were DEJA VU II: LOST IN LAS VEGAS by ICOM Simulations and HOSTAGE by Infogrames. DEJA VU II ($49.95) has just been released for Macintosh and Atari ST and will be available soon for Amiga, IBM and Apple IIGS. The pi ayer takes the same role as in the first DEJ A VU, but now the mob is after you f or the $ 100,000 you owe them. Highly interactive in the same manner as ICOM’s earlier games, this one promises to be { another winner. We were also very impressed by HOSTAGE, a realistic terrorist drama that is as fresh as today’s news. You control an elite, six-person special-forces team assigned to rescue hostages from a terrorist-held embassy. The game is violent and suspenseful. We saw the Amiga version, but HOSTAGE will also be done for Atari ST and Macintosh ($44.95 each), as well as for C64/128 ($29.95) and for IBM and Apple IIGS ($39.95 each). Mediagenic Display Showcases Activision and Affdiates 1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) 2. Bubble Bobble (Tai/NES) 3. Double Dragon (TW/NES) 4. Bases Loaded (Jal/NES) 5. Simon’s Quest (Kon/NES) 6. R.C. Pro-Am (Nin/NES) 7. Anticipation (Nin/NES) 8. T&C Surf Design (LJN/NES) 9. Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) 10. Legend of Zelda (Nin/NES) 11. Double Dragon (Sega/Sega) 12. Shinobi (Sega/Sega) 13. Mickey Mousecapades (Cap/NES) 14. Blaster Master (Sun/NES) 15. Skate or Die (Ult/NES) Coming... We begin to look at the PC Engine & Sega 16-Bit Supersystem! Reviews include Wrestlemania Bomber Man ...for Nintendo Gold Rush ...for IBM Master Ninja ...for Amiga Proclaiming the “industry’s first CD-ROM entertainment title,” Activision showed the CD-ROM version of THE MANHOLE (MSR $59.95) for Macintosh. (Apparently Activision and Cine- maware were unaware of each other’s exhibits, because Cinemaware was also referring to its CD- ROM of DEFENDER OF THE CROWN on IBM as the first CD-ROM entertainment title.) Activision’s MANHOLE on CD-ROM is greatly enhanced from the original disk-based program for HyperCard on the Mac, including additional 3D graphics, many digitized voices to bring the ...contd on Page 2 f FLASHliT ^ Computer Entertainer Returns from Japan With Advanced Gaming Systems!! Computer Entertainer has just returned from the World Capital of Gaming with two treasured advanced gaming systems! We have received so many inquiries from our readers about the PC Engine and the Sega 16-Bit Advanced System (called the Sega MegaDrive in Japan), that we felt it important to provide first-hand information on the units. With no U.S. release dates announced, you’ll get an exclusive "hand-on” look through the eyes of our editors over the next several issues as we play with these advanced ^systems and give you our thoughts. 1 -- characters to life, and an original musical soundtrack by Russell Lieblich. THE MANHOLE on CD-ROM uses more than 55 mega¬ bytes of memory (the equivalent of about 68 floppy disks). Other entertainment titles shown by Activision on conventional floppy disk were F-14 TOMCAT for C64/128 ($39.95), a Naval Weapons Fighter School simulation; PROPHECY I: THE FALL OFTRINADON for MS-DOS ($39.95), a graphic role-playing adventure; and LAST NINJA 2 forC64/128 ($34.95), a sequel that moves the Last Ninja to New York and a series of confrontations with the Corrupt police force protecting the evil Samurai Master. Mediagenic/Activision affiliated publishers were also part of the CES booth and are covered alphabeti¬ cally below. Absolute Entertainment A new version of the Exidy arcade classic, CROSSBOW, was announced for MS-DOS systems ($42.95). Absolute’s C64/128 and Apple II versions of this medieval shooting game are already available. Gamestar The sports programming experts at Gamestar announced a new MS- DOS version of their wrestling game, TAKE DOWN ($34.95), for spring release. Gamestar also showed a brand-new sports action game for MS-DOS, SUZUKI RM 250 MOTOCROSS ($39.95). We liked MOTOCROSS, which appears to be easy to leam and lots of fun to play. Graphics are excellent. Info com Lots of gamers thought it would never happen, but it did. Infocom’s newest games have pictures—lots of pretty pictures, and in color yet. And the Earth kept right on spinning on its axis, and human life kept on at its usual pace without so much as a hiccup. So much for the revolution! Of course only IBM (BATTLETECH) and Macintosh (ZORK ZERO, QUARTERSTAFF) owners have tasted the heady new brew of Infocom storytelling enhanced with beautiful graphics, but other versions are coming. B A1TLETECH is slated for Apple II, C64/128 and Amiga. ZORK ZERO will appearon Apple II, Amiga and IBM, and QUARTERSTAFF is on the way for IBM and Apple I1GS. Additional graphics-enhanced Infocom games for 1989 are JAMES CLAVELL’S SHOGUN, co-authored by Clavell and Infocom’s Dave Lebling, and JOURNEY, Marc Blank’s first “role-play chronicle” which requires no typing. Interplay Productions Interplay’s BATTLE CHESS ($49.95) was shown in new versions for MS-DOS (just released) and Apple IIGS (due next month). It’s a game that everyone is talking about, and it has already picked up a few awards. Interplay’s futuristic hacking adventure, NEUROMANCER, was also shown in a new version for Amiga ($44.95). The great original soundtrack by DEVO really comes to life in the Amiga version. Lucasfilm Games Featured at Lucasfilm Games were the new Amiga and Atari ST versions of the loony cartoon adventure, ZAK McKRACKEN AND THE ALIEN MINDBENDERS ($44.95 each). Both versions are improved over the original releases for MS-DOS and C64/128, with digitized sound effects in full stereo on the Amiga and a horizontal scrolling technique on Atari ST that delivers a true, cinematic look. Amiga and ST owners can also look forward to BATTLEHAWKS 1942 within the next few months. Lucasfilm was also showing the trailer from INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, the third in the series of Indiana Jones films which is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. It turns out that the Lucasfilm Games Group is doing the computer game based on this film, and the game is planned for near-simultaneous release with the movie. They were not showing the game, and they’re keeping it all a big secret until its release, so you know as much as we do about the game at this point. Microillusions \ that the company has purchased the rights to DONDRA-A NEW BEGINNING from Spectrum HoloByte and intends to complete the Questmaster series which DONDRA was to begin. And apparently we haven’t been the only ones wondering what ever happened to the Hanna Barbera license that Microillusions acquired some time back. In a printed update, the company explained that work is progressing well and that we can expect to see SCOOBY DOO for Apple IIGS and MS-DOS during the first quarter of this year. JETSONS (Amiga, Macintosh II), JONNY QUEST (C64/128, MS-DOS) and FLINTSTONES (Apple IIGS, C64/128, MS-DOS) will not appear until later in the year. New World Computing The big news at New World Computing was that MIGHT AND MAGIC II: GATES TO ANOTHER WORLD is now available with double hi-res graphics for 128K Apple II ($49.95), with MS-DOS and C64/128 versions to follow in the next few months. Experience with the first Might and Magic game is helpful but not required to play the sequel, and characters can be transferred. The new program includes auto mapping and has added two new character classes, fearless Barbarian and crafty Ninja. The company also announced that they have acquired the computer rights to the popular NUCLEAR WAR card game and TUNNELS AND TROLLS fantasy role-playing game from Flying Buffalo, Inc. Rainbird Upcoming new versions of CARRIER COMMAND for MS-DOS ($39.95), ELITE for Amiga ($34.95) and THE UNIVERSAL MILI¬ TARY SIMULATOR for Macintosh and Amiga ($49.95 each) were announced by Rainbird at CES. The company also announced the immediate availability of THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: SCE¬ NARIO DISK ONE and VIETNAM: SCENARIO DISK TWO ($19.95 each). The scenario disks run exclusively with THE UNI VER- SAL MILITARY SIMULATOR and are available for MS-DOS, Atari ST, Macintosh and Amiga. Rainbird also showed an intriguing, multi¬ level game called SAVAGE which features very large on-screen characters and high-speed, arcade-style action. SAVAGE will be available for MS-DOS ($34.95), C64/128 ($29.95) and Amiga and Atari ST ($39.95 each). Three-Sixty We got a look at the much delayed HARPOON on IBM, which is not yet finished but said to be close to readiness. What we saw certainly looked good with its extremely detailed, high-resolution EGA graph¬ ics. Three-Sixty also has a very impressive-looking auto racing simu¬ lation in development, INTERNATIONAL RACE OF CHAMPIONS (IROC) for MS-DOS systems. The racing view is from the driver’s seat, and animation as you hit the banked curves of the track is very smooth and realistic. The program will also allow the driver to look back and see the cars running behind. It will also be possible to view the race from “camera positions” on the track. Watch for this one—it looks good. The company is also working on COBRA: AMERICAN ACES IN ‘NAM, a realistic combat helicopter simulation that pro¬ vides a choice of views from inside the chopper. The program will include strategic and tactical elements, including the necessity of dealing with a Viet cong counterpart who tries to sabotage your Cobra. THERATING SYSTEM: 4 STARS = EXCELLENT 2 STARS = FAIR 3 STARS = GOOD 1 STAR = POOR ★ = ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1st set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value) NA - Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) In the Microlllusions section of the Mediagenic booth, we learned Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 Koei Shows Simulations for MS-DOS Systems & Nintendo Koei’s acclaimed wargame simulations for MS-DOS systems, NOBUNAGA’S AMBITION (MSR $59.95) and ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS ($69.95), were shown at CES along with the newly released GENGHIS KHAN ($59.95). The latest title in the Japanese company’s line accommodates one to four players in a 1 wargame that lets players assume the roles of Genghis Khan, Richard the Lion-Hearted, Emperor Alexious III or Shogun Minamoto of Japan. The object is to build an empire and keep it by maintaining the happiness of the people, a full treasury, the loyalty of subordinates and an upper hand over enemies. Koei Corporation was also announced at CES as one of the newest Nintendo licensees, with its first release to be an NES version of NOBUNAGA’S AMBITION, a historical simulation set in 16th century Japan. The company announced that it will also convert additional computer titles for play on the Nintendo system. Tengen Introduces New Line of Computer Games at CES For its first showing of computer games, Tengen displayed versions of BLASTEROIDS (a sort of “super Asteroids”), ROLLING THUN¬ DER (the player as Agent “Albatross” in a mission to penetrate the headquarters of a secret society and crush the organization), RBI BASEBALL, ROAD BLASTERS (everyone for himself or herself on a dangerous roadway of the future), and PAC-MANIA (featuring 3-D scrolling screens). Tengen’s games are planned for most formats, including MS-DOS, CommodoYe 64/128, Amiga and Atari ST. Coming from Psygnosis Psygnosis is preparing to release what they promise to be a highly addictive mixture of frantic action and deep strategy for Atari ST and Amiga: CAPTAIN FIZZ MEETS THE BLASTER-TRONS. Strictly a two-player game, CAPTAIN FIZZ requires cooperation and planned strategy to win. Master Index and Award Index Available We’ve just gone to press on a special issue which encom¬ passes a complete index of everything we have reviewed since our inception in 1982 through 1988! This listing of over 2500 titles includes the month and year reviewed, system reviewed for, and the company who made the program! In addition to this valuable listing, we have included a listing of important articles (such as comparison charts, interviews, etc.) with the month and year. Also, there is a complete listing of Computer Entertainer’s Awards of Excellence 1982-1988 and a complete listing of the Reader’s Hall of Fame! This extremely valuable Master Index is available to our subscrib¬ ers for $4.50. You can order it on Page 15. This will be a valuable addition to any subscriber’s library! Moved??? Don’t forget to tell us so you don’t miss any issues. Send us your new address, along with your old zip code and subscriber number (the Iasi FOUR digits of your mailing label) and we’ll do the rest. j APPLE II Software MIGHT AND MAGIC II: GATES TO ANOTHER WORLD ('k'k'k'k/'k'kick) is the sequel to a favorite program among Apple adventurers. New World Computing has enlarged upon the original game and enhanced the graphics (16-color double hi-res with lots of animation). Although experienced adventurers can transfer their char¬ acters from MIGHT AND MAGIC BOOK I, it is not necessary to have played the first game to enjoy the second. Book II of MIGHT AND MAGIC takes place in the chaotic land of Cron and across the elemental planes, as you and your adventuring party attempt to discover the source of Cron’s woes and its preoccupation with impend¬ ing doom. There is no one set path or solution, so the game will be different for different players. And you are given very little informa¬ tion about the nature of your quest at the beginning of the game, so it’s a matter of gradual discovery as you play, explore, and encounter some of the over 250 monsjprs in the game. Helpful Auto-Mapping MIGHT AND MAGIC II incorporates several new features that are likely to make a hit with adventure gamers, especially the auto¬ mapping which is very helpful. (Auto-mapping comes with cartogra¬ phy, a secondary skill that can be learned by any member of your party.) The main action of the game appears in a large, three-dimen¬ sional graphics window which gives a first-person view of the action in the game. With Eagle Eye and Wizard Eye spells, it’s also possible to get a smaller auxiliary window on the screen which affords an overhead view of your progress. There are two new character classes available: Barbarian and Ninja. They can add new kinds of strength to your party, and it’s really nice to have some types other than the usual elves, ores, etc. from which to choose. (Non-player hirelings can also be added to your party.) Combat is frequent, since it’s the chief means of gaining experience and gold. Combat is handled quite smoothly in this game, with simple menu choices speeding the process so that you can back to exploring. MIGHT AND MAGIC II is definitely an excellent successor to Book I. (Solo play; Keyboard; 128K Blank disks required.) Reviewed on Apple II and coming soon for MS-DOS and Commodore 64/128. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) Correction on Review of Grand Prix Circuit Following our December review of Grand Prix Circuit for Commo¬ dore 64, we received a letter from Accolade pointing out an error in the review. Our reviewer indicated that “unfortunately, shifiting is done automatically.” It was pointed out (and we went back and checked our game to confirm it) that the automatic shifting is only true for the first two levels of the game. In the higher levels, the player is required to do his/her own shifting. We appreciate the letter from Accolade and wanted to pass on this important information. Missing Bees in 720° We have been informed that Mindscape’s 720° went out with a bug, or in this case actually a lack of bugs. It seems that the killer bees that were well known in the arcade version of 720° somehow escaped from the Commodore 64/128 disk. There will be a revised version with the program bug eliminated, meaning that the bees that fled will be captured and restored to the game. (Let’s hope the company can find an escapt-pruuf disk!) If yuu have a bugless version, be sufe to contact Mindscape Customer Service. Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 3 MACINTOSH Software PIRATES (***rt/****) has been converted for Macintosh owners by Microprose , a conversion which works especially well. The game combines role-playing adventure, simulation, and action as you simu¬ late searing adventures on the Spanish Main during the 16th and 17th centuries. There are six different time periods to coose from, nine types of ships, and over 50 different islands and nations to visit, trade with, or capture. Set in the Caribbean, you can take the role of several different swashbuckling roles as you try to gather a fortune and retire to a life of wealth. You have your choice of different nationalities as well as skill level. Also, you mustchoose special skills such as fencing, navigation, gunnery, wit and charm, or medicine. As a role-playing adventure, you are trying to develop your character through experi¬ ences in the game. As a simulation, you must learn to do computer- simulated versions of one or more real-life tasks. As an action game, you must lead your men into battle, fence with the enemy, etc. There are battles at ssea, political intrigue as you deal with conoial governors (and, maybe even a romance with a governor’s daughter). You’ll have to learn how to handle different types of ships, dealing with weather and the ship’s characteristics. As you navigate through the tricky Caribbean waters, you can trade, plunder, negotiate, attack-all the things the real buccaneers did. Particularly Rich on Mac This is a game which we enjoyed immensely when it shipped for Commodore 64/128 during the summer of 1987. This version takes the game to a new dimension due to the capabilities of the Mac and the detailed graphic and sound capabilities. And, as opposed to simply converting the game, the designers have gone to the trouble of adding some features such as the ability to divide your party, leaving some of the men behind. Also, the governor can ask special favors of you which, if your succeed, can affect your rank and possible land grants. You’ll find the mouse easy to master in the battles, sailing, as well as the nuances in a swordfight. There is a good deal of depth to this game which should keep you involved for hours. And, as an added bonus, the instructions include some great historical information which will enhance your gaming, (reviewed on Macintosh; requires at least512K RAM; 800K disk drive; also available for C64) Recommended (MSR $54.95) DEJA VU II: LOST IN LAS VEGAS (★***/****) sounds like it’s been named by someone who’s spent too much time in the Glitter Untitled Good morning. Welcome to Deja Uu II: Lost in Las Uegas. You are making up from a stupor that feels like a chronic hangouer aftei a uuld meek in Uegas. There is a throbbing bump on the back of gout I City for a Consumer Electronics Show. But, seriously, this is a sequel from Icom Simulations for Minds cape to the original Deja Vu: A Nightmare Comes True. As in the original where you wake up in a seedy men’s room, your wake-up call is not much better as you wake up in the bathroom of a seedy hotel after being knocked senseless. The 4 '. i | mob is after you so you better come up with 100 G’s fast-you’ve only I got 7 days to do it. You could try your luck at the blackjack tables or maybe there’s a better way. There’s plenty 1 of clues along the way as you move through one detailed screen after another. Tongue-in-Cheek This is a tongue-in-cheek approach as you move your way through the 24-hour-a-day city. Like its’ predessessor, the game uses no cumbersome commands as you point and click on objects to examine, open, cloe, go, etc. You can manipulate drawers, books, bottles, everything you need to explore to make it through alive. You’ll need to pick up certain items along the way. That train schedule might come in pretty handy if you have to catch the next Amtrack out of town! This is particularly easy adventure to manipulate since you don’t have to guess the various commands. It’s just plain good fun as you take the role of a private detective in the fun capital of the world! (one player; reviewed on Macintosh; requires 512K; 800K disk drive; coming for Atari ST, j Amiga, MS-DOS, Apple IIGS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) XERION (**1/2/***) is one of those simple, yet deceptively addictivegames thatcome along which you expect to find no substance in and then can’t get up from in front of the screen! This game from T itus Software brings back memories of the classic game of Breakout , with the paddle at the bottom of the screen, sending the bouncing ball upward to knock out squares before coming back down at crazy angles, your paddle madly moving from side to side to send the ball back up. And, while the argument can be made that we don’t need a “Breakout" game in 1989, this is completely addictive with creative sound effects and additional perils and helpful items added. There are 36 levels to bounce your way through with certain bricks taking several “hits” before crumbling. Also, there are falling objects which are unleashed when certain bricks crumble. The trick is to know which ones to catch and which to avoid. For instance, the cute little PacMan character, if caught, will make your paddle longer; however, catch a cloud and the paddle reverts to its’ smaller size. Avoid the suction rod which comes up from the bottom of the screen as it can grab your paddle for a few seconds making it impossible to move the paddle under the ball. There’s also magnets which “grab” your paddle, and lots more items, good and bad. As We Said, Addictive This is one of those games that ends up in the category of, “just one more time.” The graphics are simple, yeteffective but the sound effects are quite nice. When you lose, the computer lets out a hardy laugh and the opening theme sounds like some sort of dark opera setting you off into some sort of dastardly mission. There are “plops” and all sorts of other sounds including the dreaded “thwop” when the suction rod grabs you which add to the enjoyment of what is one of the most enduring classic themes around. The designers have packed two disks in the package, one for the Mac Plus and Mac SE and the other for Mac II owners for a full-color version, (one player; reviewed on Macintosh; works on SE, Plus, and Mac II in color) Recommended (MSR $29.95) J Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 J COMMODORE 64/128 Software CAVEMAN UGH-LYMPICS (****'****) is about the silliest program we’ve seen in awhile, but totally enjoyable and challenging. This action event game from Electronic Arts takes us to what might have been the Summer Olympics in the age of the Dinasaur. Moving from that very funny premise, we find six Neanderthal athletes to The Event: Clubbing Mate Toss (it’s okay...they weren’t into Women’s Lib yet), Club¬ bing, Dino Vault (yep, you heard it here first - you must jump over that dinosaur or end up in his choose from to compete in these hilarious events: huge mouth for lunch), Dinosaur Race, Sabertooth Tiger Race, and the most important event of the time, Firemaking. Playing strictly for laughs, you’ll quickly find that you must muster some joystick skill in order to successfully complete each event. After all, if you don’t master that circular mo¬ tion with the joystick, your Mate Toss will find your better half only sail¬ ing a few feet and giving you the “thumbs down” on impaet. There is a praetiee session where you can get the hang of the various events, as well as the “Cave of Fame.” Silly, Fun, and Terrific Graphics While this will never get you entered in the real Olympics, we can assure you that you will, on more than one occasion, start laughing out loud as you play.These cavemen and theiranties are just whatyou need on that rainy afternoon when you are feeling a bitblue. After all, there’s nothing like a good raec on the back of a dinosaur to lift your spirits! Cartoon-like graphics add to the fun that the whole family should have while clubbing your way through these pre-hysterieal events! (one to six players; joystick required; reviewed on C64/128) Recommended (MSR $29.95) he Event: Firemaking POWERPLAY HOCKEY (A*^***) puts you on the iec against the Russians in a game from Electronic Arts featuring 3 levels of play and either one-on-one or five-on-five competition. You can play as either the Americans or Soviets and can choose from three period times (2, 8, or 20 minutes). The game features offensive moves such as drop pass, slap shot, pass/wrist shot, and faeeoff. Defensively, you can body cheek and poke check. You can only get away with so much, however, as there are penalties such as for roughing and crosschecking, as well as icing and offsides. You can switch your lines as fatigue sets in after hard skating up and down the iee. In the one-on-one game, you go head-to-head with the opponent’s center. If you gain control of the puck, you’ll get to go one-on-one with their goalie. In the five-on-five game, you control only the center, taking passes, leading attacks, and passing to your teammates. You also control the same player on defense. Fast Action y But We ’d Like to Control More The action is typically fast and furious as so often is the ease in a good iee hockey game. And, while it’s nice to be able to play both a one-on- one, as well as five-on-five game, we’d like to be able to control differentplayers onour team for a more realistie feel of the game. If you already own a good iee hockey game, you probably won’t want to add this one. (one player; two-player simultaneous; joystick required, reviewed on C64/128) (MSR $24.95) ATARI ST/AMIGA Software SKYCHASE (**;tf***) is the latest jet simulator allowing dogfits in seven different fighters in a game from Maxis, distributed by Broderbund . There are dual screens, one controlled by you and the other by a friend or the computer. Initially, you ’ll want to sharpen your skills on the Easy Mode. It’s there you can work on the movements of the joystick as you learn to dive, bank, climb, etc. Once you choose which jet you wish to fly (from an FA/18 Hornet, F-15 Falcon, M1G- 31 Foxhound and even including a highly maneuverable paper air¬ plane!), you’ll pick the amount of fuel as well as amount of am¬ munition you wish to carry. Your cockpit is equipped with all the instrumentation needed including radar, altime¬ ter, amount of ammo and missiles, G-Foree Indicator, Speed, as well as indications of the direction of your aircraft, your pitch, and roll. When playing against the computer, you can adjust the computer to different levels of difficulty - a nice feature. You’ll choose the number of cells in the Grid whieh effects the overall speed of the game. The speed increases with fewer cells, decreasing with more cells. The grid you choose is projected on the ground to supply perspective. As the round begins, you’ll begin with an automatic flyby. Pilot controls are deactivated until the jets approach and pass each other head on. After that flyby, eombatbegins with all controls activated. When the two jets are close enough to deploy their missiles, the HUD (Heads Up Display) for missile locking will appear. Graphics Give Realistic Feel Because of the veetor-like graphics and 3D images, you’ll have a definite feel of speed as you bank, roll, climb, in your attempt to avoid being locked in on your opponents’ HUD and try to take him out of the sky. The grid below dances in a dizzy manner as you spin and move through your manuevers. The side-by-side screens give the fight a greatpointof perspective and we found it to be especially satisfying in the two-player mode with a friend. The settings allow you to handicap superior players, tailoring settings to strengths, allowing two players to play an equally matched game - one of the true frustrations of many two-player games where one player is far and away the better player, frustrating the other player into not wanting to play at all! It’s a fine simulation for both the Atari ST and Amiga with their great graphic and sound capabilities, (one player; two-player simultaneous; joystick required; reviewed on Atari ST and Amiga) Recommended J Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 5 AMIGA Software REEL FISH’N (**^***) is something a bit different for Amiga owners as this Interstel (distributed by Electronic Arts) game takes you on a bass fishing simulation on one of eight different lakes, using weekly weather and fish¬ ing reports to decide when and where to fish. Once you choose which days to fish, which to work (after all, you have to earn money to pay for your fishing), you’ll want to tum on the radio to check the actual weather for that day to make certain you should fish. Then, open your map and choose which of the eight lakes you wish to visit. Upon arrival at the lake, you must visit the Tackle Shop in order to stock up your boat with bait, lures, as well as maintenance equipment for the boat. If you purchase a depthfinder, you can use that while out on the lake, charting what’s below you which may help you choose a good area to fish in. Careful casting, retrieving and the rod and reel action are critical to a successful day out on the water. You can choose to enter a tournament by fishing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and choosing the lake in which the tournament is being held that week. Quite Different and Not for Everyone The designers have done a fine job of using the Amiga graphic capabilities but, since this is rather specialized in its’ area of interest, it’s not for everyone. The details, from the radio to the rumble of the outboard moter, including many “windows” which open to greater detail (for instance, click on the tackle box on the boat and you’ll get an exploded view showing what you’ve got in the box), give it a good deal of realism and can be a very interesting addition to your library. At least we can say we haven’t seen anything quite like it, which is amazing in of itself! (one player; reviewed on A miga, coming for Atari ST) Recommended (MSR $44.95) TACKLE LURES SHOP EQUII PMENT SURf ELL 'ACE LSS_ - j BOTTOM BOUNCERS r v / . i 1 MJ nnf [IS SPECIAL "-—$-* -r 1 £3.^1 P Sfl /low t Cffp you car.M «i;s (Lake encounter all the aspects of the coin-op version such as the flipping car when it crashes, to all the detail in the passing scenery. You’ll pass diners, towns, and more as you can barely focus on the items on the side of the road., .as you race at speeds up to 295 kph. While this is a straight¬ ahead racecar driving game, it remains one of our favorites as we choose the different types of music and the various types of courses which can be chosen, (one player; reviewed on Amiga; also available for C64, Atari ST; coming for MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) TV SPORTS: FOOTBALL (**rtl/2/***l/2) is the latest “com¬ puter movie” from Cine maw are, this time taking us to the gridiron for some action on a fall afternoon. Some fabulous viewpoints are in¬ cluded, from above and on the field with close-ups of the announcer and various other scenes. There are various modes of play allowed, from one-player and teammates (two humans against the computer), Practice, to League play. In league play, you have 28 teams to choose from. At the beginning of a season, you can edit your team in such areas as player names, rankings, or ratings. Within the Clipboard section of the program you can view the weekly schedule of games (it’s a 16- game schedule with post season playoffs), standings, league leaders in six categories, and stats by team. The Toss of the Coin Once the coin toss is completed, it’s time for the kick-off. There’s a playcalling screen which comes up between plays so you can choose your formations for the next play. The typical menu of football options are here - fumbles, punting, running, passing, field goals (you can either have the computer attempt the field goal, or you can attempt to put the ball between the uprights), and penalties (although several penalties such as clipping, facemask, etc. are not included). In order to play this, or any football game, you’ll need plenty of practice to take advantage to all the nuances available, as well as handling your ball carriers and quarterback, as well as your defense, as they should be for a win. Gorgeous Graphics But Sound Not Dazzling The graphics are, once again, gorgeous as Cinemaware seems to accomplish beautifully smooth and colorful graphics. On the sound side, however, we were slightly less than dazzled as it seems that the crowd noise was not what we’ve heard in other Amiga games and we would have liked more speech. (We think part of the problem here is that we have come to expect so much from Cinemaware that anything less than astounding is slightly disappointing!). We also would have liked to see the instant replay feature which has been showing up in more and more sports games. The gameplay is quite good with only the slightest “problems” in features missing. Overall, it’s a fine game and worthy of a spot on your library shelf (one player; two player simul¬ taneous; external drive required; joystick required) Recommended (MSR $49.95) OUTRUN ('k'k'k'k !****) makes yet another conversion, this time for the graphically superior Amiga. As soon as the game is booted, you know it’s special as a deep voice announces this Sega game (distrib¬ uted by Mindscape) . with dramatic music in the background. Once you’re ready to take to the road, the game is very familiar in its* gameplay to all the other Outrun versions which have preceded this one. There are several different courses to choose from, as well as different music on your car radio to listen to. The courses range from sandy beaches, fields, vineyard, lakeside, to the Autobahn. Once you get the feel for the mouse-controlled steering wheel (very sensitive), you can start revving up and taking off against the competition and the clock. Graphics Like Coin-Op The graphics are jusl as crisp and colorful as they can be, and you*ll 6 New MS-DOS Releases from EA& Affiliates Versions of WASTELAND (MSR $49.95) by Interplay Productions for Electronic Arts, STRIKE FLEET ($39.95) by Lucasfilm Games and HALLS OF MONTEZUMA ($44.95) by Strategic Studies Group are now available in MS-DOS format through Electronic Arts Distri¬ bution. WASTELAND is a futuristic role-playing game set in the Las Vegas area in the post-nuclear, radioactive year of 2087. STRIKE FLEET is an action-oriented naval warfare simulation that permits player control from ship or helicopter in a variety of global hot spots. (Both WASTELAND and STRIKE FLEET are also available in a 3.57 5.25 M -disk combo package at $5 more than the basic 5.25" package.) HALLS OF MONTEZUMA is a battle history of the U.S. Marines and tiicfii si MS-DOS Vcisioti oi any of SSGpoptilaf strategic wargamts. Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 SNEAK PREVIEW MS-DOS THE DUEL: TEST DRIVE II (A***'****) is planned for a March release simultaneously for MS-DOS, Amiga, Apple I1GS, and C64/128 and follows in the rich tradition of Test Drive™ and Grand Prix Circuit™, all three designed by Distinctive Software for Acco¬ lade. Here you can race head-to-h ead in two of the fastest production made - the Ferrari F40 against the Porsche 959. If you wish, you can choose to race against the clock, although the race head-to-head is what had us scrunched down over our joystick joyfully screech¬ ing around comers at over 150 kph (you can play with the keyboard, but any racing fanatic knows the joystick is the way to go). Anyone who has enjoyed the original Test Drive will immediately feel com¬ fortable in front of the cockpit full of instrumentation. You can choose any one of twelve levels of difficulty (the first four levels feature automatic shifting; after that, you’re on your own - be careful you don’t blow engine allow your RPMs to too high) i manuever arot other traffic, mountain-si roads, throug desert, fore! etc., all wh avoiding haza such as pothc (you do not w to hit one of those at the speeds you’ll be going!) and the dreaded police. You’ve got a radar detector on your dashboard, as well as that rearview mirror to spot Smokey bearing down on you. The Best Gets Better As our readers know, the original Test Drive™ still stands in our memory as one of the all-time greatracecargames. The designers have really done a great job making it just a bit better with this sequel with the head-to-head feature. The graphics remain really fine (again, we can’t want to see the Amiga and GS versions!) and the racing exhiler- ating. But Wait , There's More The best gets better as accessory disks arc being released for the program as well. First, i( The Supercars'’ is a disk full of some of the newest production cars from the ’88 Lotus Turbo Espirt, the Ferrari Testarossa, the Porsche 911 RUF, the °88 Lamborghini Countach 5000S, and Chevrolet’s newest production, the ’89 Corvette ZRI. In addition, “California Challenge” will be reelased as a scenery disk which enters drivers in a six leg road race down the scenic coast of California. Beginning with the Califomia/Oregon boarder to the redwood trees; the redwood trees to Eureka where the roads twist and Egging trucks block your way; Eureka to Rockport where there’s alot ofclimbing;RockporttoSan Francisco where you race down 101 until the Golden Gate Bridge comes into view; San Francisco to Carmel where you’ll run into some heavy local tourist traffic; and Carmel to Santa Barbara, probably the most beautiful piece of scenery anywhere, but don’t take your eyes off the road as one wrong move and you can sail off a cliff. All in all, a complete package which should keep any racing fan happy for many, many sessions. By the way, additional scenery and car disks are planned, (one player; keyboard or joystick; reviewed on MS-DOS; also coming for Amiga, Apple I1GS, C64/128) Recommended (MSR $44.95 for all but C64/128 at $29.95; Acces¬ sory Disks are $19.95 each except for C64/128 at $14.95 each) MS-DOS t •«* 53k** i t \* % POLICE QUEST II: THE VENGEANCE (****/****) picks up on the case you thought you’d successfully completed with the capture, trial and imprisonment of Jessie Bains, the Death Angel, in the original POLICE QUEST. This 3-D animated adventure from Sierra was written by retired police officer Jim Walls and brings more of his first¬ hand knowledge of police work to the computer screen. If you’ve played the first POLICE QUEST adven¬ ture, you’ll find this one easy to get into, at least in the early stages. Your role as Detective Sonny Bonds moves to the homicide depart¬ ment with Bonds’ new job, which incorporates not only more freedom in deci¬ sion-making but also more responsibilities and more danger than ever. Why more danger? Because the Death Angel has escaped from jail, killed his jailer, and has vowed to kill everyone who helped convict him. And that means the Death Angel is after you, among others. As in the firstgame, careful adherence to police procedure is a must in this game. To that end, a Homicide Officer’s Guide is included, providing standard operating procedures, radio codes, and listings of the vehicle and penal codes. A certain amount of your time in this game is taken up with the day-to-day routines of following the standard procedures, but there’s more than enough edge-of-your-seat excitement in the race against time to find and apprehend the Death Angel. The action is wide-ranging, from a scuba recovery mission to an experience with terrorist skyjackers. The graphics are more realistic than in the first game, thanks to Sierra’s new Creative Interpreter, and there’s an original musical score to enhance the story. (You can’t appreciate the quality of the score without a music board in your PC, however.) We like the gritty realism of a contemporary story that could just as easily be true (some elements are). Sierra seems to have a genuine talent for developing series of adventures in which each succeeding game improves upon its predecessor. POLICE QUEST 11 is the latest example, and 2an excellent one. (Solo play; Keyboard alone or with mouse or joystick; 512K; CGA/EGA/MCGA/VGA; 3.5” & 5.25" disks included; Blank disks required; Not copy protected; Supports Roland MT-32, Ad Lib & IBM music cards.) Recommended. (MSR $49.95) J Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 7 ATARI ST Software 1 MULTI-SYSTEM Software OIDS (★^★★★1/2) from FTL Games is an arcade-style rescue game in which you mount an expedition to any of a number of galaxies to free a race of robot Oids from Biocrete slavery. Some galaxies and their planetoids are lightly defended with few missile bases, while others are heavily armed with Helljets, Saucers, Reapers that launch guided Orbs when approached, Pjaraguns, and even Gravbases that repel your small ship at the most inopportune times. Your ship is a V-Wing spacecraft with controls similar to those in the old lunar lander games: thrust forward by pushing the stick up, but slow down by rotating 18°o. Add the downward pull of planetary gravity, and it takes some practice to avoid crashing into the mountainous terrain. You do have shield protection, but it must be recharged with precious fuel which is usually not replenished until you’ve rescued enough Oids to summon your mother ship. The Oid slaves are usually held in factories, where one blast from your pellet gun is enough to free them—except in the more hardened enemy sites, which require NovaBombs. Once the escaped Oids are in sight, you must land your ship gently on a nearby flat spot and rescue them. Of course, this is not easy in the higher levels when Saucers and guided Orbs home in on your ship. At even higher play levels, some enemy factories are located in small, highly defended caverns that can only be reached through teleport chambers. Highly evolved maneuvering and shooting skills are required to succeed at these levels. For the Skilled, Hard-Core Arcade Player Each planetoid is about two screens high and six to eight screens wide. A rather plain line of mountains is set against a starry, black sky and scrolls as your ship flies. The game includes a planetoid editor, allowing you to design your own mountainous terrain and set up the enemy defenses, including their difficulty settings. An advantage of the editor is that it lets you tour entire planetoids and start a practice game at any starting position. It is useful for honing your skills as well as learning the planetoid’s defense system. The overall difficulty level is high, except on beginning levels. Piloting an Asteroids-style ship through narrow caverns and past towering mountains while being pursued by enemy defenses can leave the player quite tense. Practice is the key. OIDS is definitely for the skilled, hard-core arcade player. (Solo play; Joystick; Atari ST only.) Recommended. (MSR $29.95) ...Jeffrey Stanton MS-DOS HOMETOWN, U.S.A. (***/★★*) is an interesting program from Publishing Inti, which allows you to design and build your own little model town. Included in the program are templates for everything from a bakery, bank, hotel, theatre, to the railroad station, church, library, gazebo, houses, gas station and more - even a dog house. In addition to the templates, there are all the accessories you need in the way of various styles of doors, windows, signs, storefronts, stairs, balconies, awnings, etc. Once you complete your design, simply print it out and cut, fold, and paste the building into your own masterpiece. Then, with crayon, ink, or whatever, you can customize it further. In addition to designing a town for your railroad set (it’s sized in HO gauge), you can make gift boxes, winter villages for Christmas decorations, and much more. It’s an ideal creative tool for kids and adults alike as the possibilities are virtually endless, (reviewed on MS-DOS; printer required) Recommended STAR WARS (★**/*★★) is Broderbund y s computer version of the now-classic Atari Games/Tengen coin-op that re-created key space-fighting scenes in the original STAR WARS movie. Like the arcade game, the computer versions feature color vector graphics and relentless shooting action, letting the player take the role of Han Solo in his X-wing fighter as he attacks the Empire’s Death Star. The game begins with the voice of Obi Wan Kenobi (C64/128 only) assuring that “The Force is with you” plus the expected STAR WARS musical theme. Then it’s into the three game sequences, beginning with a dogfight in space, you against the Empire’s TIE fighters and their deadly fireballs. Then you skim the surface of the Deathstar, turning tower tops into crystalline shards with your laser fire. The third sequence is the critical one, as you fly the narrow trench, avoiding catwalks and fireballs, to reach the Deathstar’s exhaust port and deliver the final blow that will cause the Deathstar to explode. STAR WARS is a very straightforward shooting game with colorful, wire¬ frame graphics. The attraction is the role-playing aspect that lets you become Han Solo and be a part of the STAR WARS mystique. That attraction will be| irresistible for many gamers. And Broderbund is getting the most from the STAR WARS mystique with a clever bit of packaging. There’s a tiny chip with its own speaker inside the box, and pressing the specified spot on the package activates a brief bit of the STAR WARS musical theme. That should be a real attention- getter in software stores! (Solo play; Joystick; Pause; MS-DOS version requires 256K, CGA/Hercules monochrome & has keyboard option.) MS-DOS and Commodore 64/128 versions reviewed; com¬ ing soon form Atari ST, Amiga. Recommended. (MSR $39.95, except C64/128 at $29.95) WILLOW (***1/2/***) is an adventure composed of seven action sequences, each of which can be practiced separately if you prefer not to follow the full quest. The program from Minds cape is based on the Lucasfilm movie of the same title and follows the movie plot quite closely. The story is told on a scroll at the beginning of the game, a tale of a baby whose survival must be ensured if an evil queen is to be eliminated. In different action sequences you play one of three heroes and guide his or her part in the quest to save the baby. The characters are Ethna the Daikini, Willow Ufgood the farmer, and Madmartigan the renegade soldier. As the words of the scroll move on your screen, you may pick up clues that can help in the game sequences. The scroll is also your entry to the game itself, as you highlight certain words with a wand cursor to begin the complete quest or to go into practice mode in your choice of any but the final action sequence. The game sequences include a race through a dungeon maze, a spellcasting game and a swordfighting duel, among others. And it is possible to reset the game to change maps, spells and other elements to create a new quest. The versions we reviewed all feature lovely graphics and a variety of action. However, there is a large amount of disk access time, which appears to be at least partly a function of the very large size of the game. Waiting for game sequences to load can be frustrating, especially in the C64/128 version. (A stickeron the outside of the package recommends the use of a fast-loader cartridge. A fast loader is absolutely required with this game, unless you have a lot more patience than we do.) WILLOW is an enjoyable game with variety and the bonus of a randomizing feature, but excessive disk access time is a distracting negative. (Solo play; Joystick; Mouse or keyboard option on ST, Amiga; Pause.) Commodore 64/128, Atari ST, Amiga versions re¬ viewed; also available for MS-DOS. MSR $39.95, except C64/128 at $29.95. Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 COMMODORE 64/128 Software | UNINVITED (***1/2/****) by I COM Simulations for Mind- scape is a graphic adventure with the same style of interface as their earlier game, DEJA VU. If you’ve played the earlier adventure, you need no introduction to the uniquely intuitive way this game works with joystick or mouse control and hardly any typing. In case you haven’t played the earlier game, be prepared for the ability to interact with objects in the main graphics window by simply pointing and clicking. Even adding an item to your inventory is as simple as clicking on it and then “dragging” it to a box on the screen marked “inventory.” The comfortable feel of playing the game in a way that seems very natural comes from its heritage: it was developed on the Macintosh. And since the game is so easy to control, you can concentrate all your attention on the story. And what a marvelously scary story it is! Classic Gothic Horror UNINVITED is classic Gothic horror brought to life on a computer screen. As you begin, your character is just rousing from the edges of unconsciousness, having crashed his car into a tree. His brother seems to have disappeared, and an imposing mansion can be glimpsed through the spidery cracks of the windshield. Assuming the persona of this slightly dazed traveler, you leave the car and approach the house. Inside are hints of black magic and mystery. A taunting imp keeps running across your path, carrying a key that must be important. The house seems uninhabited yet not at the same time. Could it be haunted? It won’t take you long to discover that it is indeed haunted—by things that go bump in the night and far worse. Your character will die often when you first play the game, and in some pretty gruesome ways. The designers have done such a good job in creating a mood of suspense and imminent danger that some scenes raise goose bumps. Have you ever wanted to star in a horror movie or novel? Then don’t miss UNINVITED, for this is your chance. (Solo play; Joystick or mouse; Blank disk required for game-saving.) Commodore 64/128 version reviewed. Also available for Macintosh, Amiga, Atari ST ($49.95), MS-DOS ($39.95) and Apple IIGS ($44.95). In development for Apple II; MS-DOS 3.5” version available next month. Recommended. (MSR $34.95) FIRST OVER GERMANY (**1/2/***) is a B-17 Flying Fortress simulator by Strategic Simulations which gives you a chance to try out your wings in the historic 306th Bombardment Group for 25 historic i i i i I i i combat missions over Germany during World War II. However, as a green young pilot, you’re hardly ready for combat duty when you first boot the disk. The program begins with crew selection, gunnery practice, and then a series of training missions in the U.S. before you head for the European theater. Each of ten crew positions must be ___ Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 filled, from copilot to tail gun, and you have a choice of six individuals for each spot. Each man is rated for aptitude, experience and stamina, and your crew choices determine the difficulty level of your training and combat missions. Gunnery practice involves no flying at all, but merely learning to respond to incoming enemy aircraft (bogeys) in various positions. When you switch to a particular gunner’s position, your joystick controls the aiming crosshairs. One aspect of shooting that we did not like is the fact that the bogey doesn’t move at all while you’re shooting. We found it disconcerting to stop firing and see that the bogey had suddenly “jumped” to a different position. The next step in your training is learning to take off, fly the plane and become familiar with the instruments, land, and then move on to joining a formation, bomb practice, and longer flights. With a little training, you’re sent to England to begin your tour of duty: 25 increasingly difficult missions over Germany. On the missions, you will experience combat with enemy fighters, various mechanical problems, and flak. From mission to mission you are rated for bombing accuracy and general efficiency, with increases in rank as your rewards for good performance. We feel that this game will appeal more to those who prefer traditional strategic wargames than to fans of action gaming. There is certainly action in FIRST OVER GERMANY, but it takes a back seat to your ability to plan your missions and manage your resources. (Solo play; Joystick & keyboard; Blank disk required.) MSR $49.95 MS-DOS VIDEO GAMMON (***/***1/2) gives true challenge and inter¬ action in what might otherwaise be a boring session of Backgammon. Baudville brings interaction with your computer playing partner to a new high. VIDEO GAMMON comes equipped with three levels of opponents: “Smarty,” “Whimpy” and “Crazy.” Each name is indica¬ tive of the types of moves you can expect from the opponent. Smarty plays a balanced, strategic game, while Whimpy plays a safe game,w and Crazy is likely to try anything. All the extra side thrills are included, such as doubling cube, a match play using the Crawford Rule, and also the option for two players. The ease of board movement brings real-life play to your screen, and you don’t even have to drag out the board and checkers to enjoy it. The play action in VIDEO GAMMON can be quite fast and exciting—this reviewer had to be pulled away from the screen. (One or two players; CGA/Hercules monochrome; Keyboard.) Available for IBM/Tandy/MS-DOS only. Recommended. (MSR $34.95) KING’S QUEST IV Now Available for Apple IIGS The newest in the popular King’s Quest series from Sierra was recently released in a new version for the Apple IIGS, taking advantage of the system’s sound capabilities with many life-like sound effects added to the original music score written by William Goldstein (TV’s FAME, and the Touchstone film HELLO AGAIN). New Lawsuit Filed Against Nintendo Amid the flurry of litigation consisting of the Atari Games Corp./ Tengen Inc. $100 million antitrust lawsuit filed in December, 1988 against Nintendo of America Inc. and Nintendo’s series of countersuits against Tengen and Atari Games, another antitrust lawsuit was filed against Nintendo at the end of January. The second litigant to charge Nintendo with Unfair monopoly of the multi-billion dollar video game market is Atari Corp. of Sunnyvale, Calif.—the other and entirely unrelated Atari Corp. which produces computer and video game hardware and video game software. In its $250 million suit, Atari Corp. claims that Nintendo is illegally preventing developers of games licensed for play on the Nintendo system from making those same games available for competing video game systems, such as Atari’s. Nintendo’s response to the Atari Corp. suit was swift and terse, calling the Atari charges “absurd,” “sour grapes” and “an attempt to excuse Atari’spoor competitive performance” in a market which Atari previ¬ ously dominated. NES and Competing Systems We do not pretend specialized knowledge of the laws which govern licensing, but we’re a bit confused by the Atari Corp. charges in light of the fact that some games already exist which have been made for the Nintendo Entertainment System and for competing systems. For example, how can there be a GHOSTBUSTERS game made by Activision for the Atari 2600, a second GHOSTBUSTERS game which Activision licensed to Sega for play on the Sega Master System, and a third GHOSTBUSTERS game created by Activision for play on the NES under license from Nintendo? Granted that the Atari 2600 and Sega versions preceded the NES one, but if Nintendo is indeed intent on not having NES games available for competing systems, then why would they have permitted Activision to release the NES version of GHOSTBUSTERS under the licensing agreement between Nintendo and Activision? Further Developments: Nintendo Patent Granted The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed the “Pat. Pend.” (patent pending) notice molded into every NES cartridge shell. Nintendo announced on January 24, 1989 that it had been granted a U.S. patent entitled “A System for Determining Authenticity of an External Memory Used in an Information Processing Apparatus.” In plain English, this means that Nintendo was granted a patent for its two authenticating processors, one in the Control Deck and the other in each software cartridge. The two processors communicate with each other, forming a “security system” which is meant to allow a game cartridge to function only if it is manufactured by Nintendo or under license. Nintendo claims thatTengen has copied the patented software authenticating processor in its new, independently produced car¬ tridges. As a result, Nintendo has filed an additional suit against Tengen Inc. and its parent. Atari Games Corp., charging patent infringement. Attention Collectors Be sure and write in to us (no phone calls, please) and indicate what you’re looking to buy, trade, or sell (rare and discontinued items only) with your name and address. Space permitting, we will print your request with your address m cthtr readers cm i muaT you iirecily should they be able to help you in your search. This feature will begin again in March. _ ; _ 10 SEGA Software GOLVELLIUS - VALLEY OF DOOM (***l/2/***l/2) by Sega is an action-adventure in the classic mold. A noble quest is the centerpiece of the action, as the player-adventurer, Kelesis, sets off on a mission to rescue the Princess Rena from her imprisonment by Golvellius, the evil king of the demons. Before entering the cave that leads to the Valley of Doom, Kelesis encounters a Wise Woman who gives him a sword and a pair of boots. Then he’s off on his adventure through subterranean passages and over the danger-ridden grounds of the Valley. Kelesis must gather seven crystals and defeat all manner of demons before he can reach the final battle with Golvellius himself. Along the way, there are many experiences: fights with enemies, the help and advice of friendly creatures, gold to be earned and spent, special objects and hints to find, and many secrets to discover. Surprise and Discovery The territory of the game scrolls horizontally in some areas, and vertically in others for a variety of action. There is a sense of surprise and possible discovery at nearly every turn, keeping the game interest¬ ing and motivating even though its general theme is a familiar one. As long as your system is turned on, you may continue each new game with all the possessions you earned in the last game, except for gold, which is reduced to half of what you had accumulated in the previous game. Since all playing sessions must end sooner or later, Sega has provided a Password feature that allows you to continue as if you had not turned your system off. This is a popular feature with gamers and adds to the attraction of this very enjoyable adventure. (Solo Play; Password feature.) Recommended. NINTENDO Software BIONIC COMMANDO (***;tf**l/2) is Capcom’s futuristic, one-man commando mission featuring a soldier with a powerful, bionic arm. The commando is charged with the task of moving into enemy territory and finally into enemy headquarters itself to rescue one of his comrades. The play action occurs over 19 different battle scenes, and the commando faces seemingly im¬ possible odds against multi¬ tudes of enemy forces. But he can maintain some contact with his head¬ quarters when he finds communi¬ cation rooms in various enemy locations, gaining information as he moves toward his objective. The cumirrandu begin* the game with a normal gun, but he can Earn the increased fire power of special weapons as he progresses toward his _ > Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 I goal. But his best weapon is the one that’s the most fun for the player to control: his bionic arm. This spring-like contraption expands, contracts and easily grabs onto surfaces above the commando, allow¬ ing him to swing Tarzan-style with speed, power and grace. There’s plenty of good action in this game, along with exciting music and outstanding graphics with large, well animated figures. Instruction Manual Is Awful So why are we not recommending BIONIC COMMANDO? The instruction manual is awful. The manual provides minimal informa¬ tion about the features of the game and the methods of making the features work. Even worse, what little information there is has been written so poorly as to be nearly incomprehensible. (Example from description of the stage map: “Player starts from area 0 and transfer along the route. Each numbered squares are the areas and as soon as your player reaches, screen will change to battle scene.” Another example explaining the weapon selection method: “Move flashing squares to item you want, then press ‘A’ twice to start, you can cancel it.”) Granted that arcade gamers are accustomed to playing with few or no instructions, but we believe that most home players expect and deserve complete, well-written instructions. And they should not have to bear the expense of a long-distance phone call to the company’s game counselors just to ask procedural questions that should have been answered in the manual. BIONIC COMMANDO is another case of a potentially good game that could have been much better with decent instructions. (Solo play; also available for Commodore 64/128 and MS-DOS.) Not recommended. (MSR $44.95) INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (**1/2/***) from Minds cape is licensed from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Tengen/Atari games, based on both the movie and the coin-op game of the same ; unflappable Indy as he seeks to free the enslaved chil¬ dren of Ma- yapore and re¬ cover the Sank¬ ara Stones stolen by the high priest, Mola Ram. Be¬ ginning his quest with just his fa¬ miliar whip, he fends off Thug¬ gee guards and and TNT) can be gathered as he moves through the screens. There are twelve levels of play, each consisting of two or more settings, complete with secret doors to special areas in the game, including a Warp Wave for rapid progress to higher levels. The first eight levels consist of alternating scenes of caves and mines. The mines are more treacherous than the caves because of the the mine cars, moving conveyor belts and deadly lava pits. Upper levels take Indy to the Chamber of Kali for the three Sankara Stones, to a map room for the route to the secret exit, then finally through the dungeons of Kali and across a rope bridge. The first level of the game is quite easy to master, but the going immediately gets a whole lot tougher from the second level on. Indiana Jones fans will appreciate the close adherence to the movie’s story and the use of the familiar theme music throughout. The game is very challenging and enjoyable to play, even though we found the graphics to be a little flat. (Solo play; Continue feature; also available for Atari ST, Amiga, Commodore 64/128.) MSR $49.95 name. The game is an action-adventure starring other dangers. Additional weapons (guns, swords RAMPAGE (***^***) comes to yet another system with this version by Data East for the NES. This is the ultimate game of destruction, in which you control a monster bent on destroying every city in the U.S. and lunching on its inhabitants. Data East has chosen to build their version of the game around George the Ape and Lizzie the Lizard, two of the original three characters from the Bally-Midway coin-op. There are 128 levels, the ability to play a cooperative two- player game, and plenty of anti-monster action from police, helicop¬ ters, and even lightning bolts shot from an occasional thundercloud. The game is silly, destructive, and loads of fun to play—everything that RAMPAGE fans are looking for. Our only complaint about the game is an overly generous “continue” feature that lets you re-start indefinitely with no loss of points. (1 or 2 players; Continue feature; also available from Activision for Commodore 64/128, Apple II, MS- DOS and Sega.) Recommended. (MSR $44.95) SKATE OR DIE (****^****) is the ultimate skateboarding ad¬ venture with five different events and the ability to accommodate up to eight players. Events can be practiced individually or played for points in competition mode. Developed by Ultra under license from Electronics Arts, SKATE OR DIE brings alive the “rad” world of skateboarding, Southern California style. Three events are regulation pro contests: the downhill race with flags, ramps and pipes and the high jump and freestyle competitions held in a U-shaped concrete pit open at both ends. The high jump encourages a crazy kind of daredevil courage, because your skateboarder has to land on his board after those jumps. In the freestyle competition, the object is to build speed on the same course, but with the aim of performing a variety of airborne tricks that must be seen to be believed! (No wonder gaming simula¬ tions are so popular: they’re so much safer than the bone-breaking realities.) The other two events are somewhat less conventional—if anything about skateboarding can be described as conventional. The Downhill Jam takes a pair of racers through tough back alleys, where the object is to smash objects in the way and get in as many kicks and punches at your opponent as possible. And for a little more one-on-one destruction, there’s pool-jousting. Two skaters square off in a drained swimming pool, one armed with a big stick for bashing his opponent while the other does his best to avoid the blows until it’s his turn with the stick. In all five events, fantastic skating action combines beauti¬ fully with realistically animated graphics and lively music for a real skateboarding treat. Don’t miss this one! (1 to 8 players; also available from Electronic Arts for Commodore 64/128, MS-DOS.) Recommended. (MSR $39.95) Oops! LITTLE COMPUTER PEOPLE Designed by Rich Gold, Not David Crane Last month we ran a short article about David Crane’s joining the design staff of Absolute Entertainment. In error, we credited Crane as the designer of LITTLE COMPUTER PEOPLE. Although Crane was part of the team that worked on the project, the designer was Rich Gold, who deserves the credit for the whimsical concept and its entertaining execution. Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 11 r HOOPS (★★★l/2/***l/2) will be available soon from Jaleco. a traditional “half-court” game of basketball in which you must outplay some of the hottest neighborhood players at a court in the local playground. Before start¬ ing, you have several op¬ tions at your disposal. First, you must choose one or two-player mode (or you can watch a game). Then, you can opt for a one-on- one game (you against the computer or a friend) or two-on-two (you and a friend against the computer or you against a friend, each controlling two players). In the two-on- two game, if your team wins y you play you can ask for the Continue option which will trigger the computer t o select two different opponents to challenge your team.You must then choose how many points per game to play to, whether you’ll be playing LOSERS-OUT or WIN- NERS-OUT game, and which of two courts you ’ll be playing in. You’ll also choose from eight different players, each with a unique style of play and certain strenghts (you can view a player’s profile on the screen). Now you’re ready to shoot for possession or play a game of “around the world.” Around the world allows you to prac¬ tice your “shooting for pos¬ session skills in eleven posi¬ tions around the key. Throughout this exercise, there’s an arrow dancing above the hoop to help you shoot at the right moment. Once you’re ready for tournament play, you ’ll have to practice using your controller as you have several options. There’s shooting, passing, and an attempt at the slam dunk. M ake it and there’s a close-up of your character flying towards the basket as he/she jams the shot home. Defense is just that—block the shot or steal. There’s less penalties called in play¬ ground basketball but you still have to watch traveling, charging, and pushing as you can be called for these foals. Quite Good Jaleco has already scored with a terrific baseball simulation (Bases Loaded) and this one adds to their sports stable admirably. The action is non-stop with all the various ways to play a real plus. It will take you some time to master the ball handling, especially when you’re playing against the computer which never seems to miss a shot! The graphics are quite good as you look in on the court from behind the center line. The close-up effect of the slam dunk shot is very impressive as the figures explode into larger-than-life players. The music was a slight annoy ance tv u^, but we tui ned that du wn. All in all, a very strung entry V. 12 in the basketball arena (one player; two-player simultaneous; continue feature on 2-on-2 only) Recommended (MSR. $42.95) GOAL! (★★★1/2/****) is our second Sneak Preview from Jaleco this month, this one taking us to the soccer field for some frenzied action as you choose from sixteen countries to represent in World Cup competition or choose one of eight American professional teams and compete in a three-round tournament. In both World Cup and Tournament play, each team fields eleven play¬ ers: 3 forwards, 3 midfield¬ ers, 4 defenders, and 1 goal¬ keeper. You can choose to play against the computer, against a friend, or coopera¬ tively with a friend against the computer. A continue feature is available for World Cup competition to put you back where you left off in the competition, or in the two-player cooperative mode against the computer. There is a Shoot competition in which you choose one of three players and compete vs. a goalie and two defensive players. You get five tries to dribble the ball past the defenders and score. This is a good way to practice your skill down around the net. On offense, you’ll use your controller to handle shoot¬ ing, passing, dribbling, tackling the ball away from your opponent, and moving your player(s) downfield. One movement which will defintely take time to master is heading the ball in which you move under the ball and bounce it off your head, heading it towards your teammates or the opponent’s net. When playing against the computer, you’ll quickly discover that your opponent is very good at passing from teammate to teammate. You’ll be caught up in quite a challenge! You’ll find the moves there, from hooksliding to the diving headshot when in front of the opponent’s goal. Good Game, Good Challenge For sports fans, this will be a terrific challenge in a game which has been very popular for the “armchair” gaming set. We especially like all the ways you can play - from World Cup to tournaments, against a friend, against the computer - all for a very challenging afternoon of soccer play. The graphics are quite good and realistic, adding to the fun. It appears that Jaleco may be carving out a strong niche in sports games! (one player; two-player simultaneous) Recommended (MSR. $46.95) Higher Game Prices in ’89 Expect to pay more in 1989 than you did in ’88 for video games on both the Sega and Nintendo systems. Based on what we’ve learned so far, price increases are widespread although not universal. In some cases, the increases are very small, but others are substantial. ___ J Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 Monster Party (BAN) Mupper Adventure (HT) Roller B all (HAL) U Force (BRO) Street Cop (BAN) Vegas Dream (HAL) Wtn Lose Or Draw (NT) SECOND QUARTER Adventures in Disneyland (CAP) Baseball Stan (SNK) California Games (MC) California Raisins (CAP) Defender of Crown (ULT) Duck Tales (CAP) Guardian Legend (BRO) Guerilla War (SNK) Legacy of the Wizard (BRO) P O W (SNK) Stealth Eagle (AhCT) Sweet Home (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Duties (ULT) Three Stooges (ACT) AUGUST Bad Street Brawler (MAT) Ghostbusten II (ACT) Power Glove (MAT) SEPTEMBER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) THIRD QUARTER Jordan Vs Bird (MB) Road Runner (MIN) 720 (MIN) Shadowgate (KS) Silent Service (KON) Super Password (GT) SEGA JANUARY x Bomber Raid (ACT) x Cyborg Hunter (ACT) * Rampage (ACT) FEBRUARY Lord of the Sword (SEG) Vs (SEG) MARCH Poseiden Wan 3 D (SEG) APRIL Galaxy Force (ACT) Rastan (SEG) Reggie Jy action Baseball (SEG) MAY Alf(SEG) King's Quest (PB) Time Soldiers (SEG) Vigilante (SEG) JUNE Altered Beast (SEG) California Games (SEG) Casino Games (SEG) Out Run 3 D (SEG) JULY Walter Payton Football (SEG) THIRD QUARTER Alex Kidd Hi Tech World (SEG) Buggy Dash (SEG) Maze Hunter 3 D II (SEG) Ultima (SEG) Super Basketball (SEG) W arrior Quest (SEG) World Games (SEG) NOTE: Programs noted "x* have shipped as of press time but may not yet be distributed nation-wide Projected shipping dates are provided b[y manufaauren and subject to change COMPANY CODES ABS Absolute Entertainment ACC. Access ACM Acclaim Entertainment ACO. Accolade ACT Acbvision/Mediagenic ARC Arcadia AS. American Sammy AT Atari BAN. Bandai BAU. Baudvdle BE Bunseye S/W BRO. Brodrrbund CAP Capcotn USA CB Culture Brain CIN Cinemawarc COS Cosmi CSG. CSG ImageSoft DE Data East DES Design S/W DIS Discovery S/W DS.DauSoft EA Electronic Arts EPY. Epyx Fa m FP. Pisher Price GAM.Gamcstar GDW. Game Designer's Workshop GT GimeTek HAL..Hal America 1UC HJCS/W MS .Hudson Soft HT. Hi-Tech Expressions INF Jnfocom INS Jntcrstel INT JNTV Corp. IP interplay IS JCOM Simulations JAL . Jaleco KOF Koei KON K on ami KS Kemco Scika KYO Kyodai LE Lucasfilm Games UN UN Toys MAX Maxis MB MUton Bradley MD MreroDeaEMichTron MH Melbourne House MI Mrrulllusions MIC. .MicroProse MIN Mmdscape NIN ..Nintendo NWC New World Computing ORI Ongm PAR Paragon PB Parker Bros POL Polarware PSY..Psygnosis PI .Publishing Int'l RAJ Ram bird SEG Sega SET Seta SIE Sierra SIR SuToch SNK SNK Corp SPE. Spearvim HoIoByie SSG . Strategic Studies Gp SSI Strategic Simulations ST Software Toolworks SUB Sublogic SUN SunSoft TAJ Taito TAX Tax an TEC.. Tecmo TEN Tengen TI. Titus S/W TS Three -Sul y Pacific TW Trade West ULT Ultra USG U S Gold VIR. Virgin Games VT VreTokar Reader Takes Exception to Review One our most avid gamers has written to us to disagree with one of our reviews. Because of his expertise and exposure to virtually every game made for Nintendo or Sega, Howard Hisel of Park Forest, Illinois, is in a position to make some points which we felt should be passed on. He takes issue with our review of R-Type for Sega with the following comments: “I do think there is a great deal to separate it from other space shoot-ups. The aliens are not just simple with a simple big monster at the end. You evidently did not get to the end of Stage 3 (editor’s note: unfortunately, due to the vast numbers of programs which must be played in a month, we are not always able to get as far into a game as we’d like as that could mean many, many hours with each and every game). This is a huge alien space ship that fills many screens! This ship has a tremendous arsenal and can only be defeated with strategic planning. You must use your remote properly ...and this takes a great deal more than just quick reflexes. The remot is quite unique and, like I said before, you better know how to utilize your remote or it’s curtains. I can’t wait to make it to the end of the next stage. What could wait for me that! It’s a four- star game all the way...the best of its’ type!” More Discontinued and Cancelled NES Titles In addition to the games listed in last month’s issue, we have learned of some other titles no longer appearing on Nintendo licensees’ active game lists: GOONIES II by Konami and IKARI WARRIORS by SNK. Other planned future titles that appear to have been dropped, at least for the time being, are BABY GANG¬ STER (VicTokai), FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX (Data East) band an untitled driving game (SNK). Accolade Licenses Jack Nicklaus Golf Game to Ultra The computer game, JACK NICKLAUS’ GREATEST 18 HOLES of MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF, has been licensed by Accolade to Ultra Software, a subsidiary of Konami, Inc., for production on the Nintendo system. The game is expected to be available around the end of this year and will include Jack Nicklaus’ personal selection of the greatest holes from the world’s most famous courses, a variety of male and female opponents (including the Golden Bear himself), and features such as wind direction and intensity, course hazards, random pin place¬ ment, club selection and two levels of difficulty. In The Arcades SNK has just unveiled Ikari III,The Rescue (a 2-player, si¬ multaneous game) where you must rescue the son of a presi¬ dential candidate. It includes combat action as well as karate moves and an assortment of weapons. Atari Games has introduced Tetris , already a very popular computer game in which the player must move and rotate descending geometric blocks, attempting to fit the block pieces together to build solid, horizontal rows before the pieces land. Atari Games has also introduced HardDrivin \ allowing the player to test drive a high-powered sports caron a challenging stunt course where they can jump a draw bridge, negotiate a high-speed banked turn and drive a 360o vertical loop. You can choose either automatic or manual transmission, and can view a crash sequence with the instant replay feature. Does this copy belong to a friend? Why not get your own subscrip¬ tion and save each issue for future reference. Send this coupon in with a check, money order, or bankcard information and we’ll get you started right away so you can get all the news, previews, and reviews before you can get them anywhere else! Name:__ Address: City:_ State: Zip: _One Year US/CANADA - $25.00 _ One Year FOREIGN-$38.00 Bankcard # (all digits): Expriation Date:_ Phone #: ( ) _ —Check/M.O. Enclosed Visa/MC/Amex Cardholder Name (Print): Cardholder Signature (required):. Send to: COMPUTER ENTERTAINER 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 (818) 761-1516 (Order your subscription by phone with bankcard - Outside California call 1-800-228-4336) Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 13 c AT Am ST JANUARY Alcon (TAJ) x Alien Syndrome (SEG) Bid Dudes (DE) Bionic Commando (CAP) Bubble Bobble (TAJ) Capum Fizz (PSY) Com bar Course (MIN) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Guerilla War (DE) Hostage (MIN) x-Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) x Man hunter New York (SIE) Operation Wolf (TAJ) Platoon (DE) Renegade (TAJ) x Sky Chase (MAX) Street Fighter (CAP) Tetris (SPE) x-Willow (MIN) x-Zak McKracken Sl Alien Mmdbenders (LF) FEBRUARY Artura (ARC) Balance of Power 19{90 (MIN) Savage (RAJ) Shogun (INF) Star War* (BRO) Zork Zero MARCH After Burner (SEG) Colony, The (MIN) Demon'* Winter (SSI) Journey (INF) Qix (TAJ) Rastan (TAJ) Shinobi (SEG) Sky Shark (TAJ) FIRST QUARTER Android Decision (DS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Battlehawks 1942 (LF) Clue (VIR) Curse Butter (EFY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dragon (ARC) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Guardian* of Infinity (FAR) LED. Storm (CAP) Master Ninja (PAR) MmiPuu(ACO) Monopoly (VIR) 1943 (CAP) Red Storm Over London (IS) Rilk (VIR) Rocket Ranger (QN) Side Arm* (CAP) Skate Wan (EPY) Sports A-Rom (USG) Thud Ridge (TS) Trials of Honor (EPY) Undersea Commando (EPY) Wizard War* (FAR) JUNE Battle Che** (IP) SECOND QUARTER Indiana Jane* Sl Last Crut ale (LF) Last Duel (CAP) RoboCop (DE) THIRD QUARTER Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Ghouls Sl Ghoiu (CAP) Harpoon (TS) Sthder (CAP) JANUARY Aussie Game* (MIN) Chesterfield (VT) Combat Course (MIN) Hotuge (MIN) Inti Team Sports (MIN) x-Opemion Wolf (TAI)m Qix (TAJ) x 720 (MIN) Sgt Slaughter Mat Wars (MIN) Sky Shark (TAJ) x Star Wan (BRO) x-Technocop (USG) Warlock (TS) FEBRUARY After Burner (SEG) Artura (ARC) BauleTcch (INF) F 14 Tomcat (ACT) X Pint Over Germany (SSI) Project Fire* tan (EA) Qix (TAJ) Robocop (DE) Savage (RAJ) Shinobi (SEG) x-Uninvited (MIN) x-Willow (MIN) MARCH Battle* of Napoleon (SSI) Carrier Command (RAJ) Dondra-New Beginning (Ml) Falcon (SPE) Might and Magic II (NWQ PT-I09(SPE) Sim City (MAX) Tingled Tales (ORI) Ultima Trilogy (ORI) FIRST QUARTER Ajax (KON) Alien Fire* (PAR) Android Decision (DS) Annal* of Rome (DS) Axe of R*ge (EFY) Bad Dude* (DE) Curse Buster (EFY) Demon’* Winter (SSI) Destroyer Escort (MIC) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) F 86 Sabre Strike (ACO) Fire rone (DS) Guerilla War (DE) Jackal (KON) LED Storm (CAP) Lift Force (KON) Mind Roll (EFY) 1943 (CAP) Omnicron Conspiracy (EPY) Skate Wars (EPY) Sorcerer Lord (DS) Spoils A Roni (USG) Teat Ride (CAP) Thud Ridge (TS) Ultima V (ORI) Univ Military Simulator (RAJ) Wizard Wan (PAR) APRIL Hills far (SSI) Overrun (SSI) JUNE Spider-Man Sl Capt America (PAR) SECOND QUARTER CasUevania (KON) Heavy Barrel (DE) Hydride (KYO) Indiana Jane* ) Ghoul* Sl GhoiH* (CAP) Heroe* of the Lance (SSI) Surglider II (RAJ) S aider (CAP) AMIGA JANUARY x-Alien Syndrome (SEG) x Balance of Power I990(M1N) Bubble Bobble (TAJ) Capum Fizz (PSY) Combat Coune (MIN) x Elite (RAJ) X Falcon (SPE) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Guenlla War (DE) HocUge (MIN) Operation Wolf (TAJ) Renegade (TAJ) x-Sky Chase (MAX) x-Willow (MIN) x Zak McKracken Sl Alien Mindbentftn (LF) FEBRUARY Bad Dude* (DE) Neuromancer (IF) Savage (RAJ) Shogun (INF) Star Wan (BRO) Zork Zero (INF) MARCH After Burner (SEG) Colony. The (MIN) Deja Vull (IS) DeluxePaint 3 (EA) Journey (INF) Qw (TAJ) Rastan (TAJ) Shinobi (SEG) Son City (MAX) Sky Shark (TAI) FIRST QUARTER Ajax (KON) Android Decision (DS) Anna!* of Rome (DS) Arkxnoid II (DIS) Axe of R»gc (EFY) Baulehawk* 1942 (LF) Battleship (EPY) Bionic Commando (CAP) Curse Buster (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Dive Bomber (USG) Double Dragon (ARC) Double Dribble (KON) Foe zone (DS) Guardians of Infinity (PAR) Gunihip (MIC) Jack Nicklaus Greatest 18 (ACO) Jactual (KON) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) Lord* of Rising Sun (QN) Manhtmier New York (SIE) Monopoly (VIR) 1943 (CAP) Operation Clean Street* (BRO) Police Que*t (SIE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Risk (VIR) Side Arm* (CAP) Silent Service (MIC) Skate Wan (EPY) Sorcerer Lord (DS) Space Racer (BRO) Spoiu A Roni (USG) Street Fighter (CAP) Street Sport* Football (EPY) Thud Ridge (TS) Trials of Honor (EP Y) Undersea Commando (EFY) Wizard Wan (PAR) SECOND QUARTER Castlevama (KON) Indiana Jones Sl Last Crusade (LF) LED. Storm (CAP) Last Duel (CAP) Meta] Gear (KON) RoboCop (DE) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle* (ULT) Teat Ride (CAP) THIRD QUARTER Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Ghouls Sl Ghosts (CAP) Harpoon (TS) Snider (CAP) ATPLE IltfUc JANUARY Bubble Bobble (TAJ) Renegade (TAJ) Victory Road (DE) Zork Zero (INF) FEBRUARY Bad Dudes (DE) BauleTcch (INF) John Madden Football (EA) Shogun (INF) MARCH Fini Over Germany (SSI) Journey (INF) Overrun (SSI) Fool of Radiance (SSI) Qix (TAJ) Tangled Tale* (ORI) Ultima Trilogy (ORI) FIRST QUARTER Game*: Wtruer Edition (EFY) Gunship (MIC) Hunt far Red October (DS) Leisure Sun Larry II (SIE) Manhumer New York (SIE) Mind Ron (EPY) Risk (VIR) Spoiung New* Baseball (EPY) Street Sport* Football (EFY) Street Sports Soccer (EPY) Supentar Ice Hockey (MIN) Technocop (USG) Tower Topple r (USG) Wizard wan (PAR) SECOND QUARTER Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Legend of Blacksilvcr (EPY) APPLE UQS JANUARY Balance of Power 1990 (MIN) Renegade (TAI) FEBRUARY Battle Chess (IP) Capum Blood (MIN) Shogun (INF) Zork Zero (INF) MARCH Journey (INF) FIRST QUARTER Dondra New Beginning (MI) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Fmal Aisaulx (EPY) Game* Summer Edition (EPY) Smbad Sl ThroncFalcon (CIN) lack Nicklaus Greatest 18 (ACO) Leisure Sun Larry 11 (SIE) Red Storm Over London Rocket Ranger (QN) Scooby-Doo (MI) Sentinel Worlds I: Future Magic (EA) Serve Sl VoDey (ACO) Silent Service (MIC) SDpheed (SIE) Street Sport* Football (EFY) Super*tar Ice Hockey (MIN) Sub Battle Simulator (EPY)n Swoid of Sod an (DIS) Thud Ridge (TS) Zoom! (DIS) MAY Deja Vu II (IS) PT 109 (SPE) SECOND QUARTER HocUge (MIN) Undersea Commando (EFY) THIRD QUARTER Ancient Land of Y» (KYO) Quarter-waff (INF) MACINTOSH JANUARY Super Hang On (DE) Warlock (TS) x-Xerion (TI) FEBRUARY Capum Blood (MIN) Kamov (DE) Shogun (INF) x SimCiry (MAX) march Journey (INF) FIRST QUARTER Arkanoid Construe Set (DIS) 4th Sl Inche* Team Construe Di*k (ACO) Garnet: Summer Edition (EFY) Guardian* of Infinity (PAR) Leiture Suit Larry II (SIE) Manh timer New York (SIE) Red Storm Over London (IS) UltimaIV (ORI) SECOND QUARTER Arkanoid II (DIS) Hostage (MIN) Sceptre (DIS) Undersea Comm ando (EFY) THIRD QUARTER Surglider IL Mac II (RAI) MS-DOS JANUARY Alcon fTAl) Aussie Game* (MIN) x Battle Che** (IP) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Combat Coune (MIN) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Gold Ruth (SIE) x Hall* of Montezuma (SSG) HocUge (MIN) x-Monopoly (VIR) Renegade (TAI) Sgt Slaughter Mat Wan (MIN) Silpheed (SIE) Sky Shark (TAJ) Space Hamer (SEG) Space Queii III (SIE) x-Slir Wan (BRO) FEBRUARY Abram* Battle Tank (EA) Bad Dude* (DE) Carrier Command (RAI) Might and Mag* II (NWC) Out Run (SEG) Prophecy I (ACT) Savage flRAI) Shogun (INF) 688 Attack Sub (EA) x Strike Fleet (LF) Super Hang On PE) x Wasteland (EA) MARCH Crossbow (ABS) Demon’* Winter (SSI) Harpoon (TS) Inti Team Span* (MIN) Journey (INF) King* of the Beach (EA) Neuromancer (IP) Qix (TAI) Rastan (TAI) Spider-Man Sl Capt America (PAR) Suzuki RM 250 Mot acre** (GAM) Ultima Trflogv( ORI) Zork Zero (I NF) FIRST QUARTER Ajax (KON) Android Decision (DS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Battleship (EPY) Cune Buster (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Dive Bomber (USG) Double Dnbble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Jackal (KON) Mind Roll (EPY) 1943 (CAP) Ommcron Compiracy (EPY) Pirate* (MIC) Red Storm Over London (IS) Red Storm Ruing (MIC) Ruk(VIR) Sarge (CAP) Scooby Doo (Ml) Serve Sl Volley (ACO) Smbad Sl Throne/Falcon (CIN) Skate Ware (EPY) Sporting New* Baseball (EPY) SpoiU-A Roni (USG) Stocker (CAP) Street Cat (USG) Street Fighter (CAP) Street Sport* Football (EPY) Street Sport* Soccer (EFY) TX.O (ACO) TV Sport* Football (CIN) Technocop (USG) Te*i Ride (CAP) Time* of Lore (ORI) Tower Toppler (USG) APRIL Deja Vu II (IS) HUisfar (SSI) MAY After Burner (SEG) Alien Syndrome (SEG) IROC (TS) Shinobi (SEG) JUNE F-14 Tomcat (ACT) SECOND QUARTER Castlevania (KON) Heavy Barrel (DE) Hybri* (DIS) Hydlide (KYO) Indiana Jone* Sl Las! Crusade (LF) Last Duel (CAP) Metal Gear (KON) Ftychic War (KYO) Quarter* ziaff (INF) RoboCop (DE) Swoid of Sodan (DIS) Teenage Mount Ninja Tunks (ULT) Trial* of Honor (EPY) Undersea Comm ando (EPY) THIRD QUARTER Ancient Land of Y» (KYO) Battle* of Napoleon (SSI) Forgotten World* (CAP) Ghouls Sl Ghoiu (CAP) LED. Slorm (CAP) Legend of Blacksilvcr (EPY) Overrun (SSI) Surglider II (RAI) ATARI 2600 FIRST QUARTER Crack’ed (AT) Dark Chamber* (AT) Neb ulus (AT) x-Fete Rose B aseball (ABS) Spnntmaster (AT) Super Baseball (AT) Super Football (AT) x Tomcat F-I4 Simulator (ABS) SECOND QUARTER Double Dragon (ACT) Rampage (ACT) ATARI 7m JANUARY x Tower Toppler (AT) FIRST QUARTER Ace of Ace* Commando (AT) Crack’ed (AT) Crossbow (AT) Dark Chambers (AT) Fight Nighl link* (AT) Ncbulu* (AT) Fete Rose Baseball (ABS) Skyfox (AT) Super Baseball (AT) Super Huey (AT) Title Match Fro Wrestling (ABS) Tomcat F 14 Simulator (ABS) Touchdown Football (AT) SECOND QUARTER Double Dragon (ACT) Rampage (ACT) ATARI XE CAME FIRST QUARTER Ace of Acts (AT) ATirball (AT) Choplifter (AT) Comm ando (AT) Crime Busters (AT) Crossbow (AT) Crystal Castle* (AT) Dark Cham ben (AT) Desert Falcon (AT) Eagle's Nesi (AT) F-16 Fighting Falcon (AT) Food Fight (AT) Jink* (AT) Karateka (AT) Mano Bros (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) Ncbulu* (AT) Necromancer (AT) Summer Games (AT) Ultim ate Driving (AT) NINTENDO JANUARY x Oihello(ACM) x Rampage (DE) x-Skaie Or Die (ULT) FEBRUARY Amagon (AS) Athletic World (BAN) Bom berm an (HS) John Elway's Quarterback (TW) Platoon (SUN) Q’Beit ([ULT) RoboWamor (JAL) Sesame Street 123 (HT) Sc*ame Street ABC (HT) X Star Soldier (TAX) Tocmo Baseball (TEC) Tecmo Bowl (TEC) Track Sl Field II (KON) Ultima (FCI) X WWF WreilleMania (ACM) MARCH Challenge Pebble Beach (BAN) Dr. Jekyil Sl Mr. Hyde (BAN) Gvtusi (ULT) Marble Madneu (MB) Ninja Gaiden (TEC) NinjaTaro (AS) Operation Wolf (TAJ) Power Fad (NIN) Predator (ACT) Spy V* Spy II (KS) Tetris (TEN) World Games (MB) FIRST QUARTER Goal! (JAL) Mappy Land (TAX) Willow (CAP) APRIL Adventure* of Lolo (HAL) Adventure* of Toro Sawyer (SET) Atrwolf (ACM) Dance Aerobics (NIN) Fetter's Quest (SUN) Hoop* (JAL) Hydlide (FCI) I run Sword (ACM) Rolling Thunder (TEN) Sky Shark (TAI) Super Mario Bros (NIN) Super Spnm (TEN) Taboo (TW) MAY Bad Dudes (DE) Battle of Olympus (BRO) Cobra Triangle (NIN) Double Dare (GT) Friday the 13th (UN) Hollywood Square* (GT) Jeopardy Jr (GT) Marvel’s X-Men (LJN) Mask Rider (BAN) NFL Football (UN) Nightmare on Elm Sl (UN) Rude-On Bus Tnp (FP) Vindicator* (TEN) Wheel of Fortune Jr (GT) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (UN) JUNE AirFonresi (HAL) Bowling (FP) Cheasmasier (HT) Fire House (FP) Little Piano Teacher (FP) ...contd. on Page 13 V ® 19 ® 9 Video Game Update. S25.00 annually in U.S. funds for 12 issues, published monthly. Foreign $33.00 in U.S. Funds. Sendpayment to; Computer Entertainer, 5916 Lemona Avenue, rh yS VTi 41 *' - 818 761 516 ' Com P uter Entertainer accepts no advertising from any software manufacturer. The philosophy of this newsletter is to provide the reader with honest evaluations of products on me market. II is our intention to acl as an independent watchdog, providing critical commentary and analysis. The opinions are solely those of Computer Entertainer and are not influenced by the manufacturers. o escribe a program, we may use existing literature from the manufacturer, but that will have no bearing on the rating system. Any reproduction, duplication, or re-publication of this copyrighted work without aftered h^any 11 ° ^ 0m ^ u * er Entertainer is strictly prohibited. Any violation of applicable copyright laws will be vigorously prosecuted and subject to civil and criminal penalties. This work may not be changed or 14 Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 r i Program SUBSCRIBER BUYING SERVICE | Cost Sys/Format Quantity Total Bionic Commando (NES) 39.50 Caveman Ugh-lympics (Co) 22.30 Deja Vu II (Mac;Am*;ST*;GS8:I*) 36.40 Goal (NES*) 40.50 Govellius (Sega) 41.40 Hoops (NES*) 38.90 Might & Magic II (Ap;I*;Co) 36.40 Outrun (Am;ST*) 32.90 Outrun (Co) 26.10 Pirates (Mac) 38.40 Pirates (Co) 28.80 Police Quest II (I) 36.40 Powerplay Ice Hockey (Co) 18.70 Rampage (NES) 38.90 Reel Fish’N (Am;ST*) 32.90 Skate or Die (NES) 33.60 Skate of Die (Co) 22.30 Skate or Die (I) 28.80 Star Wars (I;ST*;Am*) 28.80 Star Wars (Co) 22.30 Test Drive II (I*;Am*;GS*) 32.90 Test Drive II (Co) 22.30 Test Drive II Supercar Accessory Disk (I*;Am*;GS*) 14.60 Test Drive II Supercar Accessory Disk (Co) 11.20 Test Drive II California Challenge Accessory Disk (I *;Am*;GS*) 14.60 Test Drive II Calif. Challenge Accessory Disk (Co) 11.20 Tower Topper (ST,Am) 36.40 Tower Toppler (Co,Ap* ;I*) 28.80 TV Sports Football (Am) 36.90 Uninvited (Co) 26.10 Uninvited (I) 28.80 Uninvited (GS) 32.90 Uninvited (Mac,ST,Am) 36.40 Video Gammon (I) 26.10 Willow (ST;Am;I) 28.80 Willow (Co) 22.30 SALE TITLES (available only while supplies last) MASTER 1NDEXIA WARDS -1982-1988 4.50 (shipping included) RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! One Year Renewal 21.00 _ Two Year Renewal 38.00 _ One Year Overseas Renewal 33.00 NAME: Sub-Total ADDRESS: 61/2% Tax (CA only) CITY Shipping: STATE ZIP TOTAL ENCLOSED: Phone Subscriber # Shipping Chart: UPS - $2.00 for 1st Check/MO Bankcard....Expiration Date item; 50tf each additl item (48 states) Card#: POSTAL: $3.75 for 1st item; 75tf each additl Signature: item (US/APO/FPO) KEY: *=preorder;AM=Amiga;Ap=Apple Il;Co=Commodore 64/128; CANADA: $4.75 1st item; 75tf ea additl item MS=MS DOS; IBM PC/compatibles;Mac=Macintosh;GS=Apple GS; FOREIGN: Please consult us ST=Atari ST; NES=Nintendo; SEGA=Sega Save time and PHONE your order in at 1-800-228-4336 (outside Calif.) NOW YOU CAN FAX YOUR ORDER! - 818-904-3682 J Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 15 riULLl. BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 Self Mailing folder. Fold Here AmigaDos Manual (book) 6.00 4th & Inches 15.00 4x4 Off Road Racing 15.00 Award Maker + 11.00 BattleChess 23.00 Bubble Ghost 16.00 California Games 16.00 Carrier Command 9.00 Captain Blood 17.00 Dark Castle 17.00 Dream Zone 12.00 Final Assault 13.00 Bight Simulator II 18.00 Hacker 10.00 Joker Poker 11.00 Obliterator 14.00 Roadraider 10.00 Rocket Ranger 25.00 Sex Vixens from Space 16.00 Solitaire Royale 21.00 Space Station Oblivion 15.00 Street Cat 9.00 Street Sports Basketball 10.00 Sub Battle Simulator 16.00 Superstar Ice Hockey 12.00 Technocop 8.00 Tetris 13.00 Twilight’s Ransom 15.00 Warlock 14.00 ATARI XE (cartridges) Ballblazer 5.00 Barnyard Blaster 5.00 Blue Max 5.00 Hardball 5.00 Loderunner 5.00 ATARI ST Art & Film Director 18.00 Battleship 16.00 Bubble Ghost 16.00 Crazy Car 8.00 Deathsword 9.00 Dive Bomber 12.00 Dream Zone 14.00 Elite 12.00 Falcon 21.00 Final Assault 13.00 GFA Basic 3.0 15.00 Goldrunner 11 14.00 Goldrunner II Scenario 1 9.00 Goldrunner 11 Scenario 2 9.00 International Soccer 13.00 Jet 21.00 Joker Poker 11.00 Karateka 13.00 Music Studio 20.00 Pinball Wizard 14.00 Questron 11 13.00 Roadraider 10.00 Space Hamer 12.00 Space Station Oblivion 17.00 Speed Buggy 10.00 Stellar Cruiser 13.00 Superstar Ice Hockey 14.00 Technocop 9.00 Test Drive 17.00 Tetra Quest 16.00 Typhoon Thompson 18.00 Warlock 19.00 SPECIAL SUBSCRIBER SALE ATARI 400/800 Goonies 6.00 Sargon II 7.00 Transylvania 7.00 APPLE II Cover for Imagewriter 2 5.00 Ancient Art of War at Sea 12.00 Arctic Fox 9.00 Beating House at Blackjack 8.00 Championship Baseball 12.00 D&D Asst. Vol 1 10.00 Decisive Battles Vol 2 19.00 Demons Winter 10.00 Dive Bomber 10.00 Drug Alert 5.00 Gamemaker Library:Sports 6.00 Games:Summer Edition 12.00 Grammer Mechanics 8.00 Ikari Warriors 12.00 Impossible Mission 11 14.00 Joker Poker 11.00 Jumping Math Flash 6.00 Last Ninja 18.00 Mindshadow 8.00 Murder on Mississippi 8.00 Pathwords 4.00 Perfect Career, The 12.00 Questron II 10.00 Rampage 11.00 Roadwar 2000 10.00 Scruples 12.00 Spiderbot 5.00 Star Rank Boxing II 14.00 Street Sports Baseball 11.00 Tag Team Wrestling 9.00 Talisman 7.00 Tetris 14.00 Tower Toppler 8.00 Trailblazer 8.00 Typhoon of Steel 13.00 VCR Companion 13.00 Vocabulary Challenge 8.00 Zorkquest: Assault 14.00 APPLE GS Cover for GS w/RGB Monitor 6.00 4th &. Inches Construction Bubble Ghost Deja Vu Kings Quest III Manhunter in New York Mixed Up Mother Goose Paperboy Serve & Volley Shadowgate Show Off Show Off Graphics Sky Travel Space Quest II Uninvited Warlock 10.00 15.00 11.00 18.00 22.00 16.00 12.00 15.00 11.00 15.00 10.00 14.00 16.00 14.00 15.00 MACINTOSH Ancient Art of War at Sea 14.00 Chuck Yeager Fit Sim. 13.00 Colony, The 18.00 Crazy Cars 9.00 Deluxe Music Construction 17.00 Joker Poker 11.00 Manhole (use w/Hypercard) 22.00 Mean 18 15.00 P51 Flight Sumulator 17.00 Police Quest 21.00 Quarterstaff 19.00 Romantic Encounters at the Dome 13.00 Space Quest II 16.00 Tetris (Mac II only) 9.00 Thunder 8.00 Twilight’s Ransom 14.00 Universal Military Simulator 20.00 MS-DOS 4th &. Inches 13.00 4th &. Inches Construction 9.00 4x4 Off Road Racing 12.00 Adventure Construction 10.00 Alien Fires 9.00 Apollo 18 13.00 Arctic Fox 8.00 Arctic Antics III 11.00 B24 11.00 Balance of Power: 1990 18.00 Bard’s Tale II 14.00 Battlechess 20.00 Battlehawks 1942 21.00 Blockbuster 10.00 Captain Blood 14.00 Championship Golf 14.00 Commissioner Disk 9.00 Deja Vu 10.00 Destroyer 11.00 Dive Bomber 12.00 Dream Zone 14.00 Empire 13.00 Fast Break 16.00 FileNotes 6.00 Final Assault 11.00 Fire and Forget 15.00 Firepower 13.00 Games:Winter Edition 18.00 GFL Championship Football 17.00 Home Inventory 9.00 Home Video Producer 8.00 Ikari Warriors 12.00 Indoor Sports 14.00 Jinxter 9.00 Joker Poker 11.00 Jordan vs. Bird 16.00 Kamov 9.00 Last Ninja 15.00 Manhunter in New York 22.00 Modem Software 14.00 MoneyMate 9.00 Napoleon in Russia 13.00 Out of the Blue 8.00 Perfect Career 9.00 Pete Rose Pennant Fever 17.00 Phantasielll 12.00 PHM Pegasus 13.00 Platoon 15.00 PT-109 15.00 Rack ’Em 17.00 Reach for the Stars Right Writer Rocket Ranger Serve & Volley Sentinel Worlds 1 Shadowgate Skate or Die Space Station Oblivion Street Sports Baseball Street Sports Basketball Street Sports Soccer Superstar Soccer Ted Bear Games Train, The Twilight’s Ransom Under Fire Uridium Visions of Aftermath Warship Western Europe Scenery Disk Willow Wizard Wars Wizardry Zak McKracken COMMODORE 64/1 4x4 Off Road Racing Arcade Construction Set Award Maker + Bards Tale 3 Battleship Beamrider Beyond Zork (cl 28 only) Boulder Dash Construction Captain Blood Clubhouse Sports Crazy Cars D&D Asst Vol 1 D&D/Pool of Radiance Deathlord Decisive Battles Vol 2 Designers Pencil Dive Bomber F18 Hornet Faery Tale Adventure Final Assault Gauntlet GFL Championship Football Goonies Grand Prix Circuit Home Video Producer Ikari Warriors Ikari Warriors II Indiana Jones Infocomics:Lane Mas ta don Joker Poker Karate Champ Karateka Kamov Legend of Blacksilver Mainframe Marble Madness Mars Saga Master Ninja Metrocross Modem Wars Neucromancer 11.00 14.00 16.00 15.00 11.00 10.00 15.00 12.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 13.00 8.00 11.00 16.00 11.00 9.00 14.00 12.00 9.00 11.00 11.00 12.00 18.00 m 12.00 11.00 9.00 13.00 14.00 8.00 13.00 11.00 15.00 13.00 8.00 10.00 15.00 13.00 17.00 9.00 11.00 16.00 11.00 10.00 17.00 12.00 5.00 15.00 9.00 10.00 15.00 11.00 8.00 11.00 12.00 9.00 8.00 13.00 10.00 11.00 10.00 12.00 7.00 8.00 13.00 Ocean Ranger 13.00 Ole 4.00 On Court Tennis 9.00 Outrun 11.00 Pastfinder 8.00 Personal Choice Collection 25.00 Phantasielll 14.00 Platoon 12.00 Q-Bert 9.00 Rack 'Em 15.00 Rampage 14.00 Roadwars 12.00 Rocket Ranger 21.00 Rockford: Arcade Game 11.00 Sargon II 5.00 Scruples 8.00 Serve &. Volley 15.00 Sky Travel 9.00 Soko Ban 11.00 Space Hanier 12.00 Space Station Oblivion 16.00 Spy vs Spy III 9.00 Steel Thunder 8.00 Stocker 7.00 Street Sports Football 10.00 T.K.O. 7.00 Take Down 10.00 Technocop 7.00 Touchdown Football 11.00 Train, The 13.00 Transylvania 6.00 Type 5.00 Typhoon of Steel 12.00 Wasteland 11.00 Where in Europe/C Sandiego 12.00 Winter Challenge 8.00 Wizardry I 8.00 Zoids 6.00 MISCELLANEOUS Destiny Knight Clue Book 5.00 Universal Printer Stand 10.00 Suncom Docking Bay/Nintendo for 10 Games 12.50 Suncom Docking Bay/Nintendo for 20 games 18.50 JOYSTICKS Competition Pro for Nintendo 5.00 W ico for N intendo 3.00 Epyx 500 for Nintendo 11.00 Competition Pro 200X (for Atari/Commodore comp.) 6.00 Epyx 500 for At/Co comp.) 11.00 Freedom Stick for Nintendo/Sega/etc 45.00 All Sales Final on Sale Merchandise Most Items in Very Small Quantities. First Come, First Serve 16 Computer Entertainer - February, 1989 Computer Entertainer INCLUDES lriHli VlDCO G AMC PLAITS 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411 > © March, 1989 Volume 7, Number 12 $3.50 J In This Issue... Vote for This Year's Hall of Fame! Mattel POWER GLOVE Brings Space-Age Technology to Gaming SNEAK PREVIEWS of... Thunder Blade ...for Commodore 641J28 REVIEWS Include ... Mindroll, F14 Tomcat ...for Commodore 64 Kings of the Beach Time Bandit First shown in prototype at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show (January 1989) and Toy Fair (February 1989), the POWER GLOVE by Mattel Toys is an exciting new accessory for the Nintendo Entertainment System which is scheduled to be available this fall. The original technology for a Data Glove system was designed and developed for NASA as part of a “Virtual Environment Workstation” which is planned to control robots in space, among other applications. The more ...for MS-DOS Sim City, 4th & Inches ...for Macintosh Balance of Power 1990 Edition ...for Amiga Hostage ...for Atari ST!Amiga Batman, Manhunter New York ...for Atari ST Wrestlemania Tecmo Baseball Robo Warrior ...for Nintendo Govellius, Y’s, Lord of the Sword ...for Sega TOP FIFTEEN COMPUTER GAMES 1. Three Stooges (Cin/Co) 2. Ultima V (Ori/I) 3. Jordan Vs. Bird (EA/Co) 4. Falcon (Spec/I) 5. Captain Blood (Min/I) 6. Rocket Ranger (Cin/Co) 7. Kings Quest IV (Sie/I) 8. Dungeonmaster (FTL/I) 9. 4th & Inches (Aco/Co) 10. TV Sports Football (Cin/Am) 11. Pool of Radiance (SSI/Co) 12. Grand Prix Circuit (Aco/I) 13. Leisure Suit Larry II (Sie/I) 14. Rocket Ranger (Con/Am) 15. Battle Chess (IP/I) TOP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMES 1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) 2. Double Dragon (TW/NES) 3. Bubble Bobble (Tai/NES) 4. Simon’s Quest (Kon/NES) 5. Bases Loaded (Jal/NES) 6. Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) 7. Skate or Die (Ult/NES) 8. R.C. Pro-Am (Nin/NES) 9. Anticipation (Nin/NES) 10. Double Dragon (Sega/Sega) 11. Rampage (DE/NES) 12. Blaster Master (Sun/NES) 13. Shinobi (Sega/Sega) 14. Mickey Mousecapades (Cap/NES) 15. Legend of Zelda (Nin/NES) * Note: Adventure of Link: Zelda II would obviously hold the #1 position; however, due to extremely small shipments to dealers from Nintendo, there are not enough sales to bring the title into the Top 15 Coming ... We begin to look at the PC Engine & Sega 16-Bit Supersystem! Reviews Include Tecmo Bowl ...for Nintendo Guerilla War and RoboCop ...for C64/128 Tetris “down to Earth” applications of the Data Glove technology in¬ clude drawing on a personal computer, the simulation of complex, real- world situations on super com¬ puters, and, thanks to Mattel, space-age vide¬ ogame control. High-Tech Wizardry The POWER GLOVE, which will be available in two sizes to accommodate players aged eight and up, is a formidable looking piece of high-tech wizardry that turns the player’s hand into a joystick controller. The POWER GLOVE has a programmable keypad, which is actually a computer capable of playing all joy stick/control pad games currently manufactured for the NES. Players will be able to customize the interaction of the POWER GLOVE with their games by changing normal joystick motions into simple hand and finger motions. The keypad also includes “slow motion” and “turbo” features for further control options. Also part of the POWER GLOVE package is a sensor L-bar which perches on your monitor or TV as part of the signal-processing circuitry of the POWER GLOVE system. The POWER GLOVE in Action We saw a prototype of the POWER GLOVE in action at Winter CES with “Mike Tyson’s Punch- Out! !” and “Rad Racer.” Wearing the POWER GLOVE, the demonstrator made a fist and threw a punch in the air, causing a punch to be delivered by the character on the screen in the first game. Shadow boxing became “shadow steering” in the second game, with additional personalized hand and finger gestures programmed via the keypad to accomplish braking and accelerating. The demonstration with standard, existing games was certainly impressive, but the POWER GLOVE is expected to be even more versatile with Mattel’s Glove Gaming series of games for the Nintendo system. These games will be dedicated to the POWER GLOVE and are promised to allow the player to control much more of the screen than with conventional controllers. Many elements within these games will be player-adjustable, even to the point of being capable of change in the middle of gameplay. The first of these special games will be BAD STREET BRAWLER. At this point, extensive product testing is underway with the POWER GLOVE, and those involved with the project are very excited about its potential. According to Product Manager; Howard Beech, ‘We’ve found moves that the POWER GLOVE can accomplish that the joystick can’t even come close to!” ...for Atari ST J 1 AMIGA Software ATARI ST Software MANHUNTER:NEW YORK (***tf****) is a different kind of 3-D animated adventure from Sierra that combines science fiction, horror and humor. The story takes place in a ravaged New York of the future, a post-invasion world where aliens have taken over the world and subjugated all humawns. The player becomes a Manhunter in this alien world, a human detective conscripted by the Orb Alliance to spy on and track fellow humans, reporting any subversive activity to the aliens. The perspective is first-person, which really pulls the player into the story, and the setting is a realistic representation of New York City. As the Manhunter, your choice is to follow alien directives blindly or to work with fellow humans while not letting your alien bosses know what you’re up to. As in previous versiomns for other systems, the story and action are involving. Graphics are especially good in the ST version, and mouse control is smooth and easy. This chillingly realistic adventure by Dave, Barry and Dee Dee Murry (creators of “The Ancient Art of War” and ‘The Ancient Art of War at Sea” for Broderbund) is superb, sophisticated entertainment (Solo play; Mouse with keyboard; Blank disks required.) Reviewed on Atari ST. Also available for Apple IIGS and MS-DOS; coming soon for Amiga, Macintosh and 128K Apple II. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) AMIGA/ATARI ST Software TOWER TOPPLER (***/★**) is a light-hearted and slightly crazy bit of fun by US . Gold (distributed in the U.S. by Epvx) . The arcade-style game takes place on the alien planet of Nebulus, where a group of mysterious towers has emerged from the toxic oceans. As an operative for Destructo, Inc., your bug-eyed character is dispatched in a submarine to topple the towers, one at a time. To make the task difficult, the towers are patrolled by hordes of indestructible mutant molecules and other dangerous objects. And the rotating towers have inherent dangers, such as slippery spots and crumbling ledges. Aimed with a snowball gun (for freezing enemies, of course), your little character must make his way to the top of each rotating tower to topple it before he can move on to the next one. He slips through passages in the tower, moves along its ledges, and activates elevators to levels above him. The action in the game is a bit eccentric, and it’s great fun to play. Graphically, the game fares much better on the ST and Amiga than on previous versions, giving more of a 3-D look to the towers and a more realistic sense of rotation. TOWER TOPPLER is a delightful diversion when you’re looking for something that’s quick and easy to get into. (Solo or 2-player alternating; Joystick.) Atari ST and Amiga versions reviewed; also available for Commodore 64/128, MS-DOS, ^ Apple II at $39.95. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) 2 ALIEN SYNDROME (fc**^***) now makes its’ way to the Amiga system from Sega (distributed by Mindscape) in an enhanced version that anyone who enjoys this classic will appreciate. By now familiar to most gamers, you find that mysterious alien parasites have invaded our out-colony and taken hundreds of inhabitants as hostage. You must save the day by going in and blasting the aliens away while rescuing the hostages as well as picking up hidden weapons. There are electronic doors, hidden passageways, holes in the floor, etc. which must be dealt with. Beautiful Graphics Sega has taken the time to enhance the graphics quite a bit in order to take advantage of both the ST and Amiga with very bright and crisp colors. The arcade action is fast and furious as you must use your reflexes in this shoot-’em-up. The aliens come from all angles in all colors and there’s some nice sound effects too. (one player; reviewed on Atari ST and Amiga; also available for Commodore 64 at $29.95) Recommended (MSR $39.95) BALANCE OF POWER: THE 1990 EDITION (**tf****), now converted for Amiga owners by author Chris Crawford for Mindscape. updates the award-winning classic, Balance of Power. Highly strategic in approach, the game finds you taking the role of either the President of the United States or the General Secretary of the Soviet Union. You most complete eight years in office (1989-1997) without initiating a nuclear conflict and collect more prestige points than the opposing superpower. This updated edition features a new multipolar level which allows 80 countries to ship weapons and troops and fith wars. The non-superpower countries pursue active foreign policies which, although they cannot engage themselves in nuclear conflict, they can definitely affect the outcome with their actions. Ad the superpower, you must monitor their policies and use your influence to protect your interests. With 18 additional countries in this version (upping the total to 80 with four levels of play), and a greatly increased database, there’s a great deal more here than in its’ predessessor. Depth and Educational Too Fascinated by the first version, we find ourselves captured by the additional depth, as well as possibilities, which exist here. While this is an entertainment program, there are tremendous educational bene- fits here for the entire family as you deal with events, relations, miliatary aid, and much more. You can’t help but learn a great deal while having a terrific time strategizing. You’ve even got a four-person on-screen “crisis advistory” group for counsel in crises. You can learn about GNP, school enrollment, telephones per capita, and much more about the countries as you work around the globe (it’s also a subliminal way to learn where the various countries in the world are!) It’s a thinking game which the whole family can enjoy in a group session if you wish...or win the world’s prestige all by yourself! (one player; two- players simultaneous; reviewed on Amiga; also available for Macin¬ tosh; coming for Apple IIGS and Atari ST) Recommended (MSR $49.95) THERATING SYSTEM: 4 STARS = EXCELLENT 2 STARS = FAIR 3 STARS = GOOD 1 STAR = POOR * = ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1st set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value) NA - Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) ___ J Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 THE GAMES-WINTER EDITION (****tf****) brings its seven Winter Olympics games to the Amiga in a mini-Olympics stages in Calgary. Downhill skiing, slalom, luge, figure skating, ski jump, cross-country skiing, and speed skating are included in this multi- sporting event from Epvx . Complete with opening and closing cere¬ monies, you can view the action from various camera angles. For those who want to try their luck at speed events, you can dig your gloves into the luge run and careen down the launch ramp. Sail in the ski jump, race around the oval track in speed skating (we bet you’ll take several spills before you get the hang of keeping those skates under you!), or try the beauty of the various moves in figure skating. You can go for the gold with a routine of your own design and choice of music. ..may be you can be the next Katrina Witt! In downhill skiing you must first choose your four camera positions, while slalom will take speed, control, and split- second timing as you twist and turn down the course attempting to make it through the gates. Always a Beautiful Challenge The multi-sports games which Epyx releases are always the finest in graphics and varied gameplay. This is no different as the crisp colors jump out at you as you practice over and over attempting to refine your skills in the various events. Even though it’s now a year after Calgary, the events are still fun! (one to eight players; reviewed on Amiga; also available for Commodore 64, Apple II, and MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) SPACE HARRIER (****/***l/2) is one of several recent Sega releases (distributed by Minds cape) for home computers. In this classic, the player controls an astral exterminator who zips through fantasic and bizarre three-dimensional scenery, hovering above an endangered planet as he valiantly fights invading aliens with his laser blaster. At the end of each stage (if you make it), you msut gend off the final leader, a huge dragon-like creature, before continuing to the next level. The action is fast and furious at all times. Version Very Good The Amiga is a perfect machine for this as the graphics are very similar to the original arcade version and you have voice synthesis. The gameplay is among the fastest “shoot-’em-ups” you’ll find and, while the packaging recommends a joystick, we found it just a bit easier with the mouse (that also helped the “numb thumb” syndrome). It’s a beautiful piece of fast action for your Amiga library! (one player; Amiga version reviewed, also available for Atari ST, C64; coming for MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) BOOK REVIEW | MASTERS COLLECTION ADVANCED HINT BOOK from Evvx has iust been released for those frustrated adventurers out there who are having problems solving the secrets of four Epyx games. The Legend ofBlacksilver which has over 16 towns, a 22-section labyrinth, castles, archives, and dungeons over 40 levels deep is featured with a complete map of all areas as well as survial tips. There are also map drawings, gameplay hints, and interviews with the game developers of Space Station Oblivion, Sub Battle Simulator, and LA. Crackdown. The book can be purchased at your local computer store or directly through Epyx with the order form found inside the Master Collection boxes. (MSR $7.99) MS-DOS DOUBLE DARE (**1/2/* *1/2) is the official version from the game show of the same name that many Americans have watched on MTV. From GameTek. this is a combination quiz where you must answer questions correctly from a bank of 1200 questions (by high¬ lighting one of three answers on the screen as the right one), daring the other side, and the physical challenges. IfTeaml cannot orchooses not to answer a question, the player can dare Team 2 to answer. If Team 2 cannot orchooses not to answer the question, it can double dare Team 1 which can, in turn, choose to take a Physical Challenge - some sort of skill game where your reflexes are tested. The Final Round is an obstacle course in which there are 8 different obstacles to go through against a timer. Not Terribly Impressive First of all, the graphics are rather ordinary and, in fact, are only in CGA (if you have EGA, you won’t get 16 colors). The question and answer segment is slow going, even after you correctly highlight the right answer. The physical games are simple and the type games you would find in a carnival. This game is probably best suited to kids who would not get bored as quickly with it. It is a bargain price, however, (one player; two player simultaneous;reviewed on MS-DOS; requires 256K and CGA) Not Recommended (MSR $14.95) Award Maker Sports Library Ships A miga owners who h ave B audville ’ s Award Maker Plus can now add the Sports Award Library to their collection, enabling them to design awards for school, sports programs at the local playground, or for your Ain ■ SOatURI SOi*K>«t DATE DATE * C own family. Included in the program are ten border styles, four new fonts, and many sports awards such as baseball, karate, chin-ups, volleyball, fitness/children, and many more. Suggested retail is $29.95. KING’S QUEST IV Now Available for Apple IIGS The newest in the popular King’s Quest series from Sierra was recently released in a new version for the Apple IIGS, taking advan¬ tage of the system’s sound capabilities with many life-like sound effects added to the original music score written by William Goldstein (TV’s FAME, and the Touchstone film HELLO AGAIN). ,_____ J Tomputer Entertainer - March, 1989 3 COMMODORE 64/128 Software 1 MIND-ROLL (***#***1/2) is an effort in concentration and fast reactions as you must roll and bump your way through a multi¬ dimensional puzzle set on ten different planes. Reminiscent of such games as Marble Madness, this latest from Evvx finds you trying to run over squares in a pre-described pattern, maneuver obstacle courses, race down a racetrack, jump over electrical seas, and much more. You must also look for hidden amulets. Find them, pick them up quickly and move on, all the while racing against the clock. There are bonus rounds which follow each completed plane and, of course, each plane is progressively more difficult than the last If you finish a plane with time lefton the clock, the remaining seconds are carried over to the next level. Lots of Concentration Involved Of course, you must move quickly and have lightening-fast reflexes. In addition, concentration as you roar around blind comers, avoid obstacles, etc., will help you anticipate the next situation which will confront you. A feature we like a great deal is that you can choose from among the 10 planes to play in any order for play or practice...if you dare, try for #10 right away! The graphics are detailed and colorful adding to the excitement of a game which should keep you happily in front of the screen for hours, (one player; joystick required; reviewed on Commodore 64; coming for Amiga and MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $29.95) PROJECT FIRESTART (**#**1/2) takes you on a race against time as you battle aboard the doomed research ship Prometheus as it orbits Titan, a moon of Saturn. Designed by Dvnamix and distributed by Electronic Arts, everything seems okay as the scientists aboard conduct genetic experiments. Strict safeguards are put in place but suddenly the Prometheus falls silent. The System Science Foundation sends you, its top troubleshooter to find out what’s happened. As you prowl through dark ominous hallways, inhuman killers lurk in the shadows. You must search for clues as you pass through rooms filled with mangled bodies. There are close-ups of monsters where you must battle to the death. Every phase of the mission must be completed in order to solve the ultimate puzzle. Time is of the essense as you’ll hear the sound of an unstoppable self-destruct mechanism in the back¬ ground. Somewhat Gory You’ll have to make a judgement call on how much blood you want (or want to expose your child to) as you’ll be encountering all sorts of mangled bodies. And, unfortunately, you must examine all the dead bodies as they may have clues on them. There’s some pretty graphic stuff here. It’s billed as a horror movie in outer space and it does have a “movie-like” quality as there are pans, close-ups, sound effects, and a musical score. This is more of a graphic adventure than an action game butitis a bit too gross for our taste! (one player; joystick required; 4 disks; reviewed on Commodore 64) (MSR $29.95) F14 TOMCAT (**#***) is billed as a Naval Weapons Fighter School simulation, designed by Dvnamix for Activision (distributed by Mediapenic) . Here you’ll leam basic flight maneuvers, moving on to advanced jet training and practice dogfights. Once you’re ready for real action, you’ll be assigned to a U.S. aircraft carrier. In addition to using the joystick for flying, you’ll use several different keystrokes to handle such things as thrust, rudder position, activating weaponry, etc. ____ 4 Your cockpit controls include your main window, as well aspitch/roll indicator, altimiter, compass, tactical information, and more. Initially, though, you’ll want to learn basic rolls, high speed yo-yo*s, etc., before moving on to your assignment. Once you are assigned to a carrier, there are 80 randomly assigned missions during two tours of duty, and five theaters of action (Persian Gulf, Central America, Libya, Korea, and Lebanon. A Simulator With Character In addition to making this a fairly simple simulator to use (as opposed to taking hours before you ever manage to get off the ground), there are some interesting characters you’ll encounter along the way, including Admiral Hawk, an anchorman, a tough training C.O., as well as agroup of wise-cracking guys at the base. The first time we crashed, we were even given a full-blown funeral (?!*) By the way, if take-offs and landings are your downfall, you can have the computer make those automatically for you. Some of the secondary screens (such as the funeral, rescue at sea, etc.) are very detailed, although “stills,” while the main cockpit screen is pretty basic. The planes, as they come into view, have nice details though. All in all, this is a nice simulator which chould be a good introduction to anyone who has been daunted by the complexity of something like Sub Logic’s Flight Simulator. Advanced simulator fans, however, might find themselves a bit bored with the basic controls, (one player; joystick required; reviewed on Commo- j dore 64) Recommended (MSR $39.95) - . i t SNEAK PREVIEW COMMODORE 64/128 Sof tware | j THUNDER BLADE (**#***1/2) takes you into the world of an attack helicopter as you must defeat the enemy over cities, sea, desert, and mountains. Originally an arcade hit, Se g a has brought this to the home computer (distributed b \ Mindscave) offering dual perspectives - both from the helicopter looking down, as well as through the front j, cockpit window as you fly between the skyscrapers. There are twelve levels of difficulty (varying in the viewpoint) with a full compliment of enemy patrollers, tanks, helicopters, warships, and more every- [ where. As you fly over a city, you can see the enemy helicopters as they rev up to join you in the skies for battle. The action is fast and furious as the enemy comes at you from every direction, faster and faster. Good Action Game We like the dual approach in this game as various levels give you the different perspective of either overhead or straight-on. We did find, however, this version doesn’t feature as good graphics as the Sega game. We found the graphics just not as “full” and some of the shadowing and detail missing from the Commodore version. Regard¬ less of that, it is a good action game for anyone who likes “shoot-’em- ups.” (one player; reviewed for Commodore 64; available for Sega; coming for MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST) Recommended (MSR $34.95) J Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 MACINTOSH Software 1 SIM CITY (****/***★) is a fascinating simulation from Maxis Software (distributed by Broderbund) in which you take charge of an evolving and growing city. You become both the mayor and city planner in one of seven cities included or build a city of your own. In addition to Bem, Rio de Janeiro, Detroit, Hamburg, and Boston, you can take control of San Francisco just before the earthquake ot 1906 or Tokyo in 1957 as Godzilla is getting ready to terrorize the city. The population consists of Sims (simulated citizens) who build houses, churches, stores, and more. They also complain about taxes. They’ll tell you if they need more hous¬ ing, airport, or bet¬ ter transportation. If they get un¬ happy they’ll move out, affect¬ ing your tax base. You have an over¬ all budget to deal with which covers everything from the power plant you must build to the bulldozing you’ll do in order to clear land for new uses. When you build roads, cars appear as they travel down the road. Build railroad tracks and suddenly there is a train moving. Factories cause pollution, areas tum into slums. You may have to raise taxes to accomplish all you need to. It’s up to your imagination and strategic good sense to decide how to plan your city. Fascinating and Different There are almost endless options to your simulations as each time can be a vastly different experience. You really have to deal with a myriad Df situations as you’ll encounter air crashes, floods, fires, meltdowns, md more. It’s extremely easy to use due to icons and crisp graphics. Hiere’s lots of animation and sound effects too as you’ll see a plane fly 3ver the city, traffic helicopters, trains, cars, and that terrifying nonster trying to take over Tokyo. People who enjoy the strategy of .vargaming will enjoy a familiar way to play a game, but in a vastly different arena. But, the game is for more than wargamers. If you enjoy .trategy and want to test your skills at land development, budgets, and he like, you’ll probably want to spend hours running one of these :ities, or building your own! (one player; reviewed on Mactintosh; uns on 512E, SE and Mac II; coming for Amiga) Recommended (MSR $49.95) 4th & INCHES (****/***l/2) brings agreat version of football to the Macintosh from designer Bob Whitehead for Accolade . The game simulates a full 11-man offense against a full 11-man defense where you are both the coach and the player (you can control the quarterback, running back, middle linebacker, receiver, or defensive back - the other positions are controlled by the computer and react based on the play you’ve picked). Once you choose which team you’ll represent (All-Stars or Champs), it’s on to the playing field where you have twenty plays and eleven different formations to choose from (there are five defensive formations available). The formations, as well as the choice of which of the players you wish to control are shown along the bottom of the screen in the one-playerversion (in the two-player mode, the choices don’t show so your opponent doesn’t know which play you’ve chosen). The game allows for all the traditional plays such as punts, field goals, extra points, and interceptions. You can also substitute when a player tires (you begin with the First-string team, but there’s a back-up for each position). Good Gridiron Action Using the mouse or the keyboard, you have pretty good control of your player and, as you become more attuned to the game, you should be able to complete some pretty fancy passes and, on defense, sack the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. There’s some pretty good sound effects as some of the gridiron “grunting” on tackles comes to life. Accolade has handled the graphic scrolling in a very interesting and successful manner...the field show action about twenty yards in each direction of the line of scrimmage. When the action goes beyond that (either in a run, punt, or pass), a special zoom features zooms right into the next twenty yard segment smoothly and without a feeling of “where am I and where did the ball go!” As a result, you shouldn’t lose playsjust because your eyes couldn’tquickly adjust to a jerky scrolling action. This feature, along with the large player figures make this a fine game graphically, as well as good action. By the way, plans are in the works to release a 4th & Inches Team Construction Disk where you’ll be able to modify home and visiting teams to specification and play . them against each other. The tailored teams can be substituted for the pre-programmed library in this disk, (one player; two-player simulta¬ neous; requires lmb memory; 800K drive; works on Macintosh Plus, 512Ke,SE;also available for MS-DOS, Apple IIGS, Amiga, Commo¬ dore 64) Recommended (MSR $44.95) J Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 5 ATARI ST/AMIGA Software The COMPUTER ENTERTAINER READERS’ HALL OF FAME AWARDS I HOSTAGE (****tf****) finds you in charge of a six-person strike team assigned to rescue hostages which have been taken by terrorists as they have seized an embassy. Designed b v lnfoerames and distrib¬ uted by Minds cape, it’s a game of four stages which begins as you must set up strategic positions across from the embassy. First, look at the overall map of the embassy and surrounding area as youroperation will be outlined for you as it scrolls across the screen. On that map there are three “X’s” which you must place your three marks¬ men. Move your marksmen, one at a time, avoiding the searchlights the ter¬ rorists are using. Duck in and out of buildings, dive through windows until you correctly place the men. Once in place, a helicopter will carry a three-man Direct Intervention Team to the roof of the embassy. You must move these men down the sides of the building via ropes, working their way through a window without being detected (they’ll have to break a window to enter). Throughout these maneuvers, you’ll work through the eyes of the marksmen you have in place as they survey their side of the building through gunsights. It’s through these gunsights you’ll work your D.I.T. men down the side of the building. Once inside the embassy, you must quickly locate the hostages. You’ll find the mini-map showing the rooms and hallways on the floor you’re on very helpful as those clues will tell you where both the hostages and the terrorists are (there are three floors which are accessible via stairways). When you encounter a terrorist, you’ll have to shoot quickly. Bring the hostages to safety in Stage Four. Your mission is a success if you either kill all the terrorists or gather all the hostages in the third-floor room without losing any of your men. Once you’ve been successful in a rescue operation, you’ll be allowed to move to the next more difficult level to attempt a mission at that level. Interesting Combination of Action and Strategy The action in this one is very interesting as you have to master several skills as you enter the various stages of a hostage rescue. Strategy comes into play strongly as a fast move is not necessarily the best move - but there is a time limit so you can’t stand around thinking too long! The various perspectives are depicted in beautiful, large, and colorful graphics, accompanied by strong sound effects. We especially liked the gunsight view as we scanned the outside of the embassy building and worked out man down his rope from the roof, crashing through a window. It’s an unusual game which provides some truly different entertainment value, (one player; joystick required; reviewed on Amiga and Atari ST; coming for MS-DOS, Commodore 64/128, Macintosh, and Apple IIGS) Recommended (MSR $44.95) Moved??? Don’t forget to tell us so you don’t miss any issues. Send us your new address, along with your old zip code and subscriber number (the last FOUR digits of your mailing label) and we’ll do the rest. ___ 6 As part of Computer Entertainer’s special 1987 celebration of five years of continuous publication, we invited our readers to vote for their all-time favorite entertainment programs. After all the votes were tabulated, five programs (one foreach yearof publication by Computer \ Entertainer) received the honor of being selected as the “Best of the Best” by the true gaming experts, our readers. The five Hall of Fame inductees, along with ten runner-up programs awarded Honorable Mention, were announced in Computer Entertainer’s Special Fifth Birthday Edition. With that announcement, we also stated our inten¬ tion to add a new program to the permanent Hall of Fame each year. A sixth member of the Hall of Fame was voted lastyear, along with four I runners-up awarded Honorable Mentions, and it’s now time to add a seventh program to the Hall of Fame as Computer Entertainer com¬ pletes seven years of continuous publication with this issue. READERS’ HALL OF FAME SUPER MARIO BROS. (Nintendo for NES) GUNSHIP (MicroProse for Commodore 64/128) FLIGHT SIMULATOR II (SubLogic for all systems) ALTERNATE REALITY - THE CITY (Datasoft for Apple II, Atari XE/XL, Commodore 64/128) ZORK TRILOGY (Infocom for all systems) LEGEND OF ZELDA (Nintendo for NES) Honorable Mentions Past Honorable Mention winners are M.U.L.E. (Electronic Arts for Apple, Atari XE/XL, C64/128) GRAD1US (Konami for NES) ULTIMA IV (Origin Systems for Apple, Atari XE/XL, C64/128) HARDBALL (Accolade for Atari XE/XL and C64/128) ULTIMA 111 (Origin Systems for Apple, Atari XE/XL, C64/128) LODERUNNER (Broderbund for Apple, Atari XE/XL, C64/128, IBM, Macintosh) DR. J & LARRY BIRD GO ONE-ON-ONE (Electronic Arts for Amiga, Apple, Atari XE/XL, C64/l{28, Macintosh) WIZARDRY (Sir-Tech for Apple, IBM, Macintosh) STAR RAIDERS (Atari for Atari XE/XL and Atari ST) ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: TREASURE OF TARMIN (Mattel for Intellivision) METROID (Nintendo for NES) SPACE HARRIER (Sega for Sega) MARBLE MADNESS (Electronic Arts for Amiga, C64/128) CALIFORNIA GAMES (Epyx for C64/128) Vote for Your Favorites Since Computer Entertainer has now completed seven years of publication, it’s time for another election to add a new member to the Hall of Fame. The rules are simple. Send us your ballot on a postcard (ox facsimile) with the following information: 1) List your THREE all-time favorite programs, including the system. you play them on and the manufacturer (if known). Be sure to number them in order of preference, since this creates a weighting system for tabulating your votes. Entertainment programs for ANY home com¬ puter or videogame system (active or discontinued) are eligible. Programs already elected to the Hall of Fame are not eligible, having been retired with honor from competition. (Previous Honorable Mention winners ARE eligible, however.) 2) Please include your vote on whether or not we should change the format of the Availability Update. (See related article below for choices.) Your vote can be indicated as “keep current Availability format” or “change to new Availability format.” 3) Print your name, address and subscriber number (last four digits of the number above your name on mailing label: letter and three numbers) on the postcard. Ballots without name, address and sub¬ scriber number will NOT be counted. Please note: you must be a current subscriber in good standing (or live at the same address as the subscriber) in order to vote and be eligible for the prize drawing. 4) Send the information to Computer Entertainer, 5916 Lemona Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91411. Your ballot must be postmarked no later than April 22,1989 and received at Computer Entertainerno later than May 1, 1989. Votes will be tabulated and the new member of the COM¬ PUTER ENTERTAINER READERS’ HALL OF FAME will be announced in our June, 1989 issue. Honorable Mention awards will also be announced at that time. Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 5) Only one ballot per person is allowed. Multiple ballots from the same person will be discarded. If more than one person at your address reads Computer Entertainer, each person may send one ballot. (The subscriber number of the person who receives Computer Entertainer MUST appear on each of these additional ballots from the same address.) Prizes for Readers , Too! We want ALL of our readers to participate in selecting this year's new member of the Hall of Fame and voting on the format of the Availability Update, so we’re providing an incentive in the form of prizes. A random drawing from the Hall of Fame ballots will be held on May 19, 1989, with the following prizes to be awarded: One gift certificate redeemable for $50 worth of merchandise from Video Take- Out; one gift certificate redeemable for $25 worth of merchandise from Video Take-Out; two one-year renewals of the winners’ subscriptions to Computer Entertainer. Get Your Vote in Now! What are you waiting for? Get that postcard into the mail right now, while you’re thinking about it! Your vote counts, and you have the chance to win a Gift Certificate! Availability Update Format: We Want Your Input The monthly Availability Update which details upcoming releases by month or quarter for computers and videogame systems is of great interest to most of our readers, judging from the amount of praise and criticism it receives on a regular basis. The Availability Update made its debut, without fanfare, in our September, 1982 issue and has been a regular feature ever since. For more than six and a half years its format has remained unchanged: planned software releases are listed by system and further subdivided by month and quarter, with titles listed alphabetically under each month or quarter. For our readers, this format works well if they want to know what games are planned for a particular system during a certain month or quarter. However, this format makes it a little more difficult to find the projected release date of one or two specific game titles for a system. Should We Change the Format? One of our long-time subscribers, William Sommerwerck of Bellevue, WA, recently suggested that we consider changing the format of the Availability Update. He suggested that we remove all subdivisions by months and quarters undereach system and simply list all upcoming releases alphabetically by title under the system. Each title would be followed by its company code, as it is now, with an additional notation of a number indicating the month of projected release. (Titles without a specific month of release would be desig¬ nated “Ql, Q2” etc. for the announced quarter of release.) He believes that most readers care more about Finding a few specific titles in the Availability Update than they do about keeping track of every release scheduled for the current month or some future month. If you’re looking for just a few specific titles, this format would definitely make it easier for you to find them. However, if you care more about the overall schedule of all releases for your system(s) rather than just a few dtles, this new format would make it very difficult for you to get a feel for what is planned over the months. It’s Up to You Whether we keep the current Availability Update format or change .o one without divisions by months and quarters, our job of maintain¬ ing the Availability Update files continues to be one of the most time- consuming parts of producing this newsletter. What is most important o us is that the Availability Update be as useful as possible to our eaders. Therefore, we’re asking for your vote before we even consider >uch a major change. You can let us know of your preference by voting ’Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 for a continuation of the existing format or a change to the proposed new one. Your vote on the format can be included with your vote in the Computer Entertainer Readers’ Hall of Fame, as detailed in the article above. (And there’s always the possibility that your postcard might be drawn for a prize!) Your input is important to us, so please send in your postcard as soon as Impossible. We will NOT make a format change without the vote of a clear majority of our readers in favor of that change. MS-DOS/MACINTOSH LANCELOT (***l/2/***l/2) brings the famous and well-loved tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table to the computer screen in the form of an illustrated text adventure by Mandarin Software for Datasoft. which is now a division of the Software Toolworks (distributed by Electronic Arts). This interactive version of the Arthurian legend is based on Sir Thomas Malory’s LE MORTE D’ARTHUR and consists of three parts: CamelPot (Lancelot’s arrival at the fabled castle and his valorous deeds done to become a great Knight); Logris (the completion of the company of Knights of the Round Table); and the Quest for the Holy Grail (the search for the relic of Christ’s Last Supper and the demise of the company of Knights of the Round Table). The tale begins with the first meeting between Lancelot and King Arthur, who is disguised as the Black Knight challenging the valor and worthiness of the young squire. If Lancelot passes the test, he is invited to ride on to Camelot, become a Knight of the Round Table and go on to a series of adventures culminating in the Quest for the Holy Grail. Familiar characters come to life in this adventure, allowing the player as Lancelot to interact with Merlin, Galahad, Gawain, Elaine, Guinevere and many others. The story of LANCELOT has great appeal, and for the player to be able to become a part of that great story makes this an especially enjoyable adventure. The accompanying illustrations are lovely and (add to the charm of the adventure. Of interest to those who like to save their games often: LANCELOT includes a “RAM Save” option in addition to the usual save-to-disk option. The RAM Save is very quick and convenient. (Solo play; Keyboard; 512K; MS-DOS version supports CG A/EG A/monochrome; Blank disk required for game-saving.) MS- DOS and Macintosh versions reviewed; also available for C64/128 ($29.95) and planned for Amiga and Atari ST. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) Coming Soon from MicroProse Two long-awaited conversions are coming this spring from Micro- Prose. The MS-DOS version of RED STORM RISING (MSR $54.95), based on Tom Clancy’s best-selling novel of future submarine war¬ fare, is expected to hit dealers’ shelves next month. The program} will support CGA, EGA, VGA/MCGA, Tandy and Hercules graphics systems and Ad Lib and Innovation soundboards. A joystick will be optional, and the game will be hard-disk installable (key-disk copy protection routine). Coming in May is the new Amiga version of the attack helicopter simulator, GUNSHIP ($54.95), complete with im¬ proved, solid 3-D graphics and digitized sound. Carmen Sandiego Crime Wave Spreads to GS Broderbund’s award-winning detective adventure, WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?, has now been released in a new version specific to the Apple IIGS. The program was rewritten to take advantage of the system’s enhanced graphics and sound capabilities. 7 r ATARI ST/AMIGA Software 1 COMBAT COURSE (****/* ft) by Infoerames of France for Mindscap e is a showy piece of programming that is designed to simulate the experiences one might have in a top-secret training camp for the military elite. There are three basic training courses. A physical obstacle course includes scaling walls, crawling under barbed wire and through drain pipes, and navigating pul¬ leys with the sus¬ pense of pursuit by attack dogs in some sections of the course. And while those dogs may bark loudly, your relent¬ less drill sergeant barks his commands even more loudly: “get up,” “keep moving,” “ten push¬ ups,” and the like. The risk course involves fewer obstacles but more danger because of the presence of land mines. On this one you can earn extra points for laying dynamite and throwing grenades. The combat course hones your hand-to-hand combat skills and test your quickness with a machine gun. The ultimate challenge is in the combined course, where you run the three previous courses one after another. Additional dangers on the courses include sniper fire and helicopter attacks. All courses are timed, so you must keep your man moving forward or lose points. And if you Find the supplied courses are not tough enough for you, you can make up your own in the Cobra Construction Set included in the program. Another interesting feature in COMBAT COURSE is the built-in “VCR” which lets you replay your performance on a course. Elegant and Original Graphic Treatment All of the training action in COMBAT COURSE is presented with elegance and originality in the graphic treatment. While you guide your recruit character through the courses, which are run across the center third of the monitor screen, panels in the top third display flashing closeups that relate to the action. The sense of constant movement, plus the count-down timer and the shouted commands of the drill sergeant appear to be devices meant to lend an air of urgency to running the courses. Beautifully presented as this program is, however, we never really became caught up in the idea of simply challenging the clock. Perhaps players who are more militaristically inclined will find more excitement in COMBAT COURSE than we did. (Solo play; Joystick; Pause.) Amiga, Atari ST versions reviewed. Coming soon for MS-DOS ($34.95) and C64/128 ($29.95) Not recommended. (MSR $39.95) COMMODORE 64/ATARI ST BATMAN, THE CAPED CRUSADER (***1/2/***) by Qs!a East (licensed from Ocean) brings the famous super-hero to life in a computer action-adventure that is closer to the original comic book character than to the TV series of the 1960s. And this is just the beginning of what is likely to be a very large Batman presence in pop culture this year, since Batman celebrates his 50th year as a DC Comics hero in May and stars in what is expected to be a major new movie hit V___ 8 ■N I this summer. In this computer program, the Caped Crusader is in¬ volved in two separate adventures with his perennial nemeses, the Penguin and the Joker. In the First adventure, “A Bird in the Hand,” Commissioner Gordon of Gotham City calls on Batman to check out the Penguin’s umbrella factory, which turns out to be a cover for the Penguin’s plot to take over the world with an army of robot penguins. It’s up to you to help Batman gather what he needs from the Batcave and then venture out onto the streets of Gotham City until he finds the Penguin’s factory and disarms its master computer. Of course the Penguin’s thugs are swarming all over the city, determined to eliminate Batman for their boss. The Joker’s kidnapping of Batman’s sidekick, Robin, is the theme of the second Adventure, “A Fete Worse than Death.” Batman must search the sewers of Gotham City, where he Finds many of the Joker’s lethal “toys” in his way, as he makes his way to the Fair. And many more dangers await the Caped Crusader at the Fair. Very Challenging BATMAN, THE CAPED CRUSADER offers a very challenging pair of adventures with many puzzles to solve and an unforgiving clock in the form of Batman’s quickly diminishing powers as the game progresses. There is no “pause” function in the game, and even moving to the status screen doesn’t stop Batman’s deterioration. The First time we played the game, we were astounded when Batman expired without ever leaving the Batcave! We were nosing around, getting our bearings and looking for items that Batman might need, and suddenly the game was over. After a few more stabs at exploration, we soon learned that you have not so much as a second to spare in this game. It may be that the typical eight to fifteen-year-old joystick jockey with reflexes measurable in nanoseconds will find this kind of challenge exhilarat¬ ing. However, we yearned for a pause feature or at least a little more gradual introduction to the game. We appreciate the combination of action with adventure elements in BATMAN, and we were impressed with the quality of the graphics and animation (especially in the Atari ST version). However, we must caution you that this game is only suitable for those who are VERY nimble with a joystick. If you like adventures but you’re not extremely quick, you’ll Find BATMAN frustrating. (Solo play; Joystick) C64/128 and Atari ST versions reviewed; coming soon for Amiga ($44.95) MSR $24.95 C64/128, $39.95 ST. MS-DOS HOLLYWOOD SQUARES (**l/2/**l/2) is GameTek y s version of the long-running TV game show brought to the computer screen for one or two players. As in the TV show, this is basically a game of tic- tac-toe in which nine “celebrities” occupy the squares in the game grid. Contestants choose a celebrity, a question is asked, and the celebrity answers first with a joking response, then a “real” answer to the question. The contestant then agrees or disagrees with the correctness of the celebrity’s answer, earning money and an X or O on that square if the contestant is correct. The game includes the other familiar features from the TV show, including the SecretSquare and playing for a new car after winning three games. The computer game version of HOLLYWOOD SQUARES definitely follows the format of the TV show, but something is lost with the absence of actual celebrities giving their sometimes outrageous answers. If you’re just crazy about the TV show or the game of tic-tac-toe, you may enjoy this computer version. However, we found the game to offer only mildly amusing entertainment. (One or two players; Keyboard; 256K; CGA.) MS- DOS version reviewed; also available for Apple II and C64/128. MSR $14.95 _ J Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 r MS-DOS KINGS OFTHE BEACH: PROFESSIONAL BEACH VOLLEY¬ BALL (***#****) from Electronic Arts is an action-filled simu¬ lation of a sport born on the beaches of Southern California: full-court volleyball with just two players on each side of the net. (We’re very big on starting trends here in California.) Designed by Mike Abbott (“Hard Hat Mack”) and Nana Chambers with the aid of top-earning pro beach volleyball players Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos, KINGS OFTHE BEACH offers a wealth of options, fast action, humor, and superb animation. Head for the beach, sign up at the registration tent, and then hit the practice courts to learn the finer points of bumps, sets and spikes. As you begin to get the feel of controlling either Sinjin Smith or Randy Stoklos, it’s time to get some practice at defense and serves by checking into the Match Courts, where you can try our your shots against real players. Matches can be played at any of three difficulty levels, but even the “easy” one is no piece of cake until you’ve had plenty of practice. In the matches you can play solo with a computer- controlled team-mate and two computer-controlled opponents, or play either cooperatively or competitively with a friend. The program even lets you argue with the referee if you think you got a bad call. Heavy Action in Tournament Play But the heavy action is in Tournament Play, where your aim is to be crowned King of the Beach. Unless you get your kicks from being humiliated, don’t go anywhere near the tournament until you’ve had lots of practice, because you’re up against the pros. It takes winning three games to win a beach, starting in San Diego, Calif., where a win sends you on a globe-hopping tour of places like Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and Waikiki. After you win a beach, the program gives you a password so that you can later resume the tour where you left it. KINGS OFTHE BEACH has it all: great action, lots of challenge and variety, excellent graphics splashed with the sparkle of the surf, and even the bikini-clad EA Pixel-Mates. (One or two players; Joystick, keyboard or mouse; Pause; EGA/CGA; Music on Tandy or with Ad Lib card; Includes 5.25” & 3.5 M disks; Not copy-protected.) For MS-DOS systems only; planned for others. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) TIME BANDIT (****/****) from Microdeal was one of the first major hits on the new Atari ST in 1986, and it was a game that no early ST owner would think of being without. This arcade adventure of truly amazing scope and variety has now come to the family of IBM PC/ Tandy and compatibles with all the excitement, graphic excellence, and superb playability intact. Your role is that of Time Bandit, a combination time traveller and treasure hunter who may explore all of 16 lands in 6 time periods—some 240+ levels altogether. Evil Guardi¬ ans are everywhere, whether you explore the mysteries of Ancient Egypt, the Pac-Man-style maze of Arcadia’s Shadowland or the futuristic city of Gridville, leading you to a "shoot everything that moves” mentality. You’ll earn points called cubits for shooting the enemies. Since you’re rewarded with more cubits when your manner is brave and aggressive, it doesn’t pay to be cautious and conservative in this game. Text Adventures f Too Some of the lands contain graphic-activated text adventures, such as rescuing the missing crew of a damaged spaceship, bringing peace to a town in the Old West, or effecting a rescue in a derelict medieval castle. As puzzles appear and quests reveal themselves, the arcade action continues. The game features well-drawn graphics with multi¬ directional scrolling and a wonderful two-player mode that lets you and a friend play at the same time in different portions of the same land. The split-screen presentation shows both players’ exploits at the same time. And if one player’s Time Bandit is killed before the other, the dead one may come back as a Shadow to help or hinder the fellow player. Although keyboard control of the game is possible, we strongly recommend playing this one with a joystick for the best* in playability. And in conjunction with this game, Microdeal has introduced an IBM LPT Digital Joystick Adapter Cable which will allow you to play this and future Microdeal games with any regular Atari-compatible joys¬ tick for digital instead of analog control. The adapter cable plugs into the parallel printer port of your computer and does not require a joystick card. The LPT Digital Joystick Adapter Cable is available directly from Microdeal for $11.95. (Solo or simultaneous 2-player; Joystick or keyboard; Pause; 512K; CG A/EGA/VGA; 3.5" disk avail¬ able; Blank disk required for game-saving; Not copy-protected.) MS- DOS version reviewed; also available for Atari ST and Amiga. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) Frustrated by Complex Games? If you’ve been frustrated by complex computer entertainment prod¬ ucts—flight simulators you couldn’t fly, for example—you have a kindred spirit in Brad Fregger, President of Publishing International. Fregger said, ‘The reason that I’m concerned about this is that I’m afraid many of those people, especially those that own IBMs and compatibles, believe that these complex programs represent the world of computer entertainment, and are not aware of the many fun and exciting computer games available that are challenging but not frus¬ trating.” Fregger’s fledgling company has just such a product entitled PHARAOH’S REVENGE, and he said “We want those people who have only been frustrated to have a chance to be entertained, and we want to make it easy for them to have that chance, both logistically and financially.” To take him up on his offer, just write a letter to Brad Fregger, Publishing International, 333 West El Camino Real #222, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. Tell him about your frustrations with a particu¬ lar complex program, and ask him for a chance to have fun on your computer. Enclose $5.00 for shipping and handling, and he will send you a copy of PHARAOH’S REVENGE (be sure to specify: IBM, Apple II or C64). Fregger is completely sincere in his offer. We know him to be a man who bums with a missionary’s zeal when it comes to the subject of what the average person really needs and wants for his or her home computer. And he openly admits, “We’re a new company and we can use all the publicity we can get—this seems like a positive way of getting that publicity.” Cinemaware to Debut Spotlight Software Spotlight Software, a new label from Cinemaware, will mark its debut next month with three titles. DEATH BRINGER is a fantasy role-playing game for Amiga (available later for MS-DOS systems and C64/128). FEDERATION for Amiga and Atari ST combines space exploration, role-playing and a trading simulation in a game that will feature filled, solid 3-D graphics. DARKSIDE, which will be released simultaneously for MS-DOS, C64/128 and Amiga, is an adventure set in Egypt in the 1930s with a 3-D environment. Other games are planned, including a futuristic, fast-action game licensed from Mirror- soft of the U.K. entitled SPEEDB ALL (Amiga, MS-DOS, C64/128). The Spotlight label will give Cinemaware the ability to market games which might (not be a perfect fit with the existing Cinemaware line. We’ll have more information on the new Spotlight games in our April issue, since we have been invited to visitCinemaware’s new headquar¬ ters to see the games before they are released. Pricing for the Spotlight Software games will be $39.95 for MS-DOS, Atari ST and Amiga and $29.95 for C64/128. V_ J Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 9 r yhiieVidi© Gamc Updatc SEGA Software I NINTENDO Accessory i DOUBLE DRAGON (***^****) is one of the top favorites in the arcades, and now Sega has brought a version to the home screen that includes all the coin-op features. Of special note to those who love playing the game with a friend at the arcade, the Sega version includes the cooperative two-player game they enjoy so much. The Sega version also includes the four settings of the coin-op against which the combination of martial arts and street-fighting action takes place. The overall theme is a rescue attempt, as the Black Warriors gang has kidnapped the girlfriend of one of the twin heroes in the game. Players go up against street toughs of all descriptions, with plenty of kicking and punching action spiced with chains, whips, and even a few boxes and barrels to throw around. Play action is superbly true to the coin-op original, and the backgrounds are beautifully detailed. The only fault in the graphics is a very noticeable amount of flicker in the fighting figures, which was probably unavoidable due to the number of objects moving on the screen at the same time. Especially for those who like the cooperative two-player game, however, having that in the Sega version is probably worth the trade-off in some graphic flicker. (Solo or 2-player cooperative; Continue feature.) Recommended. LORD OF THE SWORD (***l/2/***l/2) is another in S egg’s growing list of role-playing adventures for the Master System. This one also has a lot of action along with the adventure, as your bow and sword-wielding hero makes his way through towns, villages, castles and a variety of terrains in the countryside of Baljinya. In this game, your hero is a young warrior who would be king. To achieve the crown and thwart the evil Demon Lord Ra Goan, the hero must pass three tests. He must find the Tree of Marill, subdue the Goblin of Balala Valley, and destroy the Statue of Evil. In the course of attempting to pass the three tests, the hero encounters every kind of enemy imagin¬ able, from warriors and white wolves to scorpions and aggressive flying fish. Although there are many enemies, there are potential friends as well. Many of the people the hero meets in the town have useful information and hints to help in the quest. LORD OF THE SWORD has plenty of appeal for those who like a lot of action in their adventures. We especially enjoyed the bow-and-arrow weaponry as a change of pace from the more typical sword-slashing adventures. Graphics are nicely detailed, with some truly wonderful enemy crea¬ tures. This one is a lot of fun. (Solo play; Continue feature.) Recommended Y’S: THE VANISHED OMENS (***1/2/****) is another new role-playing adventure game from Sega, but this one relies less on action and is more in the classic mold so well known to computer adventurers. That is hardly surprising when you know that this game is based on one part of a trilogy of computer adventures that has been very popular in J apan. (In moving the adventure from Japan to the U.S., somehow an apostrophe was added to the name of the fictitious land where the adventure takes place, and Ys [pronounced “ees”] became Y’s.) In this story, the adventurer Aron seeks to return peace and prosperity to the land by finding the six powerful and magical lost books of the ancient goddesses of Y’s. It is also a race against the sorceror Dark Dekt, who wants the books for his own evil purposes. The overall quest is divided into two major sections, each containing three of the books. The first part of the quest involves acquiring necessary weapons, equipment and treasure while exploring the vil¬ lages, countryside, palace and underground mine. The second part of the quest takes place in the 21 levels of the Tower of the Doomed, a place said to be full of unspeakable perils and even a meeting with Dark Dekt himself. (We have not made it this far yet!) There are people to meet in the villages with friendly advice. But outside the villages, all is danger—the lifeblood of any adventure. Y’S: THE VANISHED OMENS is not an action game, but rather a game that taxes your memory and your ingenuity. Mapping is a necessity, and you have to keep a wary eye on your character’s stats (experience, hit points, strength, gold and equipment). Your character has but one life, but the game can be saved so that you need not start over from scratch if your character suffers a premature demise. Adventure gamers will defi¬ nitely enjoy this one. (Solo play; Battery back-up memory.) Recommended. 10 The MOTHER SHIP Control Enhancer by Suncom is an interest¬ ing option for the NES game player who likes the quality and respon¬ siveness of the original Nintendo Control Pad but would prefer a true joystick without having to spend $25 or more for it The MOTHER SHIP does nothing on its own, but instead is designed to hold the original Nintendo Control Pad inside its base. With the Control Pad nestled snugly within the MOTHER SHIP’S “cargo bay,” control functions are accessed with the MOTHER SHIP’S large, aircraft-style grip, a pair of long bars that activate the Control Pad’s A and B ac¬ tion buttons, and a pair of smaller buttons for Start and Select functions. There is also a third, contoured fire button atop the stick which can be set to operate either the A or B function by means of a slide switch on the base of the MotherShip. The top-mounted fire button can also be set to operate both A and B func¬ tions simultaneously, which can be advantageous in some games. Ingenious Design Suncom has come up with an in¬ genious design with their MOTHER SHIP. We found it quick and responsive in play testing. And it has the advantage of being equally adaptable to right- or left-handed players. However, we were not happy with the awkward feeling of holding such a large joystick base. Since the MOTHER SHIP comes with a set of four optional suction-cup feet, we tried installing those to avoid the necessity of holding the joystick base while playing. The suction cups are difficult to insert into the small holes on the underside of the MOTHER SHIP’S base, probably a necessary evil if they are to stay attached to the joystick in the heat of vigorous play. Once we got past that hurdle, we played in much more comfort since there was no need to stretch one hand around the base of the MOTHER SHIP. Unless you have large hands, you’ll probably find table-top use of the MOTHER SHIP much easier, as we did. Suncom’s MOTHER SHIP appears to be well made, and it’s definitely the least expensive way to add a true joystick to your NES that performs with the speed and quality of the original Control Pad. MSR approx. $15 In the Arcades The Final Round , from Konami t is a two-player interactive game based on a boxing theme which allows you to choose your boxer’s strength prior to entering the ring. In the ring, you’ll attempt to lower your opponent’s strength to zero or go for the knockout Truxton , from Bally Midway (licensed from Taito ), features an 8-way joystick and 200 areas in which the quest to destroy the “Big Bosses” can take place. Throughout the game you can add power items in order to increase speed and power with weapon selection items to challenge your skills. V___ J Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 r NINTENDO Software ROBOWARRIOR (*rtrtl/2/*rt*l/2) puts you in the role of Zed who’s half human, half cyborg as a one-man battalion blasting your way thorugh 27 battle zones in order to free the people of the planet Altile from the evil invader Xur. These people have had to flee underground to escape the frigid temperatures on the surface as Xur has constructed a weather-control system which has plunged the planet into bitter cold. In this action game from Jaleco, you’ve got some help from the people of Altile as they have left various energy capsules hidden on the surface of the planet which can help you with your fighting abilities in order to overthrow Xur. There are twelve different weapons and six powers hidden on the planet as you move through the many lands of the planet. You’ll blast your way through the Land of Temples, Iron Hills, Oceania, the Outer City, as well as being able to find hidden staircases to the underground. Of course, throughout, there is a continuing barrage of many different enemies. Plenty of Action Anyone who enjoys a straight-ahead action game should have a great deal of fun with this one with plenty of enemis swarming at you. You’ll need to learn all the powers available to you so you can implement them correctly in battle and as you blast your way through the various lands of Altile. The graphics are very colorful, although most screens are similar in texture (most change in screens is color with slight variations in shapes). Of course, there are plenty of different creatures to inhabit your screen which are very varied in shape and size. If you enjoy action games, this one should provide several hours of “numb-thumb!” (We would recommend a continuous fire joystick for maximum enjoyment, (one player; con¬ tinue feature) Recommended (MSR approx $44.95) BOMBERMAN (**/**l/2) is a maze game from Hudson Soft in which Bomberman, a robot engaged in the production of bombs at the center of the Earth, attempts to make his way to the surface and freedom. In each of the many maze levels, Bomberman has to avoid enemy characters while setting bombs to explode and blast away portions of brick walls. Hidden behind some wall sections are “power-up” panels and the single exitway to the next maze level. Each time Bomberman loses a life to an enemy or because he’s too close to an exploding bomb, he starts the same maze level over again with a different pattern of brick walls. As a result, it is difficult to discern any of the repeating patterns that typically turn maze games into memory tests. Despite the avoidance of repeating patterns, however, this is not the sort of game that’s likely to bring gamers back for many playing sessions. Graphics are extremely simple, offering little visual appeal. The game itself is only mildly addictive at first, but we soon became bored with it. (Solo play; Password feature.) Not recommended. (MSR $44.95) Back Issues Available Don’t miss out on all the great back issues! We’ve been covering entertainment software for over five years and we’ve reviewed hundreds and hundreds of titles. Most issues are still available (Vol I, #1,2,3, and 4 are available as xeroxed copies only at a cost of $2.75 each). Send $2.50 for each back issue you want. Buy six or more, and they’re just $1.75 each. Make certain you have a complete set! You can also purchase the SPECIAL EDITION, published in Spring, 1987 in celebration of our Fifth Anniversary. It covers everything from a look at videogaming to capsule reviews of some of the top games of all time. This Special Edition is $2.00. SECOND QUARTER Adventure* in DuncyUnd (CAP) Bwebxll Sun (SNK) California Game* (MC) California Rauina (CAP) Defender of Crown (ULT) Duck Trie* (CAP) Guardian Legend (BRO) Guerrilla War (SNK) Legacy of Ibe Wiiard (BRO) F.O.W, (SNK) Steal* Eagle (ACT) Sweet Home (CAP) Teenage Muxira Ninja Turtle»(ULT) Three Siooge* (ACT) AUGUST Bad Street Brawler (MAT) Ghoalbuatera II (ACT) Power Olcrve (MAT) SEPTEMBER Adventurer of Bayou Billy (KON) THIRD QUARTER Ionian Vi Bird (MB) Road Runner (MIN) 720 (MIN) Shadowgaie (KS) Silent Service (KON) Super Paiiward (GT) OCTOBER Abyai, The (ACT) Card Sharia (GT) Clawic Concentration (GT) Diehard (ACT) Family Feud (GT) Star Trek V (BAN) SECOND HALF Back to the Future (UN) Beetle juice (UN) Fatanadu (NIN) Knight Rider (ACM) Pa; lion ary (UN) PinBot (NIN) Puniaher, The (UN) RcboCop (DE) To the Earth (NIN) Trick Shooting (NIN) Wadd Warm (UN) SEGA MARCH i-Lord of the Sword (SEG) Foaeiden Wan 3-D (SEG) i Va (SEG) APRIL Altered Beau (SEG) Rattan (SEG) Reggie Jaduon Baseball (SEG) Vigdame (SEG) MAY Aif (SEG) Galaxy Force (ACT) King 1 * Queat (PB) Out Run 3 D (SEG) Time Sokfaen (SEO) JUNE California Gamer (SEO) Caaino Game* (SEG) Warrior Queat Spellraater (SEG) JULY Walter Payton Football (SEG) THIRD QUARTER Akut Kidd Hi Tech World (SEG) Buggy Dath (SEG) Maze Hunter 3-D B (SEG) Uliim at (SEG) Super Basketball (SEO) World Gamer (SEG) \ COMPANY CODES ABSAbaoiuu Entertainment ACM..Acclaim Entertainment ACO... Accolade ACT.. Acti viaion/Medi agenic AS.. American Sammy BAN...Bandai BAU Baudville BE..Builjeye S/W BRO Brodnbund CAP Ctpcotn USA CB...Culture Brain CINXinem aware CSO...CSG ImigeSoft DE Dali Earl DES. Derign S/W D1S. Dircovery S/W DS. Data Soft BA.Electronic Ana GAM Grmetur OT...OameTek HAL.. Hal America HIC...HJC S/W HS. Hudron Soft HT. .Hi-Tech Expirationi INF.Jnfocom INS inter*tel IP Jmetplay 15.. JCOM Simulftiona JAL Jaleco KOE JCoei KON. Xonami KSXemcoScikr KYO.Xyodal LF Local film Garnet UN..UN Toy* MAX Maxi* MB-. Mikon Bradley MD.MicroDeaVMicnTron MH . Melbourne Houre Ml.Microllluaion* MlCMtcroProrc MIN.Mindrcape NIN Nmtenlo OR1 Origin FAR. Paragon FB.Parker Broa. POL.Polarware FSY Piygnoti* FI.. Publishing Inl’l RAI.Rambud SEG Sega SET. Seu SIE.. Sierra SIR SiiTech SNK . SNK Corn SPE...Spectrum HoloByte SSG, .Strategic Studie* Gp 551.. Strategic Simulation* SUN.. Suntoft TAI.Taiio TAX..Tax an TEC.Tecmo TEN . .Ten gen TI ..Titus S/W TS. . .Three Sixty Pacific TW..Trade West ULT.Ultra USG...U.S. Gold V1R...Virgin Game* VT... VicTokii NOTE: Program* noted "x* have dripped a* of prow time but may not yet be dutrkuted nation wide. Projected shipping date* are provided by manufacturer* and subject to change. FLASH... Sunsoft To Release BATMAN for Nintendo! As we went to press, we learned that Sunsoft will be developing the BATMAN game for Nintendo with a planned Christmas, ’89 re¬ lease (we review the C64 and Atari ST ver¬ sions in this issue). This should be the year of Batman as Warner Bros. Films plans a huge Summer release of the movie with Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as The Joker. Watch for all sorts of Batman stuff, including watches, clothes, tennis shoes, and much, much more! Attention Collectors Be sure and write in to us (no phone calls, please) and indicate what you’re looking to buy, trade, or sell (rare and discontinued items only) with your name and address. Space permitting, we will print your request with your address so other readers can contact you directly should they be able to help you in your search. Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 11 NINTENDO Software r TECMO BASEBALL (***l/2/***I/2) brings us the third base¬ ball game in the past few months (the others being Tengen’s REJ. Baseball and Jaleco’s Bases Loaded), this one from Tecmo . Since the rules of the game are known by anyone who is remotely interested in owning a baseball game, we’ll spend our time outlining features of this particular version instead (for a comparison between the two baseball games listed above, see our December, 1988 issue). There are 14 major league teams to choose from here with a total of 280 players. You can choose your own line-up, batting order, and designated hitters .When pitching and batting, the view is from an outfield perspective with first and third base on either side (if there’s a runner on second, you’ll see his upper torso behind the pitcher in the main center screen). When pitching, you can move anywhere on the rubber, and choose from a fast or slow ball targeting one of 8 different areas over the plate. You can also throw a curve ball if you wish, as well as trying to pick-off a runner who may be leaning the wrong way off the bag. As the batter, you can move around in the batter’s box and either hit away or bunt Once the ball is hit, the screen switches to an overview of the entire field with a small inset of the diamond diagram showing where on the bases the runner(s) are. When fielding, the designated fielder is the one with his hand raised. Once the ball is fielded, it can be thrown to any base. When running, you can choose to keep running as you try and stretch a single into a double. Very Good Version This game actually has some of the better features found in the other two games. In addition to good graphics and good gameplay, there’s speech with the home plate umpire barking out “strike,” “Ball,” and “Out.” There’s also “Diamondvision” where you can see your man rounding the bases on a home run shot and the players congratulating their teammate as he heads for home. A slight nod towards this game has to be given by our resident sports nut. (one player; two-player simultaneous) Recommended (MSR $49.95) WRESTLEMANIA (***l/2/***l/2) takes you to the world of bone-crunching wrestling with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Ted “Million $ Man” DiBiase, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Honky Tonk Man. You can choose to be any one of these wrestling stars against the computer or against up to five friends in tournament play in these bouts from Acclaim Entertain - ment. Depending on which wrestler you choose, you’ll find your choice of moves different as you take on the personality of the real man behind the name. For instance, when you’re Bam Bam Bigelow, you can execute his cartwheel as he spins across the mat ready to slam his opponent as he comes out of the cartwheels! As a result, you’ll have to learn different controller commands for each wrestler you command to take advantage of each individual style. If you can work your way through all the other five wrestlers and win, you’ll be awarded the WWF Championship Belt. Good Wrestling Action Wrestling fans should have a good time with this one as you headbutt, bodyslam, dropkick, go for the flying elbow smash, eye gouge (ouch!), and more. Above the ring watch for time elapsed, energy meter of the two wrestlers and the bell at the end of a round or once a wrestler is pinned. If you’ve engaged in tournament play, there’s a tournament screen at the end which shows you how many matches each player has won, lost, or drawn. It also gives you the average match time for the matches you’ve played up to that point. While the graphics are quite good, we marked them down just a bit due to slight blinking of the wrestlers. It’s not enough to create a large problem, but should be mentioned. Overall, however, this is a strong sports entry into the Nintendo line and should be enjoyed by anyone who is an armchair wrestling fan! (one to six players) Recommended (MSR approx. $49.95) PLATOON (★★★l/2/***l/2) is based on the award-winning Film of a couple of years ago and now comes to the Nintendo game system through SunSoft . In this strategic military combat simulation, you are a platoon of five men who mus.t not only survive the mission but protect each other from ambush and keep your morale intact. In the first stage, you enter the jungle heading for a village. Once you make the village, avoiding traps and the enemy guerillas, you must find the explosives to blow up the bridge to the village to protect your platoon from attack from behind. Also in the village is a trap door to the tunnels.Once you destroy the enemy soldiers you an pick up medical supplies that will restore your hits and morale (morale is decreased whenever an inno¬ cent village is shot. Once you enter the tunnels you use your torch and map as you look for medical supplies, food, and ammo as well as the critical flares and compass. Of course, there are guerillas everywhere, even swimming under water surfacing with knives in hand. Once you leave the tunnels you’ll find yourself in The Bunke at night. Fight off the Viet Cong by lighting the night sky with your flares and shooting the enemy. Escape that fight unharmed and you must again head into the jungle as you search for Sergeant Elias, your Platoon leader. You’re informed he’s already dead, but now you leam the area will be napalmed in 4 minutes. Continue to a foxhole where a Sergeant Barnes is holed up...perhaps he’s at leastpartially responsible for Elias* death. But, you must lead him out using grenades. Survival is the Key As in the real war and the movie Platoon, winning is not the end result - simply surviving and going home is the best you can ask for. Quick thinking and reflexes are about the only things which will help you make it through as the Viet Cong jump down from trees, behind dense foliage, etc. The graphics are well defined and give you an ominous feel of the jungle, tunnels, etc. It’s a difficult assignment and very frightening, but you must succeed if you’re to get out alive! (one player; reviewed on Nintendo) Recommended (MSR $44.95) _ J 12 Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 Rare Games Collectors Forum New Information This Month ... Ricardo Ramirez, 33-13 98 St., Corona, NY 11368 (or call at 718-424-8987) has Burgertime for Intellivision and would also like to trade or sell old C64 titles such as Dino Eggs, The Heist, Decathlon, and Satan’s Hollow. Jeff Silva, 4602 109th St SW, Tacoma, WA 98499: has a Vectrex Game he’d like to sell, including about 21 carts, light pen, 2 drawing cartridges, and music cartridge. Please contact him with a stamped self-address envelope. He’s also looking to purchase replacement controllers fora Vectrex. John Vacopoulos, 108 Clarke Rd., Hornsby NSW 2077, Australia looking to complete his 2600 collection...only interested in the following titles (origi¬ nal box, instructions, all in top condition): Steeple Chase, Stellar Track, Sub Commander, Video Cube, Waterworld, Crazy Climber, Gravitar, Quadrun. Justin Turner , 4673 Village Dr., Jackson, MS 39206: looking for Balloon Fight and Ice Climber for Nintendo. Also looking for Swordquest Airworld (with comic book) and Q*Bert’s Cubes for Atari 2600. And, from earlier ... Russell Calvert , 1726 N. Honore, Chicago, IL 60622: looking for Atari 8-bit version (disk) of “Crush, Crumble, Chomp” John Bonavita , PO Box 95, Haesite, NY 11743 looking for Vectrex games and Mattel Aquarius. Has old Atari ST, Nintendo, Sega & 2600 games for trade. He also has a list of ADAM software for sale. Warren Endicott, 4 Seashore Dr., Daly City, CA 94014 is interested in selling his collection of 2600 games (he has 230 titles) which include 7 Supercharger games; also has Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween. Write for list. Ralph Linne, 8385 Findley Dr., Mentor, OH 44060 has rare Odyssey 400 for sale. Also has 30+ page history of videogame history ($4.50 + $1.00 s/h). Looking for Intellivision games, original Intellivision keyboard & Aquarius printer. Rodney Risbrook, 2673 W 33rd St, #2E, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Selling5200 (includes Star Raiders, Defender, Berzerk, AC adaptor, and joysticks). $62.00 includes postage (money orders only) Donald Tremblay , Box 63, Courval, Sask. Canada S0H-1A0: looking for Vectrex games: Star Castle, Fortress of Narzod, Polar Rescue, and Pole Position. Has World Series Major League Baseball for Intellivision computer adaptor. Willing to trade or sell. Bill Sommenverck, 4257 148th Ave, NE #A-207, Bellevue, WA 98007: “Complete” 2600 collection for sale: 420+ carts, plus many accessoris, memorabilia. Also have rare 2600 and ColecoVisoin carts. Also looking for Bandai’s “Stadium Events” for Nintendo. Martin Herzog has told us they offer a mail order catalog for Canada only for 2600,5200,7800, and even have the new 2080 Atari STs. Write to Mr. Herzog at Atari Canada, 90 Gough Rd., #1, Markham, Ont. L3R 5V5. Paul Steltenpohl , 675 Giesler Rd, #212, Jasper, IN 47546: looking for 5200 software. Al Backiel, 253 Rock Rd., Ridgewood, NJ 07450: looking for 2600 cartridges Kyphus, Chase the Chuckwagon, and Music Machine. Steven Burrage , 15 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801: Looking for unusual software for virtually every game system. Also has some rare 2600, Vectrex, and Channel F games. Remember, trades, sales, etc. are the responsibility of the two parties individu¬ ally. Our intention is merely to have a forum where you can find one another! If you haven’t written yet, be sure to do so - we’ll run this column, space permitting, each month. Also, if you’re listed here and the information has changed, please let us know! Happy hunting! Inkwell Systems Announces New Amiga Light Pen A new Amiga Light Pen and Driver has just been released by Inkwell Systems/ of El Cajon, Calif., and the device is operational in interlace or non-interlace modes. The device can be used as a stand-alone controller or in conjunction with a two-button mouse, and it is fully compatible with Electronic Arts’ "DeluxePaint 111” as well as many other Amiga graphics programs. The complete package (MSR $129.95) includes transparent software and a new tri-lobular, light¬ weight, two-touch switch light pen. \ Master Index and Award Index Available We’ve just gone to press on a special issue which encompasses a complete index of everything we have reviewed since our inception in 1982 through 1988! This listing of over 2500 titles includes the month and year reviewed, system revie wed for, and the company who made the program! In addition to this valuable listing, we have included a listing of important articles (such as compari¬ son charts, interviews, etc.) with the month and year. Also, there is a complete listing of Computer Entertainer’s Awards of Excellence 1982-1988 and a complete listing of the Reader’s Hall of Fame! This extremely valuable Master Index is available to our subscribers for $4.50. You can order it on Page 15. This will be a valuable addition to any subscriber’s library! Get a Free Computer Game of Your Choice! That’s right! Dan Gutman, a long-standing subscriber and also the man behind the syndicated newspaper column, "I Didn't Know You Could DoThat With A Conputer, "is looking to expand his column into papers notcurrently carrying it. Simply tell your local newspaper about him, giving his name and phone number (718-788-2016). For every paper which picks up the column, you receive a free game of your choice. Get him into five new apapers, and get five games! You can write to Dan to let him know of your efforts at 44 Prospect Park W., #D7, Brooklyn, NY 11215. (By the way, Dan is also the author of a book by the same name as his column which is available in computer stores around the country.) Does this copy belong to a friend? Why not get your own subscrip¬ tion and save each issue for future reference. Send this coupon in with a check, money order, or bankcard information and we’ll get you started right away so you can get all the news, previews, and reviews before you can get them anywhere else! Name:_ Address:._ City:_ State:_ Zip: __ -One Year US/CANADA - $25.00 -Check/M.O. Enclosed _ One Year FOREIGN - $38.00 _Visa/MC/Amex Bankcard # (all digits):_ Expriation Date:_ Phone #: ( ) ___ Cardholder Name (Print):- Cardholder Signature (required):_ Send to: COMPUTER ENTERTAINER 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 (818) 761-1516 (Order your subscription by phone with bankcard - Outside California call 1-800-228-4336) Tomputer Entertainer - March, 1989 13 ATARI ST FEBRUARY Artun (ARQ Sivage (RA1) Shogun (INF) Siu Wan (BRO) xZsny Golf (EA) Zork Zero MARCH Acuoo Fighter (SEG) Balance of Power 1990 (MIN) x-Buman (DE) Colony, The (MIN) i-Combat Count (MIN) Demon’* Winter (SSI) Guerrilla War (DE) Hostage (MIN) Journey (INF) Qix(TAl) Rattan (TAI) Sky Shark (TAI) x-Tetris (SPE) Thunder Blade (SEG) FIRST QUARTER Alcon (TAI) Axe of Rage (EFY) Bad Dude* (DE) Battlehawka 1942 (LF) Bionic Commando (CAP) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Captain Fizz (PSY) Clue (VIR) Curie Buner (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EP Y) Double Dragon (ARQ Downhill Challenge (BRO) Galactic Conoueror (TI) ' Guardian* of Infinity (PAR) LED Storm (CAP) Matter Ninja (PAR) Mmi Putt (ACO) Monopoly (VIR) 1943 (CAP) Operation Wolf (TAI) Platoon (DE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Renegade (TAI) Ri*k (VIR) Rocket Ranger (C3N) Skate Wan (EPY) Spoil* A Roni (USO) Street Fighter (CAP) Thud Ridge (T$) Trial* of Honor (EPY) Undenea Commando (EPY) Wizud Wan (PAR) MAY After Burner (SEG) JUNE Battle Chew (IP) Shinobi (SEG) SECOND QUARTER Indiana lone* A Lau Crusade (LF) Latt Duel (CAP) Paperboy (MIN) RoboCop (DE) Time A Magik (DS) THIRD QUARTER Forgotten World* (CAP) Ghoul* A Ghoiu (CAP) Harpoon (TS) Sender (CAP) QQMMODQMUm FEBRUARY Anun (ARQ BaitleTech (DIF) x F-14 Tomcat (ACT) x-Fint Over Germany (SSI) QU(TAI) Savage (RAI) .-Uninvited (MIN) x-Willow (MIN) MARCH Action Fighter (SEG) x-Batman (DE) BaUlc* of Napoleon (SSI) Carrier Command (RAI) Combat Coune (MIN) Dondra New Beginning (MI) DueVTett Drive II (ACO) Falcon (SPE) x-Guerrilla War (DE) Ho* tagp (MIN) Might and Magic II (NWQ x-Mind Roll (EFY) x Projeci Fireaun (EA) PT-I09 (SPE) x Robocop (DE) Sim City (MAX) Tang led Tale* (OR!) Thunder Blade (SEG) Ultima Trilogy (OR1) FIRST QUARTER Ajax (KON) Alien Fire* (PAR) Axe of Rage (EPY) Bad Dude* (DE) Che»«(field (VT) Cune Butter (EPY) Demon'* Winter (SSI) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) F-86 Sttnt Strike (ACO) Jackal (KON) LED. Storm (CAP) Life Force (KON) 1943 (CAP) Omwcron Con*piracy (EPY) Skate War* (EPY) Sky Shark (TAI) Sport* A Roni (USG) Tctt Ride (CAP) Thud Ridge (TS) Ultima V(ORJ) Urav Milit ary Simulator (RAI) Wizard Wct(PAR) APRIL Hill* far (SSI) Overrun (SSI) Shinobi (SEG) MAY After Burner (SEG) JUNE Spider-Man A Capt America (PAR) SECOND QUARTER Au**ie Game* (MIN) Cattlevania (KON) Heavy Barrel (DE) Hydride (KYO) Indiana Jone* A Last Crutade (LFK) I ml Team Span* (MIN) Joumey/C128 only (INF) Lancelot (DS) La*t Duel (CAP) Latt Ninja 2 (ACT) Metal Gear (KON) Fete Roae Perm ant Fever (GAM) Sgt Slaughter Mat War* (MIN) Shogun/Cl28 only (INF) Super Hang-On (DE) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle* (ULT) Time A Magik (DS) Trial* of Honor (EPY) Undenea Commando (EPY) THIRD QUARTER Forgotten World* (CAP) Ghoul* A Ghoiu (CAP) Heroe* of the Lance (SSI) Staiglider II (RAI) S Older (CAP) FOURTH QUARTER Adventure* of Bayou Billy (KON) Blade* of Steel (KON) AMIGA FEBRUARY Bad Dude* (DE) x-Balance of Power. 1990 (MIN) Neuromancer (IP) Savage (RAI) Shogun (INF) x Space Harrier (SEG) Star Wart (BRO) Zork Zero (INF) MARCH Action Fighter (SEG) Bttman (DE) Colony, The (MIN) x-Com bat Course (MIN) DejaVuHaS) Deluxe?air* 3 (EA) DueVTett Drive II (ACO) Guerrilla War (DE) x-Houage (MIN) Journey (INF) Qix(TAD Rutan (TAI) StmQiy (MAX) Sky Shark (TAI) Thunder Blade (SEG) FIRST QUARTER Ajax (KON) Arkanoid II (DIS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Bmtlehawk* 1942 (LF) Battleship (EPY) Bionic Commando (CAP) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Captain Fizz (PSY) Cune Butter (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dragon (ARQ Double Dnbble (KON) Galactic Conoueror (TI) Guardi an* of Infinity (PAR) Jack Nicklwi Orettest 18 (ACO) Juki! (XON) Leisure Suit Larnr U (SIE) Lord* of Ri*ing Sun (ON) ManhunterNew Ycrk (SIE) Monopoly (VIR) 1943 (CAP) Operation Clean Strecu (BRO) Operation Wolf (TAI) Police Queat (SIE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Renegade (TAI) RiakfYIR) SQent Service (MIQ Skttef War* (EPY) S qrxtot Lotd (DS) Space Racer (BRO) Sport* A Roni (USG) Street Fighter (CAP) Thud Ridge (TS) Trial, of Honor (EPY) Undenea Comm ando (EPY) Wizard Wan (PAR) MAY After Burner (SEG) Gunihip (MIC) JUNE Shinobi (SEG) SECOND QUARTER Cattlevania (KON) Indiana Jone* A Latt Ciuaade (LF) Indiana Jone* A Temple of Doom (MIN) LED. Storm (CAP) Latt Duel (CAP) Metal Gear (KON) Mind-Roll (EPY) RoboCop (DE) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle* (ULT) Teat Ride (CAP) Time A Magik (DS) THIRD QUARTER Forgotten World* (CAP) Gbouli A Ghott* Harpoon (TS) Strider (CAP) FOURTH QUARTER Adventure* of B ayou B illy (KON) Blade* of Steel (KON) AFFIX lit Hit FEBRUARY x-Ark tnoid (TAI) Bad Dude* (DE) BaitleTech (INF) John Madden Football (EA) Shogun (INF) MARCH Fim Over Germany (SSI) Journey (INF) Overrun (SSI) Fool of Radiance (SSI) Qix (TAI) Tingled Tale* (ORJ) Ultima Trilogy (ORJ) FIRST QUARTER Bubble Bobble (TAI) Game*: Winter Edition (EPY) Leisure Suit Larry 0 (SIE) ManhunterNew York (SIE) Mind Roll (EFY) Renegade (TAI) Risk (VIR) Sparling New* Baseball (EPY) Technocop (USG) Victory Road (DE) Wizard War* (PAR) Zork Zero (INF) SECOND QUARTER Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Gunihip (MIQ Indiana Jone* A Temple of Doom (MIN) Legend of Blackiilver (EPY) RoboCop (DE) APPLE IIGS FEBRUARY Battle Chet* (IP) x King*'* Quest IV (SIE) Shogun (INF) x-Where in Worid/Cannen Sandtego (BRO) Zork Zero (INF) MARCH Balance of Power 1990 (MIN) DueVTett Drive 0 (ACO) Journey (INF) FIRST QUARTER Dondra New Beginning (MI) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Pinal Aiaault (EPY) Jack Nicklaus G*e*ie*t 18 (ACO) Leisure Suit Lany II (SIE) Red Storm Over London Renegade (TAI) Rocket Ranger (ON) Scooby Doo (MI) Sentinel World* I Future Magic (BA) Silent Service (MIQ Sflptwed (SIE) Sub Battle Simulator (EPY) Sword of Sod an (DIS) Thud Ridge (TS) Zoom* (DIS) APRIL Hostage (MIN) MAY DejaVunOS) PT-109 (SPE) SECOND QUARTER Captain Blood (MIN) Indiana Jonea A Temple of Doom (MIN) Undenea Comm ando (EPY) THIRD QUARTER Ancient Land of Y* (KYO) Quarterttaff (INF) MACINTOSH FEBRUARY x-4th A Indie* (ACO) Kamov (DE) .-Lancelot (DS) Shogun (INF) x-SunCiiy (MAX) x-Timo A Magik (DS) MARCH Journey (INF) x Super Hang On (DE) FIRST QUARTER Arkano»d Conmuc Set (DIS) Oauntk*(MIN) Guardian* of Infinity (PAR) Leisure Suit Larry if (SIE) ManhunterNew York (SIE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Ultima IV (ORJ) Warlock (TS) APRIL Hostage (MIN) SECOND QUARTER Arfcanad U (DIS) Captain Blood (MIN) Sceptre (DIS) Unoeraea Commtnfdo (EPY) THIRD QUARTER Staiglider Il/Mac II (RAI) FOURTH QUARTER Harpoon (TS) MS-DOS FEBRUARY Abram* Btttle Tank (EA) Bad Dude* (DE) Carrier Command (RAI) x-Double Dare (GT) x Hollywood Squan* (GT) .-Lancelot (DS) MtaJl and Mfcjc II Prophecy I (ACT) Savage (RAI) Shogun (INF) 688 Attack Sub (EA) a Strike Fleet (LF) Super Hang On (DE) .-Time Bandit (MD) x-Wa*ieland (EA) MARCH Combat Coune (MIN) Crossbow (ABS) Demon** Winter (SSI) x Duel/Tett Drive n (ACO) Harpoon (TS) Hostage (MIN) Journey (INF) x-Kingi of the Beach (EA) Neuromancer (IP) Out Run (SEG) Qix (TAI) Rastan (TAI) Space Hairier (SEG) Spider-Man A Capt America (PAR) Suzuki RM 250 Matocroit (GAM) x-TKO (ACO) Ultima Trilogy (ORJ) Zork Zero (INF) FIRST QUARTER Ajax (KON) Alcon (TAI) Android Deo*ion (DS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Battleship (EPY) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Cune Butter (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Gold Rush (SlE) Jackal (KON) Mmd-Roll (EPY) 1943 (CAP) OmnAicron Con*piracy (EPY) Red Storm Over London (IS) Renegade (TAI) Risk (VIR) Sarge (CAP) Scooby Doo (MI) Sflpheed(SIE) Skate Wan (EPY) Sky Shark (TAI) Space Quest III (SIE) Sporting New* Baseball (EPY) Sportt-A-Roni (USG) Stocker (CAP) Street Cat (USG) Street Fighter (CAP) Technocop (USG) Te« Ride (CAP) Ttroca of Lore (ORJ) TV Sport* Football (ON) APRIL Action Fighter (SEG) Deja Vu n OS) Hill* Cu (SSI) Red Storm Rising (MIC) MAY After Burner (SEG) Alien Syndrome (SEG) IROC (TS) Shinobi (SEG) JUNE F 14 Tomcat (ACT) SECOND QUARTER Amur Game* (MIN) Cattlevania (KON) Heavy Barrel (DE) Hybn* (DIS) Hydride (KYO) Indiana Jonea A Latt Crusade (LF) Indiana Jone* A Temple of Doom (MIN) Inti Team Sport* (MIN) Latt Duel (CAP) Meul Gear (KON) Pirate* (MIC) Foie Foaition II (MIN) Psychic War (KYO) Quaitenuff (INF) Road Runner (MIN) RoboCop (DE) Sgt Slaughter Mtt Wart (MIN) Sword ofSodan (DIS) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle* (ULT) Trial* of Honor (EPY) Undenea Commando (EPY) SEPTEMBER Thunder Blade (SEG) THIRD QUARTER Ancient Land of Y* (KYO) Btttle* of Napoleon (SSI) Forgotten World* (CAP) Ghoul* A Ghost* (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) Legend of Blacksilver (EPY) Overrun (SSI) Staiglider II (RAI) FOURTH QUARTER Adventure* of BayouBtlly (KON) Blade* of Steel (KON) Snider (CAP) ATARI 2400 FEBRUARY x Pete Roae Baseball (ABS) x Tomcat F-14 Simulator (ABS) MARCH x-Sprintmatter (AT) x-Super Baseball (AT) x Super Football (AT) SECOND QUARTER Cnck'ed (AT) Dark Cham ben (AT) Double Dragon (ACT) ATARI 7800 MARCH X-Super Baseball (AT) x-Tomcat F-14 Simulator (ABS) x-Touchdown Football (AT) SECOND QUARTER Aoe of Ace* Comm ando (AT) Crack‘ed (AT) Crossbow (AT) Dark Chamber* (AT) Double Dragon (ACT) Fight Night Jink* (AT) Nebulus (AT) Pete Roae Baseball (ABS) Rampage (ACT) Skyfox (AT) Super Huey (AT) Title Match Fro Wrestling (ABS) AIAIU XE CAME SYSTEM MARCH x Ace of Ace* (AT) x Food Fight (AT) x-Necromancer (AT) SECOND QUARTER Aiiball (AT) Choplifler (AT) Commando (AT) Crime Butters (AT) Crossbow (AT) Crystal Cu tie* (AT) Dark Cham ben (AT) Desert Falcon (AT) Eagle's Nest (AT) F 16 Fighting Falcon (AT) Jink* (AT) Karateka (AT) Mario Bros (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) Nebulu* (AT) Summer Game* (AT) Uhjmate Driving (AT) NINTENDO FEBRUARY Amagoo (AS) Athletic World (BAhO x-Bombeiman (HS) Q*Bert(ULT) Sesame Street 123 (HT) Sesame Street ABC (HT) X-Star Soldier (TAX) xTecmo Baseball (TEQ Ultima (FCI) xWWF WrcatleMama (ACM) MARCH Challenge Pebble Beach (BAN) Dr. Jekyll A Mr Hyde (BAN) Gyrus* (ULT) John El way'* Quarterback (TW) Marble Madness (MB) Ninja Oaiden (TEC) Ninja Taro (AS) Operation Wolf (TAI) x Platoon (SUN) Power Fad (NIN) Predator (ACT) x Robo Warrior (JAL) Spy Vs. Soy U (KS) x Teemo Bowl (TEQ Tettia (TEN) x Track A Reid 0 (KON) World Games (MB) FIRST QUARTER Goal! (JAL) Mappy-Land (TAX) Willow (CAP) APRIL Adventure* of Ldo (HAL) Adventure* of Tom Sawyer (SET) Airwolf (ACM) Dance Aerobics (NIN) Fester’* Quest (SUN) Hoop* (JAL) Hydride (FQ) Iron Sword (ACM) Rolling Thunder (TEN) Sky Shark (TAI) Super Mario Bros (NIN) Super Sprint (TEN) Taboo (TW) MAY Bad Dude* (DE) Battle of Olympus (BRO) Cobra Triangle (NIN) Double Dire (GT) Friday the 13ih (UN) Hollywood Squares (GT) Jeopardy Jr (GT) KungFu Heroes (CB) Marvel's X-Men (UN) Mask Rider (BAN) NFL Football (UN) Nightmare on Elm St (UN) Ride-On Bui Trip (FP) Vindicator* (TEN) Wheel of Fortune Jr (GT) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (UN) JUNE Air Fortress (HAL) Bowling (FP) Che**in aster (HT) Fire House (FP) Little Piano Teacher (FP) Monster Party (BAN) Muppet Adventure (HT) Roller Ball (HAL) U-Foece (BRO) Street Cop (BAN) Vegas Dream (HAL) Win Lose Or Draw (HT) ...comd. on Page 11 © 1989 Computer Entertainer and Video Game Update. $25.00 annually in U.S. funds foe 12 issues, published monthly. Foreign$33.00 in U.S Funds. Send payment to: Computer Entertainer, 5916Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 9l 411. (818) 761-1516. Computer Entertainer accepts no advertising from any software manufacturer. The philosophy of this newsletter is to provide the reader with honest evaluations of products on the market. It is our intention to act as an independent watchdog, providing critical commentary and analysis. The opinions are solely those of Computer Entertainer and are not influenced by the manufacturers. To describe a program, we may use existing literature from the manufacturer, but that will have no bearing on the rating system. Any reproduction, duplication, or re-publication of this copyrighted work without p i vr i-j.1 1 ici r^ idiclly piuWWiti. Afty cjpynghl will te fntwuwd mi jvJ«4ihIeaI petiiAUii. ...ay ndtU-thir^d jl ^altered in any way. 14 Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 SUBSCRIBER BUYING SERVICE Program Cost Sys/Format Alien Syndrome (Am;ST) 28.80 Alien Syndrom (Co) 22.30 Balance of Power: 1990 (Am;Mac;GS*;ST*) 36.40 Batman (Co) 18.70 Batman (ST*) 28.80 Batman (Am*) 32.90 Bomberman (NES) 36.60 Combat Course (Am,ST) 28.80 Combat Course (MS*) 26.10 Combat Course (Co*) 22.30 Double Dare (MS) 11.20 F14 Tomcat (Co) 28.80 4th & Inches (Mac;Am;GS) 32.90 4th & Inches (MS) 28.80 4th & Inches (Co) 22.30 Games: Winter Edition (Am;I ;Ap) 36.40 Games: Winter Edition (Co) 28.80 Hostage (Am;ST*;GS*:Mac*) 32.90 Hostage (MS*) 28.80 Hostage (Co*) 22.30 Hollywood Squares (MS,Ap,Co) 11.20 Kings of the Beach (MS) 28.80 Lord of the Sword (Sega) 41.40 Manhunter: New York (ST;MS;GS;Am*;Mac*;Ap*) 36.40 Masters Collection Hint Book 6.20 Mindroll (Co;Am*;MS*) 22.30 Mother Ship (NES) 10.50 Platoon (NES) 35.90 Project Firestart (Co) 22.30 Robo Warrior (NES) 33.60 Sim City (Mac) 36.40 Sim City (Am*) 32.90 Sim City (Co*) 22.30 Space Harrier (Am;GS) 32.90 Space Harrier (I) 28.80 Space Harrier (Co) 22.30 Tecmo Baseball (NES) 40.50 Thunder Blade (Co) 26.10 Thunder Blade (MS) 28.80 Thunder Blade (Am;ST) 36.40 Time Bandit (MS,ST,Am) 28.80 Tower Topper (ST,Am) 36.40 Tower Toppler (Co, Ap*;MS*) 28.80 Wrestlemania (NES) 39.40 Y’s (Sega) 57.70 MASTER INDEX!AWARDS - 1982-1988 4.50 (shipping included) RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! One Year Renewal 21.00 _ Two Year Renewal 38.00 _ One Year Overseas Renewal 33.00 Quantity Total | NAME:_ ADDRESS:_ CITY_ STATE_ZIP_ Phone_Subscriber #_ _Check/MO_Bankcard....Expiration Date_ Card #:_ Signature:_ KEY: *=preorder;AM=Amiga;Ap=Apple II;Co=Commodore 64/128; MS=MS DOS & IBM PC/compatibles;Mac=Macintosh;GS= Apple GS; ST=Atari ST; NES=Nintendo; SEGA=Sega Save time and PHONE your order in at 1-800-228-4336 (outside Calif.) NOW YOU CAN FAX YOUR ORDER! - 818-904-9632 Inside Califronia: Call 1-818-761-1516 Sub-T otal_ 61/2% Tax (CA only)_ Shipping:_ TOTAL ENCLOSED:_ Shi pping Chart ; UPS... 1st 2 lb eaadditllb Calif, Nevada, Arizona 2.50 .25 Continental US 3.25 .50 Canada 8.00 1.05 Posted (P.0 . Boxes & APOIFPO) Calif, Nevada, Arizona 4.25 .30 Continental US (& APO/FPO) 4.75 .90 Canada 6.75 1.30 FOREIGN: Please Contact Us for Rates J Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 15 BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 Self Mailing folder. Fold Here Game Company Addresses FCI 212-753-1911 312-968-0425 (Game counseling) ACCLAIM 516-922-2400 516-624-9300 (Game Counseling) 189 South St Oyster Bay, NY 11771 ACTIVISION (Medlagenlcs) 415-329-0500 3885 Bohannon Dr Menlo Park, CA 94025 AMERICAN SAMMY 408-996-1877 10080 N Wolfe Rd., #SW3-372 Cupertino, CA 90501 BANDAI 213-926-0947 12951 E 166th St Cerritos, CA 90701 BEESHU 201-968-6868 101 Wilton Avenue Middlesex, NJ 08846 BRODERBUND 415-492-3200 17 Paul Dr San Rafael, CA 94903 CAPCOM 408-745-7081 1283-C Mountain View/Alviso Rd Sunnyvale, CA 94089 CSG IMAGESOFT 9200 Sunset Blvd., #820 Los Angeles, CA 90069 CULTURE BRAIN USA 206-882-2339 9593-153rd Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052 DATA EAST 4U 16 Computer Entertainer - March, 1989 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411 > © April, 1989 Volume 8, Number 1 $3.50 j Computer Entertainer INCLUDES f hi VlDfO Q/km In This Issue ... CDI Update Sunsoft Announcements for 2nd Half A Look at the PC Engine REVIEWS Include... RoboCop Pro Soccer ....for Commodore 64 Gold Rush ...for MS-DOS Hidden Agenda ...for Macintosh Bad Dudes ...for Apple II Operation Wolf Track & Field II Tecmo Bowl & J Elway Quarterback Paperboy ...for Nintendo Rastan Reggie Jackson Baseball Poseidon 3D ...for Sega TOP FIFTEEN COMPUTER GAMES 1. Three Stooges (Cin/Co) 2. Jordan Vs. Bird (EA/Co) 3. Ultima V (Ori/I) 4. Rocket Ranger (Cin/Co) 5. Falcon (Spec/I) 6. Dungeonmaster (FTL/I) 7. Kings Quest IV (Sie/I) 8. Captain Blood (Min/I) 9. TV Sports Football (Cin/Am) 10. 4th & Inches (Aco/Co) 11. Battle Chess (IP/I) 12. Leisure Suit Larry II (Sie/I) 13. Pool of Radiance (SSI/Co) 14. Rocket Ranger (Con/Am) 15. Grand Prix Circuit (Aco/I) TOP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMES 1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) 2. Simon’s Quest (Kon/NES) 3. Double Dragon (TW/NES) 4. Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) 5. Skate or Die (Ult/NES) 6. Bases Loaded (Jal/NES) 7. Bubble Bobble (Tai/NES) 8. Double Dragon (Sega/Sega) 9. Rampage (DE/NES) 10. Blaster Master (Sun/NES) 11. R.C. Pro-Am (Nin/NES) 12. Anticipation (Nin/NES) 13. Shinobi (Sega/Sega) 14. Zelda II:Adv of Link (Nin/NES) 15. Legend of Zelda (Nin/NES) Coming.., We take a look at the Sega 16-Bit Supersystem! CES Preview Begins Hall of Fame Winner Announced Reviews Include Prophecy 688 Attack Sub ...for MS DOS Last Ninja II ...for C64/128 Alcon ...for Atari ST Shogun ...for Amiga/Macintosh First Look: NEC PC Engine Although it’s still available for sale only in Japan, the NEC PC Engine is finding its way to the U.S. in small numbers. The game system has been the subject of much speculation, rumor, and general misinformation, including the 1988 prediction by one magazine that it would be available for sale in the U.S. for Christmas 1988. Although NEC of Japan has not announced firm U.S. marketing plans, release dates or suggested retail pricing for their PC Engine, the company has admitted to “studying market-: ing feasibility with introduction thuis year in mind.” We believe that NEC is likely to show the PC Engine at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show in June, which could mean a possible U.S. release for Christmas 1989. Diminutive Game Console We were delighted to get our hands on a PC Engine and try out a few of its games for our¬ selves. We had heard that the game console is small, but we were not quite prepared for its truly diminutive size. The unit is less than six inches square and less than one and one-half inches high— about the same size as a portable CD player. The un it comes with a single control pad which is similar in design to both the Sega and Nintendo control pads. It also come with cables and adaptors for TV hookup, but it will not operate directly on a U.S. TV. Adapting the PC Engine for use with a monitor is done through the unit’s rear external bus. Software for the system is on flat cards which slide into a slot on the front of the console. The cards are about the size of a standard credit card and only a little thicker. Once positioned in the console’s slot, the software card is locked into place when the power switch is turned on and cannot be removed until the unit is turned off. Software cards are packaged in the plastic “jewel box” that is standard for most CDs. We got seven games with our PC Engine, but we’ve had to figure them out on our own since the instruction booklets are, of course, entirely written in Japanese. Strangely enough, though, many of the game titles and some of the screen comments are in English. What to Play First? After everything was connected, the big decision faced us: what do we play first? We opted for something familiar and slid GALAGA 88 into the slot. We pushed “Run” on the control pad and warped into space to the strains of the familiar GALAGA theme. We didn’t need instructions in English or Japanese to know that we’d better start firing at all those creatures on the screen. While blasting away, we noted the exquisite detail in the multicolored creatures, the background elements of meteors and other objects, the fluid animation, excellent music and sound effects, and explosions ...contd. on Page 9 COMMODORE 64/128 Software GUERRILLA WAR (**;tf***) from Data East is based on the very popular SNK coin-op featuring military action and a cooperative two-player mode. With its vertically scrolling action, the game is reminiscent of the two “Ikari Warriors ,, games, except that this assault is on the forces of a dictator who is dominating a small country. Against overwhelming odds, you plunge into enemy territory with two goals in mind: you must rescue fellow guerrillas being held hostage, and you must defeat the forces of the dictator and bring freedom to the small country. The action has four intermediate objectives before you reach the dictator’s palace stronghold. First, you hit the beach and make your way through the jungle to the nearby farm. Then you must defeat enemy forces in the heavily fortified town, move on to the coal mine, and finally enter the Capitol where your arrival is expected but hardly welcome. In each stage, you can acquire more powerful weapons (bazookas or flame throwers) by taking them from vanquished enemy soldiers, and you’ll need these weapons when you go up against the dictator’s meg a-tanks. There’s plenty of shooting action and the challenge of going up against forces that far outnumber your meager resources. GUERRILLA WAR offers fairly standard military-style action-gaming fare—good if you really thrive on this style of gaming. However, we found it just a little too similar to the “Ikari Warriors” games to be of special interest. (Solo or 2-player cooperative; Joystick or keyboard.) C64/128 version reviewed. Coming soon for MS-DOS and Atari ST ($39.95) and for Amiga ($44.95) MSR $29.95 ROBOCOP (***1/2/***1/2) will appeal to those who liked the movie of the same title because the story of the game follows the movie plot quite closely. The computer game version is by Ocean Software and Data East . and itplays very much like Data East’s coin-op version of the game, which has been doing well in the arcades since its release last Novem¬ ber. The player begins by controlling the super-hero R o b o C o p character as he walks the streets of Old Detroit, elimi¬ nating the thugs shooting at him. Then he has to res¬ cue a hostage from a criminal and later identify the thug from mug shots at police precinct headquarters. Further action takes RoboCop _ ___ 2 into a warehouse which turns out to be a distribution center for cocaine. And RoboCop soon learns that the criminals in the street are not his only enemies when he is told that the Senior Vice President of the company that turned him into a bionic crime fighter is actually the leader of the worst of the crime in the city. The appeal in the computer game ROBOCOP is the combination of crime-fighting action and the player’s ability to control a character from a very popular movie. The graphics are very well done, and the designers obviously put a lot of effort into creating a game that does the movie justice. (Solo play; Joystick; Pause.) C64/128 version reviewed. Coming soon for Atari ST and MS-DOS ($39.95) and for Amiga ($44.95). Also planned for Nintendo Entertainment System. Recommended. (MSR $34.95) ATARI ST Software TETRIS (****/***l/2) strikes again! This time Spectrum Holo~ Bvte has brought the addictive puzzle game to the Atari ST, and now the game is available for all popular computer systems. Two Soviet programmers created it, hence the beautiful background graphics of Russian scenes and the accompaniment of Russian music. TETRIS takes all of five or ten minutes to learn—simplicity itself, as you maneuver falling shapes composed of four squares each to form completed rows of ten squares with no blank squares (you hope). Hours later, you’re still at it and don’t want to stop playing. There are ten difficulty levels plus an advanced player mode (everything moves twice as fast) and a tournament mode for up to six players. Like just abouteveryone who has tried the game, we’re completely hooked. And the appeal of TETRIS apparently extends even beyond the usual audience for computer games. We found ourselves being enthusiasti¬ cally coached by a friend who doesn’t usually go near computers, much less play games on them! No library of computer games is complete without TETRIS. (Up to six players; Keyboard; Pause.) Atari ST version reviewed. Also available for Amiga, Macintosh, Mac II, MS- ( DOS, Apple II and Apple IIGS; and for C64/128 at $24.95. Recommended. (MSR $34.95) THE RATING SYSTEM: 4 STARS = EXCELLENT 2 ST A RS = F AIR 3 STARS = GOOD 1 STAR = POOR * = ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1st set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value) NA - Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) ___ J Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 MS-DOS CHUTES AND LADDERS (***/***) comes from the board game from Milton Bradley for kids from ages 4 to 7 in which you spin the dial and count the numbered squares. The computer version, brought to life by GameTek . has a simple premise. If you land on a good deed square you climb the ladder to suc¬ cess; land on a bad deed and you’ll head down the chute. The kids can choose from six different icons to play with from unicorns to Martians, which change direc¬ tion as they head around the board. Cute Fun for the Computer Generation of Kids This game, as well as Candy Land (reviewed below) are two favorites from our childhood and it seem inevitable that they find their way to a new generation of kids through computers. The forty original pictures of rewards and punishments were electronically scanned on a Macintosh and then converted to an IBM system and enhanced, keeping the original flavor of the game. Your kids should enjoy an entertaining game with enough animation to keep their interest level piqued, (one to four players; reviewed on MS-DOS; coming for C64/ 128, Apple II) (MSR $14.95) CANDY LAND (***1/2/***1/2) is the second “kid’s” game from GameTek (for kids ages 3 to 6), one that we played hour after hour when we were growing up! Like the original board game, you’ll be moving ginger¬ bread pieces along a path until you reach the Candy Castle, while avoiding obstacles such as Gooey Gumdrops and Stuck in Molasses Swamp. Upon reaching the Candy Castle, His Maj¬ esty King Kandy appears to great the winning players. Educational Too Without even realizing it, your child will learn to match colors and count spaces as they head off to their adventure. There are nice colors and animation to hold interest and an automatic mode which enables the computer to demonstrate an entire game to children. This is a great introduction to a computer and most parents will feel comfortable with a game they played themselves! (reviewed on MS-DOS; coming for C64/128, Apple II) Recommended (MSR $14.95) MACINTOSH Software HIDDEN AGENDA (***l/2/***l/2) is an interesting simulation from Trans Fiction Systems for Springboard which allows you to explore the issues facing Latin American leaders and world policy makers as you are faced with the challenge of leading a fictitious Central American country (Chimerica) out of its economic and social problems as you attempt to establish stability during your three-year term in office. As you sit down at your desk, you decide which desktop icon or drawer to move to enter the various areas of gameplay. Among the items there are Contacts in which you can review the dossiers of members of the Junta of Insurrection, appoint them as ministers to your cabinet, or, once appointed, ask them to resign. Choose Consultations to meet with ministers you have appointed; choose Encounters to meet with influential people; Logbook to review decisions you’ve made; Reports for domestic and international press. After your initial Press * rite Cdlt nn a crowd of reporters presses toward you 'Presidente Incognito/ one calls, ‘there has been much talk recently of the need for justice ‘ Which of these would be most important in achieving a more Just society?'* — free end open distribution of information Click on box at left that moet ctoselu matchee uour — the protection of citizens from violent repression views — the elimination of government corruption | pp^ f conference in which you will state your goals, one of the first chores you must complete is to appoint a cabinet. From there it’s the every day decisions thatcan make or break your success. As time moves on, your options may change as certain characters go into exile, die, etc. As your term continues, there are progress charts which show the progress of Chimerica as measured by various indexes such as non-military and military spending, social spending, land distribution, cash reserves and debt, loans and aid, among others. At the end of the game, the Verdict of History is presented which allows you to judge your performance as Presidente. It’s in the form of an encyclopedia excerpt written about a century after you leave office. Complex But Simple to Use While there are a myriad of choices to be made and several “sub- areas” to enter, because of the icons, it is extremely easy to move around within the game. Reminiscent of the very popular Balance of Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 3 Power , this game is a lesson in world politics as much as a game to be played. This time, however, the focus is on Central America instead of the entire world. There’s alot of “reading” to do throughout the process so this is for those of you who like thinking games. The characters not only interact with the player but with each other following “hidden agendas” of their own. The documentation is quite good, with an added bonus of a Reference Manual on Chimerica. This should provide hours of strategic fun. (one player; requires 800K drive and hard disk or two 800k drives; requires 512KE, Plus, SE, or II; reviewed on Macintosh; also available for MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $59.95) CD for Computer Game Fans Like our readers, we love computer games and video games. And like many of you, we’re also enchanted by other kinds of electronic entertainment, such as music on compact disc. While browsing in a local CD-only store on a rainy Saturday afternoon, we spotted a CD entitled “GamePlay” by Jim Cuomo, whose name we recognized from the music credits of several Cinemaware games. With the subtitle, “Top Scores from Computer Action/Ad ventures,” this CD demanded closer inspection! It contains fifteen selections from nine games, some familiar and some not, and of course we had to take it home. There are themes from Cinemaware’s DEFENDER OF THE CROWN, S.D.I and S1NB AD AND THETHRONE OF THE FALCON, Jawx’s OLE, EXPRESSING and PERSEE ET ANDROMEDE, Mastertronics’ SWAT and 1NTERGALACTIC CAGE MATCH, and Ubisoft’s ZOMBIE. The tracks all feature original computer-game sound output (from Amiga, we assume), and some are overdubbed with Cuomo’s sax, clarinet or recorder or Camille Saferis’ percussion. The music ranges from sweetly melodic to cyber-funk, and it’s interesting to hear how well the music stands on its own without the support of computer images and play action. We especially enjoyed “Tango” from OLE and “Catch” from INTERGALACTIC CAGE MATCH, as well as familiar themes from Cinemaware games. Before you drive someone crazy at your local record store, though, we must warn you that “GamePlay” is not widely distributed. For those in the Los Angeles area, we purchased the CD at National Compact Disc, 11392 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604 (phone 818-505-0343). For the benefit of most of our readers who do not live in the L.A. area, Bob Brownell of National Compact Disc said that his store will accept phone or mail ;orders on Visa or MasterCard. (We paid about $15 plus tax for the CD; expect to pay a shipping charge if the CD must be sent to you.) ThunderC hopper for MS-DOS SubLogic is readying ThunderChopper, a helicopter simulation for MS-DOS machines (msr $39.95). You’ll complete a set of flight/ rescue/comb at training missions before flying into battle. In the Armed Escort combat mission, you must guide your ground troops to safety through enemy territory by locating and destroying guerilla fighters. Rescue at Sea is a combat mission which finds you searching floating wreckage while staying alert for enemy ships. Onboard flight comput¬ ers provides instructions and performance feedback. Additional in¬ strumentation includes forward-looking infrared, C02 laser radar and zoom television. The program is compatible with the various SubLogic scenery disks. COBRA Simulation coming from Accolade We have been informed by Three-Sixty that the prototype helicopter combat simulation, COBRA: AMERICAN ACES IN ‘NAM, which was shown in Three-Sixty’s suite at Winter CES, will instead be published by Accolade. 4 APPLE II Software BAD DUDES (**1/2/***) is an action game featuring street fight¬ ing based on the arcade game of the same name. From Data East, the game finds you in the role of street fighters “Blade” and “Striker” who are dedicated to pre¬ serving good and up¬ holding justice.This mission Finds the presi¬ dent kidnapped, with the Dragon Ninja re¬ sponsible. Only you, with your unique tal¬ ents, can go in and res¬ cue the president from him. The Secret Serv¬ ice has tracked them to ! an abandoned ware¬ house far from the White House, with a helicopter at the ready for the Dragon Ninja to spirit him away to never be seen again. The Ninja knows his hideout has been located so he has all sorts of things ready for you including vicious dogs, samurai warriors, henchmen, and more as you attempt to make your way through the city and forest, atop big rigs, freight trains, along a sewer, and more. You have everything from knives, shurikins, numchucks, and your lethal fists to accomplish your goal. If you manage to kill off all his henchmen and the like, you’ll have to go up against the Dragon Ninja himself. Action Fighting Game The premise is simple...beat the bad guys and rescue the President. It will take fast reflexes and good anticipation as you move through the areas rapidly, encountering enemy after enemy. The gameplay is fast and will require your concentration. The graphics, at least in this Apple II version, are not at all exciting but as there are fewer and fewer games for Apple II owners, you may want to consider this one anyway if you enjoy action and Fighting. Try to take a look at it first, however. Meanwhile, we’ll be anxious to see the additional versions on other computers (and Nintendo) to check out the graphics. (One player; two- player; joystick required; reviewed on Apple II; also available for MS- DOS; coming for C64/128, Atari ST, Amiga, Nintendo) (MSR $34.95) SimCity News For those Macintosh owners who have already purchased SimCity (Maxis Software for Broderbund), you may have already noticed some bugs. You should know that the Maxis programmers has been working at fixing the various problems and there is an updated, bug-free Version 1.1 available free by sending in your old disk to Maxis Software, 953 Mountain View Dr., #113, Lafayette, CA 94549. If, for some unexplained reason you wish to keep your old buggy version, send in $10.00 (and 1% sales tax) for the new disk. Sim City Newsletter Anyone interested in what’s happening in SimCity land should write to Maxis (address above), as they now have a newsletter for owners of their product. The first one, just sent out, was a page full of interesting information! Terrain Editor Coming A SimCity Terrain Editor is being readied for Macintosh owners of SimCity. With the $24.95 program, you can design the landform on which you build your city, or add features to an existing city such as forests, rivers, etc. _!_ J Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 \ _ | |^^OMMODORi64/n8Soft^^^J KEITH VAN ERON’S PRO SOCCER (***^***1/2) offers both indoor and outdoor soccer with action from an overhead point-of- view. Developed by Medalist International, a division of MicroProse Software . the game features vertical and horizontal scrolling keeping the players and the ball constantly on the screen. You can choose to play in championship tournaments (World Cup for outdoor and All- Star for indoor) as well as regular schedules. In the outdoor soccer game, you can choose a weather option which produces high winds and wet turf, creating havoc for the players. The indoor version features all the rebound action which is typical with the surrounding plexi-glass protective barricades. You can select the Auto mode in which the player closest to the ball is active automatically and then controlled by your joystick or you can choose to play the manual mode in which you must press the selector to switch the active player that you control to the teammate closest to the ball. Once you master the auto selection, the manual selection allows for alot more fun and satisfaction as you truly take control of the game. There are many moves available to your players including the various kicks available in the real game, strength of kick, as well as the “banana shot” and a Pele-style backwards overhead kick. All the kicks have variable direction and power control. Includes Slow-Motion Instant Replay The game includes an interesting slow-motion instant replay which happens after a goal is scored. The game goes to black and white and plays backwards for a moment (as if the videotape is rewinding - including the scan lines), with the replay starting allowing the player to see the seconds leading up to the goal and the goal itself slowed way down for critical analysis. The game has a interesting P.O.V. with everything happening as if your camera where suspended directly above the play. As a result of this P.O.V., when the ball is kicked high in the air, it appears to come up in a 3D motion directly at you. There’s good soccer action and the ability to play both indoors and outdoors provides two very different approaches to the same game. The two- player option allows you to play head-to-head, (one player; two-player simultaneous; joystick required; reviewed on C64/128) Recommended (MSR $34.95) SIMCITY (***1/2/****) has now shipped for Commodore 64/ ! 128 owners, a city simulator from Maxis Software for Broderbund (reviewed last month for Macintosh). As you enter SimCity (the population consists of Sims - simulated citizens), you take the role of Mayor and City Planner in one of seven cities (Tokyo, San Francisco, Bem, Hamburg, Rio de Janeiro, Detroit, Boston). You must zone the lane, install utilities, control crime, pollution and traffic, as well as balancing budgets and keep the citizens happy. If you’re successful, your city will prosper with industrial and commercial growth keeping those Sims in the city. If they are unhappy, they’ll move out, affecting your tax base. Very Different and Fascinating When we looked at the first version (Macintosh) last month, we were taken at how different, educational, as well as entertaining this pro¬ gram is. This Commodore version offers the same strategic opportu¬ nities, while the graphics (understandably) are not quite as good as the Macintosh. The key here, however, is what a refreshingly different program this is with many, many hours of strategizing possible. There’s just nothing else quite like it available and a definite plus for anyone’s library. In fact, we think the game would make a great family project as teen players could gamer a terrific education from the game (without even realizing it!) (one player; joystick required; reviewed on Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 ' \ C64/128; also available for Macintosh; coming for Amiga, MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $29.95) INTERNATIONAL TEAM SPORTS (**l/2/**l/2) is another in Minds cape's line of team sport games in which you can take on the role of both coach and athlete in five games: soccer, swimming, relay, track relay, volleyball, and waterpolo. You can choose the athletes you want to represent your country (there are 32 countries in¬ cluded) and select the team’s lineups as the coach. All the events are pretty much straight-ahead as they have been done many times in the past in vari¬ ous forms, and in various combinations. Not Too Exciting While combination sports programs have their place, unfortunately, each game cannot be done with the depth that is possible when just one game is on a disk. Also, in this particular package, there’s really no event here which hasn’t had other versions in the past. The graphics are fairly simple and, while they are representative of the respective games, they are nothing special. Frankly, that’s the way we feel about the gameplay as well, (one player; two player simultaneous; joystick required; reviewed on C64/128; coming for MS-DOS) Not Recommended (MSR $29.95) In the Arcades Several new games were just featured in Reno, Nevada at the ACME (American Coin Machine Exhibition). Data East showed three games: Apache 3, a helicopter shooting game; Robo Cop; and Hippodrome, afightgame. Arcadia Systems showed Fast Break Basketball featuring Magic Johnson; Side¬ winder, a flying shoot-’em-up, and Ninja Mission, a martial arts game. Sega has Turbo Outrun (to be released in both a sit-down and upright version). Konami releases Bottom of the Ninth, a two- player interactive baseball game. Leland showed Off Road, a three-player driving game. Capcom had Strider and Ghouls f n Ghosts. SNK featured Ikari 2 and Mechanized Attack, a two- player gun game. Romstar had Blood Wolf and Downtown while Williams showed Narc (further information below) and Taito offered Operation Thunderbolt (information following). Narc, from Williams, using the “Say No To Drugs” theme, puts the player in the role of an undercover cop. The objective is to eliminate the bad guys and relieve society of the drug plague. The game was designed by Eugene Jarvis, the man behind the classic Defender. Operation Thunderbolt , from Taito, finds Trans Global Flight #520 hijacked by a heavily armed group of rebels with several passengers removed and hidden at enemy headquarters where threats of executing the hostages are made. Y ou must conduct a raid on enemy territory, locate the hostages, and return them to the plane. Once there, you must gain control of the cockpit where the pilot is held at gunpoint. Only once you rescue him can you take off and save the hostages. ^ ■ — D 5 New “Improved” Spell Checker??? We were quite excited when we received the new and improved updated Thunder II by Rainmaker and distributed by Electronic Arts . After all, we* ve been using the original Thunder as the Computer Entertainer spell checker for the pastcouple of years and we’re far from thrilled with it - way too many mistakes get through (as many of you have pointed out). It was with great anticipation that we opened the package. After all, they were bound to fix the problem of not being able to override a misspelling we made and the program not finding a suitable replacement (after all, words like Zak McCraken, Rastan, Ninja Gaiden, etc. certainly isn’t in the original dictionary which comes with the program!). Shouldn’t we be able to click a button, allowing us to fix the misspelling ourselves??? Nope. And the updated, new and improved version doesn’t allow it either. In fact, from what we could see, about the only thing of note is that it goes through the selection faster-NOT more accurately! And, as we work in the “times” font on our Mac with special fonts for the stars, we were appalled to find that, after checking our selection, the program arbitrarily (this was an interesting word as we initially spelled it “arbitrailly”. While the program told us it was wrong, it indicated no possible substitutes. In our mind, the program should have listed whatever it had that began with arbitr,..) sent the entire file into another font, forcing us to totally reformat the selection. The original Thunder didn’t do that - it honored our font selections. So, we’re on a hunt looking for a REAL spell checker for our Macintosh. We hope to have this silly problem resolved by the next issue (by the way, if any of our Macintosh owners have a great spell checker, drop us a line with the name and company! Thanks.) Radius Announces Full Support for Macintosh Ilex Shortly after Apple’s announcement of their new Macintosh Ilex, Radius Inc. announced product support for the new machine. The company now supports the Macintosh II, IIx and Ilex with Full Page, Two Page, Gray Scale, and Color Display Systems which are designed primarily as sophisticated graphic solutions for the high- end Macintosh publishing, graphic and engineering design markets. ___ 6 CD-I Update As promised in the past, we continue to keep an eye on the CD-I (CD Interactive) technology for you. The latest news finds us anticipating a hardware introduction late this year, early next year. Prototype CD-I components were shown as part of the recent CD-ROM Expo as a joint venture of Phillips and American Interactive Media (AIM). The prototype system, labeled for professional and institution use includes a CD-I player for playing CD-audio and CD-I discs; CD-I Multi Media Controller and remote control unit; CD-I Expansion Module. The player uses a special Calot disc loading tray which, when inserted into the player, allows it to automatically read what type of disc it is. The unit includes analog signal outputs to video monitor/TV receiver and audio system as well as aCPU bus interface forconnection to theCD- I Expansion Module. Meanwhile, development of CD-I software continues as ICOM Simulations, (as well as others already working on the technology) is developing games based on Uninvited and Deja Vu to be used with the hardware as it moves into the consumer market (projected for some time later in 1990). California Game* (MC) California Raiiini (CAP) Defender of Crown (ULT) Duck Tale* (CAP) Goal I (JAL) Guardian Legend (BRO) Guerrilla War(SNK) Legacy of the Vizard (BRO) Mappy-Land (TAX) P.O.W.(SNK) Stealth Eagle (ACT) Sweet Home (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle* (ULT) Three Stooge* (ACT) Willow (CAP) AUGUST B ad Street Brawler (MAT) Gho*tbu*ter» II (ACT) P ower G love (MAT) SEPTEMBER Adventure* of B ayou Billy (KON) THIRD QUARTER Fe*ter‘» Quest (SUN) Joidan V* Bird (MB) Road Runner (MIN) 720 (MIN) Shadowgate (KS) Silent Service (KON) Sky Shari (TA1) Super Password (GT) OCTOBER Abyu, The (ACT) Card Sharks (GT) Classic Concentration (GT) Diehard (ACT) Family Feud (GT) Star Trek V (BAN) SEGA MARCH x-Lord of the Sword (SEG) x PoseiJen Wan 3-D (SEG) x-Reggie Jackson Baseball (SEG) x-Y'» (SEG) APRIL Altered Beast (SEG) x-Raslao(SEG) Vigilante (SEG) MAY Alf(SEG) Galaxy Force (ACT) King’* Quest (PB) Out Run 3-D (SEG) Time Soldier* (SEG) JUNE California Game* (SEG) Casino Games (SEG) Warrior Quest: Spellcaster (SEG) JULY Walter Piytcxi Football (SEG) THIRD QUARTER Alex Kidd Hi Tech World (SEG) Buggy Dash (SEG) Maze Hunter 3-D U (SEG) Ultima (SEG) Super Basketball (SEG) World Game* (SEG) NOTE: Program* ooted "x* have shipped as of pres* time but may not yet be distributed cation wide. Projected shipping dates are provided by manufacturer* and subject to change COMPANY CODES ABS. Absolute Entertainment ACC.Access ACM Acclaim Entertainment ACO..Accolade ACT..Activiiioiv^MedUgenk: AS. . American Sammy AT. Atari BAN ..Bandai BAU Baudvilk BE.BuDseye S/W BRO.-Brodertnmd CAP Capcom USA CB...Culture Bras CIN.-Cinemaware COS. Cos mi CSG...CSG ItnxgeSoft DE.DaU East DBS..Design S/W DIS. Discovery S/W DS..DataSofl EA. Electronic Ana EPY.Epyx Fa.pa GAM. .Gimesur GT.GameTek HAL. .Hal America HJC...HJC S/W HS.-Hudson Soft HT. Hi-Tech Expressions INF. Jofocora INS. Joieretel IP., interplay IS 3COM Simulations JAL..Jaleco KOE.Koei KON Konami KS.Xemco-Seika KYO.Kyodai LF.. Lucas film Games UN.. UN Toy* MAX Maxis MB. .Milton Bradley MC. Mindcraft MD. McroDeal/MkhTroc MED..Medalist Inti MH. Melbourne House MI. .M crolllusiona MIC..MicroPro*e MIN.. Min die ape NIN...Nintendo NWC. New World Computing ORI...Origin PAR.. Rang on PB ..Parker Bros POL.Polarware PSY Psygnoari/Psyclapse PI .Publishing Im'l RAI. Ram bird SEG ..Sega SET Seta SIE.Sicrra SIR. SiiTech SNK...SNK Corn SPE.. .Spectrum HoloByte SPO. Spotlight S/W SSG...Strategic Studies Gp SSI ...Strategic Simulations ST.. Software Toolworks SUB Sub logic SUNSunsoft TAX. Tax an TEC.Tocmo TEN Ten gen TI. Titus S/W TS...Three-Sixty Pacific TW. Trade West ULT. ..Ultra VIR.. Virgin Games VT... VicTokai Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 Preview on Spotlight Software On a recent visit to Cinemaware, we had a chance to get an advance look at the first releases in the company’s new line of Spotlight Software, a label that will allow Cinemaware to publish a variety of critically acclaimed entertainment titles from around the world. Moving beyond the interactive movies that are now synonymous with the Cinemaware name, Spotlight Software titles will include fantasy role-playing, adventure, action-strategy, simulation and sports games. All of the Spotlight games we saw will be released in versions for Amiga, Atari ST, and IBM computers (MSR $39.95), and most will also be made for Commodore 64/128 ($29.95). Watch for some of these games to be available later this month. The Spotlight Games SPEEDB ALL should appeal to players who like arcade-style action games and/or sports simulations. Developed by Image Works, SPEEDB ALL was described to us as a sort of cross between hockey and basketball, with the movie “Roller Ball” thrown in. What we saw was a really wild game played in an enclosed room and viewed from overhead with an excellent 3-D effect. The players wear spiked metal gloves and seem to have two aims: slam the solid metal ball into the opponents’ goal and deal a few lethal blows while they’re at it. This one comes complete with 11-team leagues and the ability to cheat by bribing the officials. SPEEDB ALL players are not nice guys! Danger of anotherkind awaits the player in DEATHBRINGER, a fantasy role- playing game in which a barbarian hero seeks the gemstones that will allow him to defeat a resurrected wizard of darkness. This one features beautifully detailed, three-dimensional graphics and an emphasis on skill rather than the kill-everything-that-moves mentality that is often found in such games. TOTAL ECLIPSE is an adventure set in an Egyptian pyramid in the 1930s, a game that begins a mere two hours before a total eclipse that will trigger an ancient curse. The power of the curse, which will cause the moon to explode and colossal meteor¬ ites to hurtle toward Earth, rests in a secret shrine within the pyramid. The archaeologist hero, played by you, travels within “Freescape,” a fast, smooth-scrolling solid 3-D system that gives you a first-person perspective of your explorations in the pyramid in search of the secret shrine. Also rendered in Freescape graphics, DARK SIDE pits you against alien Katar forces whose energy collection devices (ECDs) power an awesome beam weapon. This pair of games looks very interesting. The final Spotlight title is FEDERATION ($49.95 for Amiga, Atari ST, IBM), which combines the strategy of space trading with the action of space combat and flight simulation in a hostile universe. There are 15 missions as you try to work your way up to the rank of Admiral in this huge and sophisticated game (over 8 million planets to visit and a built-in shipboard computer with its own pro¬ gramming language). Quite a lineup! Interactive Video for Disney In addition to the new Spotlight games, we also got our first look at a project that Cinemaware has designed and produced for Disney Home Video. Designed for use with the new View Master Interactive Vision unit (shown at Toy Fair in February, 1989 and scheduled for release in August), DISNEY’S CARTOON ARCADE combines computer graphics with still and animated Disney cartoon footage for a series of nine interactive games for young children. The View Master Interactive Vision system works in conjunction with a TV and VCR for interactive video. The games on the 30-minute tape by Cinemaware for Disney allow children to play games with their favorite cartoon characters, games which respond to the performance level of the child as he or she plays the game. New Interactive Movies from Cinemaware At the time we visited Cinemaware (late March), LORDS OF THE RISING SUN for Amiga was complete and in duplication. Although we’ve seen pieces of this program during development, this was our first opportunity to see the completed game (not ALL of it, of course!). It appears to be the company’s most involved and challenging game yet, with breathtaking graphics and an outstanding musical score. It will be the first Cinemaware program with a “save game” feature, which should give you a hint about its length and complexity. And we also got a preview of the next new Cinemaware game coming for the Amiga in another month or two. THE KR1STAL, designed by the British software developer Fissionchips, will be a four-disk space adventure quite unlike anything we’ve seen before. It has a Jules Veme-style spaceship with cannons and an old-fashioned ship’s wheel in the cockpit. (Would we kid you?) Humor is an integral part of the game, and the program seems to have a very sophisticated parser. The graphics are beautifully animated and feature 3-D scaling so that objects become larger as they get closer to you. We’re really looking forward to getting our hands on this one! We enjoy the chance to get an occasional advance look at Cinemaware’s projects, and we have such a good time there that they usually have to kick us out to get any work done—and this time was no exception! Savings and Free Games from Cinemaware Cinemaware Classics is a new label denoting earlier titles which have been reduced in price and includes THE KING OF CHICAGO, S.D.l. and S1NBAD AND THETHRONEOFTHE FALCON. Amiga, Atari ST, Apple IIGS and Macintosh versions of these games will be $24.95; IBM and Commodore 64/128 versions will be $14.95. In addition to these reduced-price games, Cinemaware is also offering a free game to consumers who purchase any two games from a specified list (LORDS OF THE RISING SUN, TV SPORTS FOOTBALL, ROCKET RANGER, THE THREE STOOGES, DEATHBRINGER, FEDERATION, SPEEDBALL and DARK SIDE) between now and the end of June, 1989. To get the free game, consumers will be required to send proofs of purchase (original dated receipts), completed regis¬ tration cards, a coupon from the package, and $3 for shipping and handling. Choices for the free game are DEFENDER OF THE CROWN, S.D.I., SINBAD AND THE THRONE OF THE FALCON and The KING OF CHICAGO. APPLE II Software THE MAGIC CANDLE (**1/2/* *1/2) is a graphic role-playing adventure designed by Ali N. Atabek of Mindcraft and distributed by Miles Computing and Electronic Arts . In this medieval tale, the player becomes the hero, Lukas, who gathers five cohorts to save the land of Deruvia from the demon Dreax. For many years the Children of Light flourished because the demon had been safely imprisoned within the flame of the Magic Candle. B utno w the mages who attended the Magic Candle are gone, and the candle melts, threatening the land of Deruvia {with the escape of the dreaded Dreax. It’s up to Lukas and his adventuring bad to stop the candle from melting and releasing Dreax. The adventure incorporates the usual measures of exploration (dun¬ geons, towns, castles, villages and countryside), combat with mon¬ sters, tests of skill and bravery, and lots of magic. Unlike many such games, THE MAGIC CANDLE does not require you to set up your characters, but merely to choose from an array provided in the program. Although your party of six begins the adventure as a single group, the program allows you to assign tasks to a portion of your party (learning spells, for example) while the rest of your party tends to other needs, such as exploring and talking to other characters in the game. This is a unique feature in THE MAGIC CANDLE and the one we liked best about the game. Aside from this one feature, we were not particularly impressed by THE MAGIC CANDLE. Portions of the 'omputer Entertainer - April, 1989 7 graphics are nicely done, with especially attractive detail in the countryside scenes. But other parts of the graphic treatment are quite primitive, such as the total lack of animation as the six-member party moves in a single block through interior sections of the game. There is animation in the game, but it seems to be used more for decorative effect than to add to the enjoyment of actual gameplay. The story is similar enough to many other adventures with this sort of theme that there is nothing special to recommend it. Portions of the game seem to drag, and we noted inconsistencies that were a little annoying. (It’s rather strange to walk into the throne room, see the king on his throne, and be told when you attempt to greet the king that no one is there. Yet when our party returned after about a half hour of game time, the scene looked exactly the same, and the king responded to our greeting.) THE MAGIC CANDLE is not a bad game, and it does have the interesting feature of split parties, but it failed to hold our interest for long. (Solo play; Keyboard; Joystick option in Apple version; MS-DOS CGA/ EGA or Tandy graphics; Blank disks required; Not copy protected.) 256K MS-DOS and 64K Apple II versions reviewed; also planned for C64/128 at $39.95. MSR $49.95 MS-DOS GOLD RUSH (***1/2/****) brings history alive in a new kind of 3-D animated adventure from Sierra . Designed and programmed by Doug and Ken MacNeill, two members of the original King’s Quest design team, GOLD RUSH lets you relive the times of the American Frontier in the mid-1800s. In your role as Jerrod Wilson of Brooklyn Heights, New York, a young man with a limited future in the newspaper business, you receive a letter from your long-lost brother. After read¬ ing his breathless tale, your life is changed forever when you decide to join him in California where the Gold Rush is on. You bid farewell to the familiar family home, taking a moment to grab a family memento to ensure that your brother will recognize you, settle a few necessary financial details, and set off on the adventure of a lifetime. And though Jerrod lives in a time of improving communications and transportation, the 2500 miles to California cannot be traveled in a straight line. In fact, he and you have a choice of three arduous and danger¬ ous routes, essentially giving you the chance to experience three different adventures within the same game package. The overland route means the rigors of stagecoach, canal boat, steamer and wagon train travel and the accompanying dangers of thieves, Indians and cattle rustlers. No less difficult is the trip by ship to the Isthmus of Panama (no canal existed in the mid 1800s), followed by a journey on foot through Central V 8 American jungles and another leg of sea travel to California. The longest route of all takes you by ship down the east coast of South America to round the tip of Cape Horn and then head north to California. In reviewing GOLD RUSH, there was no way we could experience all of the three adventures, but we were enchanted by the portions we sampled. There is something very compelling about being able to experience a sense of what it was like to live in those earlier, hard times. GOLD RUSH is an adventure game, and a very entertain¬ ing one, but its attention to accuracy in depicting this exciting period in U.S. history gives itgreat educational value. To add to the value, the package includes a detailed map of the routes west and a fascinating book by Phyllis and Lou Zauner entitled California Gold . Don’t miss this one! (Solo play; Keyboard or joystick; EGA/CG A/MCGA/VGA/ Hercules; 5.25” & 3.5” disks; Not copy-protected.) 256K MS-DOS version reviewed; also planned for Apple IIGS, Macintosh, Atari ST, Amiga, 128K Apple II. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) New Conversions for Apple, C64/128 from Strategic Simulations Strategic Simulations recently released new versions of POOL OF RADIANCE (MSR $44.95) for 128K Apple II and BATTLES OF NAPOLEON ($49.95) for Commodore 64/128. POOL OF RADI¬ ANCE is the first of what will be a series of fantasy role-playing games based on TSR Inc.’s Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game system, and it is based on the Ruins of Adventure game module scenario by TSR. Parties of up to eight adventurers join a quest to rid the city of Phlan from evil forces in a game that features self-mapping, tactical combat options and 3-D graphics. The adventure is also available for MS-DOS ($49.95) and C64/128. BATTLES OF NAPOLEON, also available for Apple II and coming soon for MS-DOS systems, is both a wargame and construction set that allows the player to simulate just about any Napoleonic battle on a detailed tactical level. Scenarios include the battles of Waterloo, Quatre Bras, Auerstadt and Borodino. Mindscape’s COMBAT COURSE Now Available for C64/128, MS-DOS If you wantto try your hand at a super-tough military training program for an elite special forces type of unit, COMBAT COURSE simulates the experience, complete with attack dogs, tough obstacle courses and hand-to-hand combat. The newest versions of this game designed by Infogrames for Mindscape are for Commodore 64/128 (MSR $29.95) and MS-DOS ($34.95). Both versions use joystick or keyboard, and the 512K MS-DOS version supports CGA and EGA. The initial versions of COMBAT COURSE for Amiga and Atari ST ($39.95) were reviewed last month. Ultima Special Edition Origin has announced the release of The Ultima Trilogy, a collector’s edition of Ultima I, II, and III. Available for MS-DOS, Apple II, and Commodore 64/128, the suggested retail is $59.95. Back Issues Available Don’t miss out on all the great back issues! We’ve been covering entertainment software for over five years and we’ve reviewed hun¬ dreds and hundreds of titles. Most issues are still available. Send $2.50 for each back issue you want. The following issues are available as photocopies only: Vol I, #1,2,3,4; Vol 3, #7; Vol 4, #11.) Buy six or more, and they’re just $1.75 each. Make certain you have a complete set! You can also purchase the SPECIAL EDITION, published in Spring, 1987 in celebration of our Fifth Anniversary. It covers every¬ thing from a look at videogaming to capsule reviews of some of the top games of all time. This Special Edition is $2.00. Our 5-Year Index is available for $4.00. Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 SunSoft Plans Major NES Titles for Second Half of 1989 NES owners can look forward to three new games from Sunsoft this fall and winter. Coming first is FESTER’S QUEST, an action-adven¬ ture starring familiar characters from the much-loved “Addams Family” TV series of the 1960s. The story in the game is that aliens have invaded and mean to destroy the city. The members of the Addams family join forces with Uncle Fester to fend off the alien take¬ over. Next in line is THE TERMINATOR, based on the hit movie of the same name, which is promised by Sunsoft to feature “ultra-realistic graphics” with many game scenes based on actual movie footage. In this game, the mechanical hit man of the future, the Terminator, chases the player through city streets, a crowded bar, a police station and other locations. Sample graphics that we have seen from this game look very good. And, finally, Sunsoft plans to release their BATMAN game in time for Christmas. The game will be based on the new Warner Bros, film which opens in theaters this summer. Like the film, SunSoft’s game will be a more serious approach to BATMAN the man and crime fighter than the “Bam! Zowie!” of the old TV series’ camp humor. In this fiftieth anniversary year of the comic book hero’s creation, the public will be re-introduced to the original character. We were told that Sunsoft is working directly with Warner Bros, on their BATMAN game, which is being developed at Sunsoft and has no relation to the Ocean Software “Batman, the Caped Crusader” game for computers that is available in the U.S. from Data East (reviewed in our March, 1989 issue). Sunsoft hopes to have at least some playable portions of the game available for a first showing at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show (June 3-6,1989 in Chicago), so we should be able to offer some first-hand reactions in our June, 1989 CES wrap-up issue. Mattel Announces More Power Glove Games As we reported in last month’s issue, Mattel plans special Glove Gaming Series games which will be designed specifically to take advantage of the Power Glove’s capabilities. The first of the Glove gaming Series will be BAD STREET BRAWLER, in which the Power Glove will provide the player with the extra power to carry out special maneuvers needed for quick defeat of the bosses at the end of each level. The game will be already configured for use with the Power Glove so that no preprogramming will be necessary. (This game will also work with a standard controller, but without the extra features afforded by the Power Glove.) More in Glove Gaming Series Three additional titles in Mattel’s Glove Gaming Series were an¬ nounced recently. SUPER GLOVE BALL looks like a cross between racquetball and “Arkanoid” or “Breakout”-style games, with a series of three-dimensional rooms in which you swat a ball off walls and ceilings to knock out} tiles. You control a white hand on the screen which hits the ball and occasionally bonks a mysterious creature which might appear. GLOVE PILOT is a space adventure in which your Power-Gloved hand controls the instrument panel of an interplanetary fighter in a series of salvage and battle missions. In THE TERROR OF “TECH TOWN,” the Glove becomes a sort of robot claw as you explore the adventures of futuristic high-tech corporate neighbor¬ hoods and seek to recapture the “tech units” which have been stolen from you. k_ Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 The PC Engine...contd. from Page 1 more spectacular than fireworks on the Fourth of July. We poked at the controller to see if we could activate a “pause” feature, but apparently there is none. We moved on to bonus stages and a variety of swooping creatures. Lots of movement on the screen, but not a hint of flashing or flickering. Pleased with our first look at a game on the PC Engine, we tried a second framiliar title, R-TYPE I and II (supplied on two cards so they could give the home player all of the coin-op game). We were treated to awesome graphic detail and fabulous enemy creatures, smooth horizontal scrolling, and absolutely true-to-arcade action. More games We decided it was time to try a game we didn’t recognize. We can’t give you the title, because it’s in Japanese, but this one is a martial arts game by Hudson Soft. It shows off a PC Engine characteristic we had heard about: the system’s ability to portray large, well animated characters with good graphic detail. The martial artist and the enemies he encounters are more than one-half screen tall. Graphic detail is so fine that the Fighter’s eyes blink and his upper body musculature is very realistic looking. Next we tried DRAGON SPIRIT, in which we controlled a large flying lizard in a land of prehistoric dangers, lush vegetation, fiery volcanoes, and icy tundra inhabited by great tu sked beasts. It’s an interesting twist on the standard vertical flying and shooting game. It was back to the familiar for the PC Engine version of Sega’s FANTASY ZONE—all the charm of the Sega Master System game we know and love, but with more graphic detail and better sound. Finally we looked at another game with a Japanese title, which turned out to have an English title on the screen, ALIEN CRUSH. This one is a pinball game, and we fell in love with it for its nightmarish twists on the familiar theme. All we can say is that you haven’t lived until you’ve had your ball snatched into the gaping maw of a creature that could probably scare Stephen King. Aside from its wonderful cast of phantasmagoricalcreepy-crawlies, ALIEN CRUSH is a very good pinball game with an excellent feel of the inertia of the ball. Next Phase in Evolution of Video Gaming We were very impressed with the graphic, sound, and game-playing capabilities of the NEC PC Engine. Along with the Sega Mega Drive which we will be covering next month, this tiny system represents the next phase in the evolution of video gaming. For anyone who loves to playgames and values high-quality graphics and sound, the PC Engine has much to offer. Will it be a hit in the U.S.? What effect will it have on the U.S. videogame market? It’s far to soon to speculate on these questions, but it certainly will be interesting to see the reactions if this system is shown at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show as expected. A1 Unserjr. and Data East: New Auto Racing Game for NES Four-time Indy car champion A1 UnserJr. is working with Data East to bring a realistic auto racing game to the Nintendo Entertainment System in late 1989. According to information from Data East, UNSER’S TURBO RACING (MSR $44.95) will put the playerin the driver’s seat for a fast-paced, challenging game with sharp graphics, turbo options and real racing occurrences such as blow-outs and pit stops. Players will be able to personalize their cars by selecting exterior and interior car colors and then race against the game clock through tortuous courses full of oil slicks and car problems requiring immedi¬ ate repair by pit crews. 9 r NINTENDO Software KUNG-FU HEROES (**/**^ is the first game we’ve played from Culture Brain USA . Despite the title, the game has less to do with the martial arts than it does with fairly standard action-adventuring. According to the story, monsters have made off with the Princess Min- Min and a lot of treasure. The player controls a pint-sized hero who punches and kicks his way through a large number of enemies in eight different castles of four levels each. (In the two-player game, two heroes appear on the screen at the same time.) The little hero can also punch rocks and stones to collect extra weapons and powers and perhaps discover bonus stages and short-cuts to other castles. There is not as lot of finesse or grace in the martial arts moves of the heroes, Jacky and Lee, which may be at least partly due to their very small size on the screen. The overall graphic treatment is cartoon-like and mildly humorous, with a sameness to the levels that soon becomes boring. And there seems to be some sort of bug in the programming that makes parts of the characters disappear under portions of the scenery under certain conditions. We could deal with the unimaginative graphics if the gameplay were strong, but we soon became tired of playing the game because the action is so similar from screen to screen. (Solo or 2-player cooperative) For NES only. Not recommended. OPERATION WOLF (***1/2/****) is a military action game based on one of the most popular arcade games of this type. After playing Taito’s new home version of their own coin-op, it’s not difficult to understand why the arcade game has gobbled so many quarters. This hostage rescue mission is loaded with non-stop action and plenty of variety to keep the player interested. According to the scenario, you are amemberof Operation Wolf, a top-rate special forces team that is being airlifted to a South American jungle location where terrorists have taken American Embassy officials as prisoners. The first of six missions puts you in the middle of the terrorists’ strongly defended communications center. You’re in the middle of the action thanks to the first-person perspective of the game. Those terrorists are taking aim at YOU! And their helicopters and tanks are headed straight for you, too. Armed with a machine gun and grenades, you have to think, move and shoot quickly because there are no second chances, and the hostages are depending on you. Make it through the first mission, and there are five more: the jungle, the village, the ammo dump, the prison camp and the airport. The really critical stages are the prison camp where you find and free the prisoners, and the airport where you attempt to get all of the prisoners out alive. (In these stages you have to be very careful not to shoot any of the hostages.) The terrorists seem to have limitless supplies of men and armament, and their attacks are relentless. Although you are grossly outnumbered, you can improve your chances by picking up extra weapons and medical supplies during the missions. And when you’ve made it through the airport mission, you’ll find that the action begins again with a higher level of difficulty. (In all, there are four levels of six missions each.) Classic Confrontation OPERATION WOLF offers a classic scenario: a confrontation between outnumbered good Dguys vs. bad guys which is done with style and flair. The game can be played with either the standard Nintendo control pad (or substitute) or the Zapper light gun. With the standard controller, the pad is used to direct a gunsight on the screen for aiming your machine gun shots or grenade throws. In this mode, we had some difficulty seeing the gunsight clearly at all times. Contrast between the gunsight and background is less distinct than it might be in some scenes, which caused us to rate the graphics of the game with one-half star less than the full four stars which it otherwise merits. We preferred playing the game with the Zapper, which is a more direct and realistic approach. Without the difficulty of trying to move and keep track of the gunsight, we were able to eliminate more terrorists and generally do much better in the game. However, we certainly appreci¬ ate the fact that the designers have provided for those NES players who may not own a light gun. Regardless of the controller you choose, OPERATION WOLF is an excellent game of great depth and variety, offering relentless action and stark realism. The field of military action games is becoming overcrowded, but OPERATION WOLF is defi¬ nitely one of the very best we’ve played. (Solo play; Standard control¬ ler or Zapper light gun; Limited continue feature.) NES version reviewed; computer versions for C64/128 and MS-DOS ($34.95), Amiga and Atari ST ($39.95) also by Taito. Recommended. (MSR $44.99) The ZOOMER from B eeshu is an entirely different kind of controller for your Nintendo system. Modeled after a typical aircraft-style yoke, the Zoomer has a roughly U-shaped yoke mounted above a large platform base that’s designed to adhere to a desk or table by means of suction-cup feet The base has buttons for the Select and Start functions plus a slow-motion activator and a pair of variable rapid-fire knobs which affect the A and B action buttons mounted atop the twin arms of the yoke. The grip portions of the yoke have comfortable, molded finger indentations, and the action buttons fall under the thumbs. We were a bit confused about the action buttons at first, because their position is opposite to what we would expect (A under the left thumb and B under the right thumb), and the rapid-fire knobs on the base are not directly under the action buttons they control. (The A rapid-fire knob is on the right, with the B knob on hte left) Best for Driving and Flying Once we had the action buttons figured out, we proceeded t o put the Zoomer to the test with some of our favorite games. Our suspicion that the Zoomer would not be the ideal genera 1-purpose substitute for the control pad in all games was soon confirmed. The Zoomer works best and feels most natural on games that involve controlling or steering a vehicle of some kind—basically driving and flying games. The Zoomer really shines in this sort of game because it lends the game a more realistic feel. The Zoomer does not feel quite as “right” in games that demand a lot of tight, quick maneuvering, such as maze-type games where a control pad or good a joystick would do a be tier job. The Zoomer is ideal for players who like to have several controllers, each better at certain kinds of games than the others. What the Zoomer does well, it does better than any other controller available because of its unique design. Recommended. Jaleco Offers Hints for “RoboWarrior” If you’re looking for a little help battling your way through Jaleco’s “RoboWarrior,* the company will provide you with a three-page hint booklet at no charge and add you to their mailing list for future product information. Just write to them with your request for the “RoboWar¬ rior” hints: Jaleco USA, Inc., 5617 W. Howard St., Niles, IL 60090. _ > 10 Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 NINTENDO Software The Gridiron Battle We have the rare opportunity to review two games shipping within several days of each other which will inevitably go “head-to-head” in the stores as they are both football games. Because we had the chance to sit with both for the same issue, we’ve decided to take a slightly , different tack in how we review them...we will do their reviews j “together” in order to compare them in the various areas which are important to armchair sports fans. The two games are: Tecmo Bowl by Tecmo and John Elway’s Quarterback by Trade west - both highly anticipated titles. I First, as point of reference, Tecmo Bowl’s (which we will refer to as 1 “TB”) viewpoint is from the sidelines (up about 40-50 rows for perspective) and you view approximately 30 yards at a time as the players move horizontally. John Elway’s Quarterback (to be referred ' to as “JEQ”) has a view from virtually overhead so you see almost the entire screen...the players moving vertically towards their goal posts. As a result, JEQ is easier to deal with covering receivers who go deep for a pass as there is not as much scrolling. While both games offer the choice of playing one of pro football teams, not only does TB offer the various colors of the team, but you’ll find yourself playing in a team which has the characteristics of the real team (for instance, Chicago has a great defensive team and, on offense, Walter Payton is one of the best - you’ll feel the benefits of that). In JEQ, while you can choose the various NFL cities, you will always be “red” or “blue” and there are no “characteristics”. They may as well have a few generic teams for you to choose from. While they both offer several offensive plays (JEQ has 18 - several are justreverse plays of something already listed; TB has 4), TB allows you to run the play differently after breaking huddle as the quarterback (you) can change the play at the line of scrimmage. JEQ, on the other hand, does not allow that override. Defensively, TB allows you to select what you anticipate play the offense will run and you control all nine players; JEQ forces you to play the middle linebacker until the opponent gets past you. Then you can switch to another defender. We found, in the one-player mode, the computer player in TB to be more challenging. The computer opponent in JEQ seemed to be pretty beatable. By the way, because of TB *s password system, you can work your way through a season once you’ve chosen a team against the computer. A password is given after each game - win or lose. JEQ does not have this feature. Both games feature a good two-player version. Graphics on Par; Sound Effects Vastly Different The graphics on both games are pretty good. We have to give JEQ a slight nod in this department as the players seem to be just a big more “human” looking...partially because of the point-of-view. There’s some flickering but there are many players moving so we must be forgiving of that. In the sound department, once again, TB is the winner with more varied music, grunts, shouts, and a yell of “touchdown” when that happens. On the other hand, JEQ uses that familiar “charge” theme throughout the entire game. It becomes somewhat annoying after awhile! TB even has a “halftime show” for your amusement! So, if we haven’t totally confused you (and ourselves), we definitely have to give the overall nod to Tecmo Bowl. By the way, the booklet on TB is almost twice as long (and therefore more detailed) as the booklet for JEQ. And so, in the Super Bowl of star ratings....we give the following: Tecmo Bowl (***1/2/***1/2) - Recommended (MSR $49 .95) John Elway’s Quarterback (**l/2/**l/2) - (MSR $49.95) \ GYRUSS (***l/2/***l/2) from Ultra Games brings one of the arcade classics by Konami back to the home screen. We had some doubts about the viability of this oldie in today’s video game scene, but our doubts were put away after a few rounds with what soon seemed like an old friend. The last time we reviewed home versions of GYRUSS was nearly five years ago when Parker Bros, released versions for several of the first-wave game systems. We liked the game then, and Ultra’s new version is even better on the more sophisticated Nintendo system. Your mission is to free each of the nine planets in our solar system from madly gyrating alien spacecraft that gather grace¬ fully in circular attack patterns. On the way to each planet there are three warp zones, where you must deal not only with the Gyrusian craft but also with with deadly and indestructible meteors. Conforming to the alien patterns, your ship, too, moves in circles as the waves of enemies swoop onto the screen. If you can pick them off before they get into their tight circular attack pattern in the center of the screen, you’ll have a much easier time of it (and earn bonus points), but that’s not always possible. The action is very fast, and the hypnotic quality of the circular dance of spacecraft is enhanced by the varied musical se9ttings of the different stages. We really were not expecting a lot from GYRUSS, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that the game still has plenty of life in it—and we kept wanting to play another round. A note on the instructions: the functions of the A and B action buttons are the reverse of what is described in the booklet. (Solo play) For NES only. Recommended. (MSR approx. $35) Q*BERT (***l/2/***l/2) is another arcade classic from Ultra Games . and it’s another that Parker Bros, did for the earlier video game systems over five years ago. Q*BERT belongs to whatcould be termed the Zany school of game design. The game features an utterly ridicu¬ lous, orange nebbish of a hose-nosed character who hops around on a three-dimensional pyramid of cubes suspended in space. He changes the color blocks of the pyramid as he hops, and his color-changing efforts are constantly foiled by a bizarre cast of characters including Coily the bouncing purple snake, Slick and Sam the color changers, and Ugg the sideways cr eeper. The characters are silly, and indeed the whole game seems loony, but it’s as irresistible as ever in the latest version for the NES. Ultra has done a great job of re-creating the look and feel of the coin-op original. And the control scheme, always a problem in this game of all-diagonal moves, has been handled neatly by allowing the player to customize it to personal preference. We found the original Nintendo control pad ideal for this game, even though we often use a joystick with our Nintendo system. We had a lot of fun with Q*BERT, which has always been one of our favorite coin-op games. If you’re a Q*BERT fan, too, you’re sure to like Ultra’s version. (Solo play) For NES only. Recommended. (MSR approx. $35) Hall of Fame Ballots Due Time is running out! If you haven’t already sent in your vote for your favorite games in the 1989 Computer Entertainer Readers’ Hall of Fame balloting, you don’t have a minute to waste. Ballots should be sent on a postcard, naming your top three all-time favorite games (for any computer or videogame system, active or discontinued). Be sure to include your name, address and subscriber number on the postcard and get it into the mail postmarked no later than April 22, 1989. We must receive your ballot no later than May 1,1989 for your vote to be counted and for you to be eligible for our prize drawing. Results will be announced in the May, 1989 issue of Computer Entertainer. Remember, too, to include your vote on whether we should maintain our current Availability Update format or change to the reader- suggested new format outlined in last month’s issue. Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 11 SEGA Software I REGGIE JACKSON BASEBALL (****/***l/2) is the newest baseball game for the Seea system, allowing you to choose from 26 American or National League teams. You can choose to play an individual game in the Exhibition mode; Tournament mode in which you can advance to the World Series through division and league championship; or the Home Run contest where you take your aim at as many home runs as possible. Once your choose your game and whether it’s a one or two-player game you wish, you can decide if you want your fielding automatic or manual. In other words, in the auto mode, the player closest to the ball automatically chases the ball and picks it up. In the manual mode, you’ll move the fielders around and pick-up the ball. In either mode, you’ll have to use the control pad to direct the throw into the correct base. You also choose among four pitchers before the game starts. As the first inning begins, you can move your batter in and out in the batter’s box and you can swing high or low (you can also bunt). If you hit the ball, your location is indicated in a small diamond that pops up in the comer of the screen. If you think you can stretch that single into a double, you can do so by manipulating the control pad. You can also attempt a steal in the same manner. If you manage to pop one out of the park, you’ll get a close-up of your runner as he crosses home plate, with an exuberant jump onto the bag. Whenever there are runners on first and/or third, there is an close-up of the men showing on either side of the pitcher (your view when batting or pitching is from behind home plate) with their leads. As pitcher, you can choose from four pitches and you have some control over the location of the pitch by using the D-button after release of the ball. As mentioned earlier, you can field the ball automatically or manually, but if the ball is hit, the screen changes to a birds-eye view of the field. Watch the ball (if it’s a fly ball, it comes straight at you before heading back down to the field) so you can move in under it, or attempt to stop a grounder as you watch it bounce along the turf. Also within the game are the capabilities to bring in a relief pitcher or pinch hitter. A Fine Game of the Spring Classic Inevitably, we have to compare this to its so-called predecessor, Great Baseball (one of our favorite baseball games). Anyone who has played Great Baseball will be pleased to note that Sega has taken all the good points about that game and simply added to them. There’s speech again this time and action between innings on the DiamondVision. While certain aspects of the gameplay remain very similar, the ability to play the fielders automatically or manually, as well as the improved graphics make this a fine, updated version. If you have the original game, you may not feel the need to spend the money on this newest baseball game; however, if you want the latest in baseball gaming, this will definitely fit the bill! (one player; two-player simultaneous) Recommended (MSR approx. $55.00) POSEIDON WARS 3-D (***/**l/2) is the newest Sega game for 3-D glasses which takes you on a mission in an armor-plated attack cruiser with radar, sonar, 76mm cannons and surface-to-surface mis¬ siles. You begin with training rounds where you must battle in five different missions. Once you ’ ve successfully completed these training missions, it’s on to the actual combat at sea (8 different missions are available).There is no actual difference from training to actual mis¬ sions as you will encounter enemy ships and aircraft in both. As the battle begins you watch for the enemy in your sonar (for ships) and radar (for aircraft). You must shoot them down before they hit you. There are also supply and repair segments in order to get your ship back in order. 12 Not Too Much Variation One complaint that we had in the time we spent with the game was that we would have liked to see more variation in the scenarios, including graphics. Instead, in the three stages we worked through, the scenarios and graphics seemed virtually identical. Granted, due to lack of time when reviewing, we are not able to go as far into the stages as we’d like at times, but we thought there should have been a bit more even within the first three. The graphics are fine, but not “wow” 3D graphics like in some of the other 3D games. One major plus with this one, however, as Sega has built-in a 2D capability so you can play it without 3D glasses...a nice touch for those who don’t have the glasses. You might like to try and take a look at this one prior to purchase if possible (one player) (MSR approx. $50-$55) RASTAN (***l/2/***) has its origin in the Taito arcade game now coming to Sega. In this action scenario, you are Rastan, an iron muscled barbarian from the cold northlands. You’re a bounty hunter by trade who must rescue the King’s daughter from the deepest reaches of Semia, a land full of the most terrifying monsters around. As you begin you only have your Barbarian Sword. As you move through the screens you’ll find many other weapons and various helpful items which you must pick up in order to be successful. Some items are there for the taking while others only appear when you’ve defeated one of the enemies. There are defensive shields, life recovering potions (watch out that you don’t pick up the red potion - it will shorten your life), and more. Meanwhile, there are all sorts of obstacles above and below ground including fire columns, spears which suddenly appear from the wall or floor, spiked ceilings, poisonous water, boulders, and many other hazards. You’ll journey through seven rounds with terrible creatures at every turn before you reach the Evil Lords at the end of each round and ultimately, the inner sanctum. Full of Action You’ll find plenty of action as the enemies are constantly coming at you. You must be very clever as you watch for the potions, items, and additional weapons which are your only chance of succeeding. You’ll have to have quick reflexes in order to even have a chance at staying alive. As with many Sega games, you are immediately thrown into tumultuous action with little chance to try your skills out at a “begin¬ ners” level. The graphics are quite good with varied backgrounds as well as detailed multi-colored monsters, (one player; continue feature) Recommended (MSR approx. $52-$56) Master Index and Award Index Available We’ve just gone to press on a special issue which encompasses a complete index of everything we have reviewed since our inception in 1982 through 1988! This listing of over 2500 titles includes the month and year reviewed, system reviewed for, and the company who made the program! In addition to this valuable listing, we have included a listing of important articles (such as comparison charts, interviews, etc.) with the month and year. Also, there is a complete listing of Computer Entertainer’s Awards of Excellence 1982-1988 and a complete listing of the Reader’s Hallof Fame! This extremely valuable Master Index is available to our subscribers for $4.50. You can order it on Page 15. This will be a valuable addition to any subscriber’s library! , Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 NINTENDO Software PAPERBOY (***l/2/***), an extremely popular game for the various computer formats, has now been released by Mindscape for Nintendo owners. Based on the arcade classic, the premise is about as simple as they come - grab your bike and deliver the morning paper to the subscribers of your paper, avoiding such obstacles as the neighbor¬ hood dog, skateboarders, traffic, tires, curbs, gratings, bad guys, and more. You begin on Monday morning with a scope of the neighbor¬ hood - deliver the papers (without breaking windows) to the white houses, and avoid the red houses who don’t subscribe. You’re rated at the end of the day by your boss and if you made it through the day, you can move onto a training course where you can earn bonus points. You have 45 seconds to complete the course as you toss papers at the tar¬ gets along the way as you weave in and out between obstacles. Good Animation and Sound Effects Mindscape has done a good job of recreating the crisp and colorful graphics. This game is tougher than originally thought as you are Diking diagonally in the bottom right comer of the screen and you have very little time for quick reflexes as hazards pop up with no notice. The game has been extremely popular in its’ various computer versions and we expect this one to also be a hit with anyone who is familiar with the arcade game, (one player; also available for Apple II, Commodore 64/ 128, Apple II GS) Recommended (MSR $42.95) TRACK AND FIELD II (****/***l/2) is yet another winner 'rom Konami . with this the much anticipated sequel to the hit Track and Field.The game includes twelve events (the original T&F featured l events) with competition spread over four days (this after you work hrough the training session in order to get the feel of the various jvents). You must qualify in all three events of the day to move on to he next day’s competition. The events cover: pole vaulting, high living, freestyle swimming, hurdles, hammer throwing, skeet shoot- ng, canoeing, Taekwondo, fencing, arm wrestling, triple jump, arch- *ry (the last two are both in the original T&F - our only complaint here s why are they repeated as opposed to 2 new events?), and pistol hooting and hang gliding as optional events. The various competi- ions require different skills with the control pad to maximize your core. Colorful Detail From the moment the Konami 747 (!) lands and the athletes disem¬ bark, the graphics are colorful and very crisp. There’s the opening eremony with the athletes marching onto the field and close-ups of the j thletes on the Diamondvision screen above. The gameplay is nicely aried with practice being the key as you try not to foul in the triple ump, belly-flop in the high dive, or run out of energy in the pool. This i is a fine sequel to the original game popular until its’ discontinuance, (one player; two-player; password) Recommended (MSR $49.95) Videocassette of Nintendo Tips!! That's right. MPI Home Video is in the process of shipping Secret Video Game Tricks, Codes & Strategies, a home video (VHS only) filled with secret passwords, winning strategies, and more. Everything is demonstrated by the U.S. National Video Game Team as they give step-by-step instructions on how to turn your scores into even higher ones! There are codes to enter the final stages of Simon's Quest, Iron Tank, Metal Gear, and more; map locations, controller tricks; hidden rooms, and much more. Dozens of Nintendo-compatible games are included such as louble Dragon, Tiger-Heli, Rambo, Contra, Blaster Master, Life Force, and many more. This 60-minute cassette will retail for $19.95 Wrong Address Printed In our game listing last month, we gave you an incorrect address for American Sammy. The correct address and telephone number is: 2421 205th St., #D104, Torrance, CA 90503. (213) 320-7167. Does this copy belong to a friend? Why not get your own subscrip¬ tion and save each issue for future reference. Send this coupon in with a check, money order, or bankcard information and we'll get you started right away so you can get all the news, previews, and reviews before you can get them anywhere else! Name:_ Address:_ City:_ State:_ Zip:_ — One Year US/CANADA - $25.00 —Check/M.O. Enclosed _ One Year FOREIGN - $38.00 _Visa/MC/Amex Bankcard # (all digits):_ Expriation Date:_ Phone #: (_)_ _ Cardholder Name (Print):- Cardholder Signature (required):_ Send to: COMPUTER ENTERTAINER 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 (818) 761-1516 (Order your subscription by phone with bankcard - Outside California call 1-800-228-4336) __ J omputer Entertainer - April, 1989 13 ATARI ST MARCH Action Fighter (SEG) x-Alcon (TAI) Balance of Power 1990 (MIN) x-Balliitix (PSY) x-Bcmao (DE) x-Batilehawka 1942 (LF) Bubble Bobbk (TAI) Colony, The (MIN) x Combat Coune (MIN) Demoo’a Winter (SSI) GuerriUx War(DE) x-HoiUge (MIN) Journey (INF) Operation Wolf (TAI) Renegade (TAI) x Sur Wan (BRO) x-Tetrii (SPE) x-Thunder Blade (SEG) APRIL Death bnnger (SPO) Federation (SPO) QU(TAI) Sky Shark (TAI) Speedball (SPO) Total Edipae (SPO) MAY After Burner (SEG) Railan (TAI) JUNE Battle Oiea* (IP) Shinobi (SEG) SECOND QUARTER Aruira (ARC) Axe of Rxge (EPY) Bad Dude* (DE) Bionic Commando (CAP) Captain Fizz (PSY) Que (VIR) Cune Butler (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dragon (ARC) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Guardian a of Iofmiry (PAR) Indiana Jonea A. Law Cruaade (LF) LED. Storm (CAP) Last Duel (CAP) Muter Ninja (PAR) Mini-Putt (ACO) Monopoly (VIR) 1943 (CAP) Paperboy (MIN) Platoon (DE) Red Storm Over Lon don (IS) Riik (VIR) RoboCqp (DE) Rocket Ranger (ON) Savage (RAl) Shogun (INF) Side Anna (CAP) Skate Wan (EPY) Spana-A-Rom (USO) Street Fighter (CAP) Thud Ridge (TS) Time A Magik (DS) Trial* of Hooor (EPY) Undenea Comm ando (EP Y) Wizard Wan (PAR) Zork Zero THIRD QUARTER Forgoueo World* (CAP) Ghoul* A Ghost* (CAP) Harpoon (TS) Sender (CAP) CQMMQDQXE 64112* MARCH Action Fighter (SEG) x-Batmio (DE) x-Baulea of Napoleon (SSI) Cartier Command (RAl) Dcmdra New Beginning (MI) x DueLTeat [Drive n (ACO) Falcon (SPE) x-Gticrrilla War (DE) Hoauge (MIN) x K. Van Eron Pro Soccer (MED) Might and Mage 11 (NWC) xMind-RoD (EPY) x Project Piiratait (EA) PT-109 (SPE) x Robocop (DE) x-SitnCiiy (MAX) Sky Shark (TAI) Tangled Taka (OR!) x-Thunder Blade (SEG) Uliimx Trilogy (OR!) APRIL x Combat Coune (MIN) Deatroyer Eicon (MED) Hill*far (SSI) Magic Cxndk (MC) x-Ovenunl (SSI) Qix(TAl) Shinobi (SEG) Speedball (SPO) Total Eclipae (SPO) MAY After Burner (SEG) JUNE Spider-Man A Capt America (PAR) SECOND QUARTER Ajax (KON) Alien Fima (PAR) Artur* (ARC) Auxiie Game* (MIN) Axe of Rage (EPY) Bad Dude* PE) BatileTech (INF) Caulevimi (KON) Cheaietfield (VT) Cune Butter (EFY) Demon’* Winter (SSI) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) F-S6 Sabre Strike (ACO) Heavy Barrel (DE) Hydlde (KYO) Indiana Jonea A Laat Cruaade (LF) x-Iotl Team Sport* (MIN) Jackal (KON) Joumey/C128 only (INF) LED Storm (CAP) Lancelot PS) Laat Duel (CAP) Laat Ninjx 2 (ACT) Life Force (KON)n Metal Gear (KON) 1943 (CAP) Omoicron Conapincy (EPY) Fete Rote Perm ant Fever (GAM) Savage (RAl) Shogun/Cl28 only (INF) Skate Wan (EPY) Sporu-A-Roni (USG) Super Hang On PE) Teenage Mutant Ninjx Turtle* (ULT) Teat Ride (CAP) Thud Ridge (TS) Time A Magik (DS) TnaB of Honor (EPY) Ultima V (ORJ) Undenea Commando (EPY) Univ Military Simulator (RAJ) Warlock (TS) Wizard Wan (PAR) SEPTEMBER Death bringer (SPO) THIRD QUARTER Forgoueo World* (CAP) Ghoul* A Ghoau (CAP) Heroea of the Lance (SSI) Stargliderlgl (RAl) S tnder (CAP) AMIGA MARCH Action Fighter (SEG) X-Baal (PSY) x Balliatix (PSY) Batman PE) x Battlehawks 1942 (LP) Bubble Bobbk (TAI) Colony, The (MIN) x Combat Coune (MIN) DejaVunGS) x-DckxePaioi 3 (EA) x Galactic Conqueror (TI) GuerriUx War (DE) x-Hostage (MIN) Journey (INF) Operation Wolf (TAI) Renegade (TAI) x-SimCiry (MAX) x-Thunder Blade (SEG) APRIL Death bringer (SPO) x-Duel/Teat Drive 0 (ACO) Federation (SPO) x Indianx Jonea/Temple of Doom (MIN) Lord* of Ruing Sun (ON) Qixx (TAX) Sky Shark (TAI) Speedball (SPO) Total Eclipae (SPO) MAY After Burner (SEG) Gunahip (MIC) Rattan (TAI) JUNE Shinobi (SEG) SECOND QUARTER Ajax (KON) ArkanoidnpiS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Bad Dude* PE) Battleship (EPY) B ionk Commando (CAP) Captain Fizz (PSY) Cattle v* nia (KON) Cune Butter (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Dire Bomber (USO) Double Dragon (ARC) Double Dribble (KON) Pireione PS) Guardian* of Infinity (PAR) Indiana Jonea A Laat Cruaade (LP) Jack Nicklaua Greatest 18 (ACO) Jackal (KON) LED. Storm (CAP) Laat Duel (CAP) Leiiure Suit Lany II (SIE) Manhumer New York (SIE) Metal Gear (KON) Mind-Rail (EPY) Monopoly (VIR) 1943 (CAP) Neurom ancer (IP) Operation Qeao Street* (BRO) Police Quest (SIE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Ritk(VIR) RoboCop PE) Savage (RAl) Shogun (INF) Sale Ann* (CAP) Silent Service (MIC) Skate Wan (EPY) Space Racer (BRO) SpoiU-A Roni PSG) Star Wan (BRO) Street Fighter (CAP) Street Sport* Football (EPY) Teenage Mutant Ninjx Timka (ULT) Tear Ride (CAP) Thud Ridge (TS) Time A Magik (DS) Trial* of Honor (EPY) Undenea Commando (EPY) Wi 2 «id Wan (PAR) Zork Zero (INF) SEPTEMBER Spider-Man A Capt America (PAR) THIRD QUARTER Forgotten World* (CAP) Ghoul* A Ghoau (CAP) Harpoon (TS) Sender (CAP) APPLE Utlllc MARCH Bubble Bobbk (TAX) Journey (INF) i-Magic Candle (MC) X-Overrun (SSI) x-Folioe Blotter (AH) x-Fool of Radiance (SSI) Tangled Tale* (ORJ) Ultimx Trilogy (ORJ) APRIL Renegade (TAI) MAY Qix (TAI) JUNE Pint Over Germany (SSI) SECOND QUARTER x-Bad Dude* PE) BauleTech (INF) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Garnet: Winter Edition (EPY) Gunahip (MIC) Indiana Jooea/Temple of Doom (MIN) John Madden Football (EA) Legend of Bladuilrer (EPY) Leaure Suit Larry II (SIE) M inhunter New Vorit (SIE) Mind Ron (EPY) Ri*k (VIR) RoboCop PE) Shogun (INF) Sporting Newt Baseball (EPY) Street Sport* Football (EFY) Street Sporu Soccer (EPY) Supemar Ice Hockey (MIN) Tech nocop (USG) Victory Road PE) Wizard War* (PAR) Zork Zero (INF) APP1F IIGS MARCH Ballance of Power 1990 (MIN) x-Duel/Teat Drive II (ACO) Journey (INF) x-M ad Match PAU) Renegade (TAI) APRIL Hotuge (MIN) x-Iotunt Syntheaizer (EA) Rattan (TAI) MAY DejaVuIIflS) PT-109 (SPE) QuJTAl) SECOND QUARTER BatUe Che a* (IP) Captain Blood (MIN) Dondra-New Beginning (MI) Downhill Challenge PRO) Pinal Aitauli (EPY) Game*. Summer Edition (EPY) Indiana Jonea/Temple of Doom (MIN) Jack Nickl an 0 eaeit 11 (ACO) Leuure Sua Lany U (SIE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Rocket Ranger (CXN) Scooby-Dopo (MI) Sentinel World* I: Future Magic (EA) Shogun (INF) Silent Service (MIC) Silpheod (SIE) Street Sport* Football (EFY) Superstar loc Hockey (MIN) Sub B Mile Simulator (EPY) Swoid of Sodan PIS) Thud Ridge (TS) Undenea Commando (EPY) Zoom! PIS) Zork Zero (INF) THIRD QUARTER Awrkrt Land of Y» (KYO) Quanemaff (INF) MACINTOSH MARCH Journey (INF) x Super Hang-On PE) x-Thunder II (EA) x-Warlock (TS) APRIL Hottage (MIN) SECOND QUARTER Arkaoaid Conttiue Set piS) Art*mad II PIS) Captain Bl*ood(MIN) ■4th A Incriea Team Conat Diak (ACO) Games: Summer Edition (EPY) Gajnikt (MIN) Guardian* of Infinity (PAR) Kamov PE) Leuure Suit Larry II (SlE) ManhumerNew York (SIE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Sceptre piS) Shogun (INF) UltimxIV (ORJ) Underact Comm ando (EPY) THIRD QUARTER Stirgbder ll/Mac II (RAl) MS-DOS MARCH x Bad Dudes PE) x-Chesimuter 2100 (ST) Croiibow (ABS) Demon’* Winter (SSI) x-Duel/Tetl Drive II (ACO) x-Fint Over Germany (SSI) x Gold Rmh (SIE) Harpoon (TS) x-HoiUgeX (MIN) Journey (INF) x King* of the Beach (EA) x-Magic Candle (MC) Neurom ancer (IP) Out Run (SEG) x-Road Runner (MIN) Spider-Man A Capt America (PAR) Suzuki RM 250 Motocrou (GAM) x-TKO (ACO) UUim a Tr£logy(ORJ) Zork Zero (INF) APRIL Action Fighter (SEG) BubhleBobbk (TAI) x-Combat Coune (MIN) DejxVuU(IS) Hill*far (SSI) Rattan (TAI) Rad Storm Ruing (MIC) x 688 Attack Sub (EA) Space Harrier (SEG) Speedball (SPO) Total Eclipae (SPO) MAY After Burner (SEG) Akon (TAI) Alien Syndrome (SEO) IROC (TS) Operation Wolf (TAI) Shinobi (SEG) JUNE F-14 Tomcat (ACT) Qix (TAI) SECOND QUARTER Abram* Battle Tank (EA) Ajax (KON) Auaue Garnet (MIN) Axe of Rxge (EPY) Bauleahin (EPY) Carrier Command (RAl) Caailevanix (KON) Cune Butter (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dnbhle (KON) Downhill Challenge PRO) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Heavy Barrel PE) Hybna PIS) Hydlide(KYO) Indiana Jonea/Laat Cruaade (LP) Indiana Jcmea/Temple of Doom (MIN) I ml Team Sporu (MIN) Jackal (KON) Laat Duel (CAP) Metal Gear (KON) Might and Magic II (NWC) Mmd-RoO(EPY) 1943 (CAP) Omnicron Con*piracy (EPY) Piraiet(MIC) Foie Position II (MIN) Prophecy I (ACT) FaychicWarCKYO) Quartenuff (INF) Red Storm Over London OS) Renegade (TAI) Riak (VIR) RoboCop PE) Sarge (CAP) Savage (RAl) Scooby Doo(MI) Sgl Slaughter Mm Wan (MIN) Shogun (INF) SO priced (SIE) Smbad A Throne/Falcon (C3N) Skate Wan (EPY) Sky Shark (TAI) Space Que at III (SIE) Spotting New* Baseball (EPY) SpaiU-A Ronl (USG) Stocker (CAP) Street CM (USG) Street Fighter (CAP) Street Sport* Football (EPY) Super Hang On PE) Sword of Sodan PIS) Tech doc op PSG) Teenage Muura Ninjx TUrtks (ULT) Teat Ride (CAP) Time* of Lore (ORJ) Tow Toppkr (USG) Trial* of Honor (EPY) TV Sport* Pootball (ON) Undenea Comm ando (EPY) AUGUST Death bringer (SPO) SEPTEMBER Thunder Blade (SEG) THIRD QUARTER Ancient Land of Ya (KYO) Battle* of Napoleon (SSI) Forgotten World* (CAP) Ghoul* A Ghoau (CAP) LED. Storm (CAP) Legend of Blackailver (EPY) Overrun (SSI) Siargliderll (RAl) ATARI 2600 FEBRUARY x-Fete Rote Baseball (ABS) x Tomctt F-14 Simulator (ABS) MARCH x-Sprintmaater (AT) x Super Bate ball (AT) x-Super Football (AT) SECOND QUARTER Cnck’ed (AT) Dark Chamber* (AT) Double Dragon (ACT) Nebulu* (AT) Rampage (ACT) ATARI 7800 MARCH x-Super But ball (AT) x-Tomcat F-14 Simulator (ABS) x-Touchdown Football (AT) APRIL Crack’cd (AT) Croatbow (AT) SECOND QUARTER Ace of Ace* Com m *nd o (AT) Dark Cham ben (AT) Double Dragon (ACT) Fight Night Jink* (AT) Nebulu* (AT) Fete Rote Baseball (ABS) Rampage (ACT) Skyfox (AT) Super Huey (AT) Title Match Pro Wrestling (ABS) ATARI XE GAME SYSTEM MARCH x-Ace of Acea (AT) x Food Fight (AT) i-Necrominoer (AT) SECOND QUARTER Aiibell (AT) Choplifkr (AT) Commando (AT) Crime Butter* (AT) Croubow (AT) Cryatal Caatlea (AT) Dark Cham ben (AT) Desert Falcon (AT) Eagle’* Neat (AT) F-16 Fighting Falcon (AT) Jinks (AT) Karateka (AT) Mario Broa (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) Nebulu* (AT) Summer Game* (AT) Ultimate Driving (AT) NINTENDO MARCH x-Chalknge Pebble Beach PAN) Dr. JekyQ A Mr. Hyde (BAN) x-Gy run (ULT) x-John Elway’a Quarterback (TW) Marble Madnea* (MB) X-Ninja Gaideo(TEC) Ninjx Taro (AS) x-Operation Wolf (TAJ) x Platoon (SUN) x-Power Pad (NIN) Predator (ACT) x Q*Bot (ULT) x-Robo Warrior (JAL) x Sesame Street 123 (HT) Spy Va. Sjpy II (KS) x-Tecmo Bowl (TEC) Tetri* (TEN) x-Track A Field U (KON) x Ultimx (FC1) World Game* (MB) APRIL Adventure* of Lolo (HAL) Adventure* of Tom Sawyer (SET) Airwolf (ACM) x-Dance Aerobic* (NIN) Hoop* (JAL) Hydlide(PC!) Iron Sword (ACM) x-Kung Ri Heroes (CB) Railing Thunder (TEN) Sesame Street ABC(HT) Super Mario Broa (NIN) Super Sprint (TEN) Taboo (TW) MAY Bad Dudes (DE) Bittk of Olympus PRO) Cobra Tnangk (NIN) Double Dare (GT) Friday the 13th (UN) Hollywood Squaw* (GT) Jeopardy Jr (GT) Marvel'* X Men (UN) Ma*k Rider PAN) NFL Football (UN) Nightmare on Elm St (UN) Ride-On Bui Trip (FP) Vindicaton (TEN) Wheel of Fortune Jr (GT) Who Framed Roger Rabbi (UN) JUNE Air Fame** (HAL) Bowling (FP) Chen muter (HT) Fire House (FP) Lillie Piano Teacher (FP) Monster Party PAN) Muppet Adventure (HT) Roller Ball (HAL) U Force PRO) Street Cop PAN) Vegas Dream (HAL) Wm Lose Or Draw (HT) SECOND QUARTER Adventure* in Diancyland (CAP) Am agon (AS) Athletic World PAN) Baseball Sun (SNK) ...Continued on Page 6 r. © 1989 Computer Entertainer and Video Game Update. S25.00 annually in U.S. funds for 12 issues, published monthly. Foreign$33.00 in U.S. Funds. Send payment to: Computer Entertainer, 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411. (818) 761 -1516. Computer Entertainer accepts no advertising from any software manufacturer. The philosophy of this newsletter is to provide the reader with honest evaluations of products on the market. It is our intention to act as an independent watchdog, providing critical commentary and analysis. The opinions are solely those of Computer Entertainer and are not influenced by the manufacturers. To describe a program, we may use existing literature from the manufacturer, but that will have no bearing on the rating system. Any reproduction, duplication, or re-publication of this copyrighted work without written consent of Computer Entertainer is strictly prohibited. Any violation of applicable copyright laws will be vigorously prosecuted and subject to civil and criminal penalties. This work may not be changed or altered in any way. 14 Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 -- \ SUBSCRIBER BUYING SERVICE I Program Bad Dudes (Ap) Bad Dudes (Co*) Bad Dudes (I;ST*) Bad Dudes (Am*) Battles of Napoleon (Co,Ap,MS*) Candy land (MS) Chutes & Ladders (MS) Gold Rush (MS,GS*,Mac*,ST*,Am*,Ap*) Guerilla War (Co) Guerilla War (MS*,ST*) Guerilla War (Am*) Gyruss (NES) Hidden Agenda (Mac,MS) Inti Team Sports (Co) Inti Team Sports (MS*) John Elway Quarterback (NES) Kung Fu Heroes (NES) Magic Candle (MS,Ap) Magic Candle (Co*) Operation Wolf (NES) Paperboy (NES) Poseidon 3D (Sega) Pro Soccer (Co) Q*Bert (NES) Rastan (Sega) Reggie Jackson Baseball (Sega) RoboCop (Co) RoboCop (MS*,ST*) RoboCop (Am*) SimCity (Mac;MS*) SimCity (Am*) SimCity (Co*) Tecmo Bowl (NES) Tetris (ST,Am,Mac,MS,Ap,GS) Tetris (Co) Track & Field II (NES) Zoomer Controller (NES,Sega*) MASTER INDEX/AWARDS - 1982-1988 RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU One Year Renewal Two Year Renewal One Year Overseas Renewal Cost Sys/Format 26.10 _ 22.30 _ 28.80 32.90 36.40 _ 11.20 _ 11.20 _ 28.80 _ 22.30 _ 28.80 _ 32.90 29.80 _ 43.60 _ 22.30 26.10 40.50 41.30 36.40 _ 28.80 37.95 42.95 _ 42.70 _ 26.10 29.80 _ 45.70 _ 45.70 26.10 _ 28.80 32.90 36.40 _ 32.90 22.30 _ 41.50 26.10 18.70 36.60 _ 43.00 _ 4.50 (shipping included)_ DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! 21.00 _ 38.00 _ 33.00 Quantity Total NAME:_ ADDRESS:_ CITY_ STATE_ZIP_ Phone_Subscriber #_ _Check/MO_Bankcard....Expiration Date_ Card #:__ Signature_ KEY: *=preorder;AM=Amiga;Ap=Apple 11 ;Co=Commodore 64/128; MS=MS DOS & IBM PC/compatibles;Mac=Macintosh;GS=Apple GS; ST=Atari ST; NES=Nintendo; SEGA=Sega Save time and PHONE your order in at 1-800-228-4336 (outside Calif.) FAX YOUR ORDER! - 818-904-3682 Sub-Total_ 61/2% Tax (CA only)_ Shipping:_ TOTAL ENCLOSED:_ Shipping Chart: UPS ... 1st 2 lb eaadditllb Calif, Nevada, Arizona 2.50 .25 Continental US 3.25 .50 Canada 8.00 1.05 Postal (P.O, Boxes & APO/FPO) Calif, Nevada, Arizona 4.25 .30 Continental US (& APO/FPO) 4.75 .90 Canada 6.75 1.30 FOREIGN: Please Contact Us for Rates _ J Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 15 r From: BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 Self Mailing folder. Fold Here Watch May Issue for Special CJE.S. Computer Entertainer Reception!! That’s right...for any of our readers who will be in Chicago during the June C.E.S., we are planning a special reception at our hotel suite only for subscribers and the software manufacturers, designers, etc.!! You’ll have a chance to meet the Computer Entertainer editors, maybe a designer or two and...see AND PLAY the Sega MegaDrive 16 Bit System and the NEC PC Engine (both units only available in Japan). We will annouce the exact date in the May issue, however, to guarantee that you receive an invitation (NO admittance without it and it must be shown at the door!), you MUST contact Computer Entertainer prior to May 15 to receive your printed invitation...we want to keep this just for our subscribers and a guest If you live in the Chicago area, or already know you’ll be in Chicago between June 3rd and June 6th, contact us now (either by phone or mail) and we’ll send the invitation the minute it’s V^available. Come join us for a drink and a game! Chessmaster Program Upgraded The award-winning “Chessmaster 2000” program from The Software Toolworks has been very successful, but it’s about to be replaced by THE FIDELITY CHESSMASTER 2100 with new and expanded features and playability. The initial release of the program is for MS-DOS (MSR $49.95), to be followed quickly by versions for Apple II, Apple IIGS ($49.95) and Commodore 64/128 ($39.95). Additional versions will be done for Macintosh and Amiga ($49.95). The latest and most powerful chess-playing technology was licensed from Fidelity Electronics, the premiere manufacturer of dedicated chess computers. As in the earlier Chessmaster 2000, the program includes beautiful 2-D and 3-D graphics. Improvements include an opening library of 150,000+ moves, unlimited levels of play (including a Newcomer level in which even beginners win), more classic games, and a special “War Room” mode which allows the user to view the board, the move list, capatured pieces, clocks, and the “Show thinking” window all at the same time. The program is also capable of teaching the game of chess and providing many levels of help. First Macintosh Product from Three-Sixty Three-Sixty Pacific recently released its first Macintosh product, a new version of their humorous action-adventure, WARLOCK (MSR $44.95). The game is also available for Apple IIGS ($39.95), Atari ST and Amiga ($34.95) and Commodore 64/128 ($29.95) Avalon Hill Releases Detective Mystery Game POLICE BLOTTER (MSR $29.95), a mystery game for the Apple II family, was released recently by Avalon Hill’s Microcomputer Games Division. The program contains seven mysteries involving blackmail, kidnapping, theft and murder which ca n be tackled by one to four players. Each mystery can be played at any of three levels of complexity. As a rookie police detective, the player interviews witnesses, deciphers police reports and gathers clues. Game features include an on-screen Case Clock and accessories in the package (map and Clue Book). Additional versions of POLICE BLOTTER for Macintosh and MS-DOS systems are in development. New from Strategic Simulations Strategic Simulations, Inc. has just released a new version of its air combat and flight simulation, FIRST OVER GERMANY, for MS- DOS systems (MSR $49.95). The program is already available for Commodore 64/128 and is slated for the Apple II family in early summer. The company also just released a brand new tactical game of modem land warfare, OVERRUN! ($49.95), for Apple II and C64/128. The program is based on the popular game system devel¬ oped for “Panzer Strike!” and “Typhoon of Steel.” OVERRUN! contains eight pre-programmed scenarios which include helicop¬ ters and near-future weapon systems, or the player can develop original battle scenarios between NATO forces and Warsaw Pact nations with the program’s complete construction set. ** LATE FLASH ** Acclaim Announces DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE for NES Just as this issue was about to go to press, we learned that Acclaim Entertainment Inc. has signed an exclusive agreement with American Technos Inc. to market and distribute DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE for the Nintendo Entertain¬ ment System. The agreement covers worldwide marketing and distribution rights, excluding Japan. The Nintendo version of the coin-op hit from Acclaim is promised to feature superb graphics and an abundance of imaginative characters, along with competition against the computer for solo play and both head-to-head and team gameplay for twuo players. Game develop¬ ment is already well underway, and Acclaim expects to release DOUBLE DRAGON II in time for Christmas 1989. 16 Computer Entertainer - April, 1989 Computer Entertainer INCLUDES thi Vidco Q/kmi Updati ' 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411 > ©May, 1989 Volume 8, Number 2 $3.50 j In This Issue... First Sneak Look at Upcoming CES We look at the Sega 16-Bit MegaDrive REVIEWS Include... I Sneak Preview of : Pocket Rockets ....for Commodore 64 Red Storm Rising 1 Pole Position II ...for MS-DOS I Where in USA is Carmen Sandiego ...for Macintosh Overrun ...for Apple II Shogun Blood Money Baal ! ...for Amiga ( Challenge Pebble Beach Golf Ninja Gaiden Taboo Legacy of the Wizard ...for Nintendo TOP 15 COMPUTER GAMES 1. Jordan vs Bird (EA/Co) 2. Falcon (Spec/I) 3. Kings Quest IV (Sie/I) 4. Dungeonmaster (FTL/I) 5. Rocket Ranger (Cin/Co) 6. Three Stooges (Cin/Co) 7. Ultima V (Ori/I) 8. Battlehawks 1942 (LF/I) 9. Battle Chess (IP/I) 10. Duel/Test Drive 2 (Aco/I) 11. Pool of Radiance (SSI/Co) 12. Space Quest III (Sie/I) 13. Lords of Rising Sun (Cin/Am) 14. Rocket Ranger (Con/Am) 15. 4th & Inches (Aco/Co) TOP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMES 1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) 2. Simon’s Quest (Kon/NES) 3. Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) 4. Skate or Die (Ult/NES) 5. Double Dragon (TW/NES) 6. Blaster Master (Sun/NES) 7. Bases Loaded (Jal/NES) 8. Rampage (DE/NES) 9. Track & Field II (Kon/NES) 10. Operation Wolf (Tai/NES) 11. Tecmo Bowl (Tec/NES) 12. ZeldaII:Adv of Link (Nin/NES) 13. Bubble Bobble (Tai/NES) 14. Double Dragon (Sega/Sega) 15. Ninja Gaiden (Tec/NES) Coming... A Complete Wrap-Up of CES ...all the news first! Nintendo to Debut GAME BOY Portable Game System at Electronics Show The new Nintendo GAME BOY portable game system, featuring multi-player action, stereo sound and interchangeable cartridges, will be shown for the first time in the U.S. at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show next month in Chicago. Based on preliminary information available at this time, the new system appears to be the next technological step in hand-held gaming, a category which has grown in popularity along with the huge resurgence in video gaming. Instead of a dedicated hand¬ held unit that plays a single game, Nintendo’s new GAME BOY can play many different games because it accepts tiny cartridges. Accord¬ ing to Nintendo, the GAME BOY offers state- of-the-art technology with a powerful micro¬ processing chip which al¬ lows the games to depict complex, scrolling back¬ grounds and high-resolu¬ tion LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) graphics. The interchangeable game cartridges are s aid to offer the same challenge and caliber of play which is available on the Nintendo Entertainment System. GAME BOY also em¬ ploys digital stereo sound technology, and the unit will be packaged with stereo earphones. Also part of the basic package is “Video Link,” an ac¬ cessory that allows two or more players to connect their GAME BOYs and compete tournament- style among themselves. The basic GAME BOY package will be ready to play, because the TETRIS game cartridge will also be included. (TETRIS seems to us to be an especially good choice for the included game, since it is simple to learn yet very difficult to stop playing once you start.) Nintendo plans to make available a library of additional GAME BOY cartridges, including ALLEYWAY, SUPER MARIO LAND, BASEBALL and TENNIS. Suggested retail pricing of the GAME BOY and cartridges was not available at press time, but we expect to have more information available for our June issue, which will be dominated by CES wrap-up news. J i ATARI ST Software ALCON (***1/2/***) is an arcade conversion from Taito which is based on the company’s own coin-op. Cast in the mold of the classic arcade space games, this is a vertical scroller that looks deceptively simple at the outset. The player controls an S W475 starfighter with the ability to pick up a variety of extra weapons and other aids by shooting at the right aliens and then flying over the resulting yellow stars. The pace in the early stages is quite slow, but you soon learn that even slow- moving aliens can be deadly. As you pick up yellow stars, you can increase your speed and maneuverability to help you avoid the accu¬ rate aim of the aliens. Other stars let you increase your ship’s fire¬ power, add shields, and add special weapons. The graphics in ALCON are crisp and clear, and you have a choice of sounds as you play the game—either a musical theme or the sound effects of explosions. (We preferred the music.) Fans of space shooting games will enjoy the challenges of ALCON, which is a faithful adaptation of the coin-op. (Solo play; Pause; Joystick.) Atari ST version reviewed. Also avail¬ able for C64/128 ($29.95) and coming soon for MS-DOS ($34.92). MSR $39.95 ATARI ST/AMIGA Software BALLIST1X (****/***l/2) is a sort of futuristic hockey game on the Psvclapse label from Psygnosis . Players are treated to the typically elaborate, highly detailed graphics of a Psygnosis game, all of which is mere window dressing once you get to the meat of the program: some of the fastest action imaginable in a sports-style game on a computer. A puck is shot into the arena, and you must direct it by firing balls at it. The object is to send the puck into your opponent’s goal any way you can manage it. When playing against the computer there are 50 entirely different levels, and you can choose to play any of the first 45. (You have to earn the right to play the last five levels—lots of luck!) There are 80 levels in the two-player game. Either way you play BALL1S- T1X, there is a lot of variety in the levels, with crazy obstacles that can change the flow of gameplay instantly. And it’s possible to customize the game in many ways, providing even more variety in a game that already offers more than the usual amount of variety in a sports-style game. We really had a good time with BALL1ST1X, and we’ve barely begun to explore its possibilities. (Solo or 2-player competitive; Joystick.) Available for Amiga and Atari ST only. Recommended. (MSR $34.95) AMIGA Software AUNT ARCTIC ADVENTURE (***/**l/2) pits you, as Charlie the Chimp and your friend Penguin Pete against Big Borus, the circus owner who has kidnaped your Aunt and forced her to work as a circus performer in the Arctic. In this rather silly scenario from Mind ware International . you must work your way through fifty levels collecting all the bananas as well as treasures for bonus points. Along the way, you’ll encounter several enemy creatures as well as hostile eskimos and mean penguins. A Typical Action Game The location of the game is not that important as you work through underground levels, etc., which could be from any scenario. After all, there are ladders, brick walls, etc., which we found curious to the supposed location. Obviously, the premise is pretty silly. After all, ___ 2 does anyone know of a circus at the North Pole? But, many game premises are silly...this is simply another “rescue the damsel in distress” game. It’s good for a few hours of entertainment as you learn your way through the mazes and work on a pattern in which you can pick-up all the bananas, kill the enemies, and save your Aunt. It’s certainly nothing special, (one player; two-player) (MSR $39.95) BAAL ('kirk'kl'k'k'kH) is a fascinating mixture of strategy and action moving through three domains with multiple levels from Psygnosis. You must lead the Time Warriors as you attempt to save the earth from the evil Baal who has an army of undead who have stolen a War Machine, a devastating weapon of total destruction. Using a combina¬ tion of the joystick and some keyboard controls, you control each Warrior as they move through the many screens (over 250) Filled with over 100 monsters and 400 traps. You’ve got your laser gun at the ready. Your Warrior can somersault out of some sticky situations, but strategy will be necessary to live long enough to work through the game. You must collect various war machine parts in each domain and all pieces in a domain must be found before you can transport to the next domain (that is, after you’ve found the transporter!) Lots of Depth We’ve found games from Psygnosis to be filled with beautiful graphics, sound effects, and depth of play. This one follows in the same pattern as the graphics are intricate and colorful, sound effects, excellent, and gameplay loaded with nuances and many, many hours of discovery. It is not a game you will finish with quickly as you must explore so many areas to find the War Machine pieces, while trying to stay alive with all the traps and monsters which are seemingly every¬ where. It’s a beautiful game enriched by find gameplay. (one player) Recommended (MSR $39.95) Newest Course Disk for Jack Nicklaus There’s a new Course Disk for lack Nicklaus Greatest 18 Holes of Major Championship Golf which includes the 1989 host courses for the U.S. Open, Brit¬ ish Open and PGA Championships. Jack Nicklaus Pres¬ ents the Major Championship Courses of1989 fea- tures Oakill Country! Club in Rochester, 1 NY, Scotland’s Royal Troon Golf Club, and Kemper.! Lakes Golf Club in Hawthorn Woods, Illionois. MSR is $19.95 (MS- DOS) and is coming for C64 ($14.95) TH E RATING SYSTEM: 4 STARS = EXCELLENT 2 STARS = FAIR 3 STARS = GOOD 1 STAR = POOR ★ = ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1st set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value) NA - Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 MULTI-SYSTEM Software THUNDER BLADE (***^***1/2) has been converted for the Amiga, as well as the Commodore 64 by Sega (distributed by Mind- scape ) . As you command the advanced attack 3D helicopter, you must single-handedly fight off the enemy which has invaded your country. The scenery constantly changes (watch out for buildings as you dip and dive among the skyscrapers) as you go after all sorts of enemy aircraft through forests, deserts, cityscapes, and more. If you make it through, you'll go up against the enemy headquarters, somewhere out in the middle of the ocean, which is a huge refinery which will take all your know-how to defeat. Lightening-fast reflexes are critical! Amiga Version Breathtaking! Sega has done an admirable job, especially using the graphic and sound capabilities of the Amiga, in this very popular arcade title. The Amiga graphics are absolutely stunning with sound effects which may make you look overhead to see if there's a helicopter hovering over your house! The C64 version is also quite good, within the limitations of the system. We've always enjoyed the gameplay of this title as there’s plenty of fast action for “shoot-'em-up” fans. With both overhead and P.O.V. screens, there’s plenty of variation for the action fan. (one player; reviewed on Amiga and C64; also available for Atari ST; coming for MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $34.95 - C64; $49.95 - Amiga) ACTION FIGHTER (***^***) from Sega (distributed by Mind- scave) requires the ultimate in lightening-fast responses as you take off in a supercharged customized cycle, built with enough speed to jump over water and overtake the enemies. As you find the right parts along the way, you change your cycle into a supercharged sports car. Next, add to turbojets and your car becomes airborne where you can shoot down helicopters and jet spaceships. There are a total of five air and ground battles which you must engage in. Watch the directional sign on the screen to help anticipate the twists in the road as, at high speeds, your reactions must be incredibly fast. Shoot the enemy but avoid running into the wall or another vehicle. Along the way, dock with the Sega truck to pick-up additional weapons. Fast Action Once you get a feel of the road and your vehicle and you accelerate, the scenery zips by. You better learn to speed along as soo as you can as an enemy helicopter quickly picks up your vehicle if it’s going too slowly. It's a very fast-paced game with lots of action. The graphics are quite good, with the graphics and sound particularly good in the Amiga and Atari ST versions. This is a vertically scrolling game with enough action to satisfy any action lover out there, (one player; reviewed on Atari ST, Amiga, and C64; coming for MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $39.95 - Amiga and ST; $24.95 - C64) Dynamix is Latest Addition to Mediagenic Affiliated Publishers As a developer of entertainment software, Dynamix has worked with Mediagenic (“Pete Rose Pennant Fever,” “GFL Championship Foot¬ ball,” “F-14 Tomcat” and several others) and Electronic Arts (“Arc- tiefox,” Caveman Ugh-Lympics,” “Abrams Battletank” and others). Now the company has become a publisher itself, and its products will be distributed by Mediagenic (formerly Activision). The first product from the new publisher will combine action simulation and role- playing and will be introduced later this year. {(Title to be announced.) ^ — - Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 New Chuck Yeager Flight Trainer Electronic Arts has just shipped Chuck Yeager’s Advanced Flight Trainer 2.0, an updated version of their earlier flight simulator. Several new features are included such as new terrain for enhanced 3D effect; four new plaines; better aerodynamic modelling; six new race courses; as well as an audio tape by Chuck Yeager which gives you personal instruction from Yeager as well as a recounting of several of his flying experiences. The suggested retail for this MS-DOS game is $49.95 ($54.95 includes a 3-1/2” disk). You can upgrade your current Yeager Flight Trainer by sending $24.00 (plus $3.00 shipping) directly to Electronic Arts. SSI Announces Three New Games Strategic Simulations is expected to show several new programs at CES next month, including a new fantasy role-playing title in the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons series, CURSE OF THE AZURE BONDS (MSR $49.95 MS-DOS and Apple 11, $39.95 C64/128). The program is a sequel to POOL OF RADIANCE and features higher level characters, new character classes and many new spells. At the beginning of the game, characters awaken in the town of Tilverton and discover that they have been cursed with five magical symbols or “bonds.” Each bond allows a different evil force to take control of the characters, and their task is to scour the Forgotten Realms to find the source of each bond and free themselves from each evil curse. New wargaming titles expected from SSI are STORM ACROSS EUROPE ($59.95 for C64/128),> a strategic-level World War 11 game encom¬ passing the entire conflict in Europe between 1939 and 1945, and RED LIGHTNING ($59.95 for MS-DOS and Atari ST), an operational land and air game depicting the next potential war in Europe between NATO and Warsaw Pact nations. % Come To Our Reception at CJs.S.! Computer Entertainer/Video Game Update is having a special reception on Saturday, June 3rd at our hotel suite in Chicago during C.E.S. for You! If you’ll be in the area on that date, be sure and CALL OUR OFFICE NOW for your invitation (that invitation is the only way you’ll be admitted!). In addition to meeting the editors of Computer Entertainer, you will see and play the PC Engine and the Sega MegaDrive 16 Bit System! We have also invited software manufacturers and designers so you may have a chance to engage them in lively conversation. We think the evening will be lots of fun and encourage you to contact us if you’ll be in the Chicago area. We'd love to meet you! I New Productivity Programs from Electronic Arts The newest productivity entries from Electronic Arts are DE- LUXEPAINT III for Amiga (MSR $149) and INSTANT SYNTHE¬ SIZER ($79.95) for Apple I1GS. Strengthening its position in the field of Amiga graphics. Electronic Arts recently released DELUXEP AI NT III-PAINT WITH ANIMATION. Described as a professional-quality graphics tool that actually paints animation, the new program allows users to AnimPaint (animation-paint) a series of screens the same way they would normally paint a single screen. Users can also create and paint with multi-frame animated brushes or integrate animation with perspective, among many applications in the new program. Owners of DELUXEPAINT or DELUXEPAINTII can upgrade by sending the front cover of their program manual and $50 plus $7 for shipping and handling. Anyone who has purchased DELUXEPAINT II between December 1, 1988 and April 1, 1989 can upgrade for $20 plus $7 shipping and handling by sending their original, dated receipt for the purchase of DELUXEPAINT II plus the original program manual cover. For the Apple I1GS, Electronic Arts has introduced INSTANT SYNTH ESIZER, a three-in-one program that combines the features of a four-voice poly synthesizer, a sound digitizer, and a sound editor. The program is designed primarily for music hobbyists and amateur musicians, allowing then to create music and experiment with new instruments. It can be used with a MIDI keyboard or sound sampling smoothing board and supports popular sound sampling cards such as FutureSound and MIDIdeas. The program requires 768K RAM and is not copy protected. Other News from Electronic Arts In other news, the company announced that its distribution agreement with Leisure Genius/Virgin Games of Great Britain has ended and that Virgin Games will begin distributing its products through its own sales organization. (Games affected include “Monopoly,” “Scrabble,” “Risk” and “Scruples”) Electronic Arts will continue to distribute the Arcadia brand of software for Virgin Mastcrtronic Inc. SimCity Terrain Editor Ships SimCity (reviewed for Macintosh in March, ’89 issue)hasnowgotan add-on Terrain Editor available with which you can custom design Medalist International Division of MicroProse Announces Titles This month Medalist International is expected to release DE¬ STROYER ESCORT (MSR $39.95) for Commodore 64/128. The program wasdeveloped independently for Medalist and will be avail¬ able on the company’s MicroPlay Software label. DESTROYER ESCORT combines strategic and action gaming elements as the player controls a World War II destroyer escort ship on one of six convoy routes, each with three levels of difficulty and a variety of challenges. In addition to its own entertainment titles, Medalist International markets and distributes programs from several other companies. Medalist recently announced that its affiliate, Paragon Software, is working on an interactive comic book in cooperation with Marvel Comics. SPIDER-MAN AND CAPTAIN AMERICA IN DOCTOR DOOM’S REVENGE isplanned forC64/128 ($39.95) and Amiga ($44.95). The storyline of the game will unfold much like one from the pages of a comic book, but players will fight all the battles themselves, controlling Spider-Man and Captain America as they square off against some of the most famous super-villains from Marvel Comics. The story of the game is that Dr. Doom has master¬ minded the theft of a nuclear warhead which is aimed for launch at New York City. Dr. Doom has the assistance of Marvel villains. In an attempt to foil Dr. Doom’s plans, two players can each control one of the good guys, Spider-Man and Captain America, or one player can alternate control of the two characters in more than 30 separate arcade-style battle screens. The program will come with a special Marvel Comics edition which chronicles the events leading up to the game. landforms to use with the original program. There’s a modified random terrain generator as well as a tile-by-tile paint mode. The program can also modify existing SimCity cities by removing or adding lakes and rivers, trees, etc. Simple to use, it will add a good deal of variation to the main program. News from Cinemaware and Spotlight Software Cinemaware is set to introduce THE KRISTAL for Amiga and Atari ST (MSR $49.95) this month, the first science fiction computerepic to be based on an original stage musical (The Kristal of Kronos). The slightly daffy tale centers on Dancis Frake, a space pirate who seeks the long-lost Kristal of Kronos. Frake emerges from a timeless dream with no memory of his identity or origins, and he sets off on a journey to discover the secrets of his past and make something of his future. The three-dimensional graphic settings are quite spectacular, and the game ( includes adventure, space exploration, and arcade action elements. THE KRISTAL is also planned for MS-DOS systems. And Cine- ! maware has announced the fourth title to be marketed under its Spotlight Software label: the three-dimensional space adventure, DARK SIDE ($39.95 Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS; $29.95 Commo¬ dore 64/128). Featuring Freescapc, a smooth-scrolling, solid 3-D graphic system, DARK SIDE takes the player on a first-person journey into space which is full of arcade action, surprises, and puzzle-solving. The game is set for release next month. Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 MS-DOS i POLE POSITION II (**/**) indicates, from the title, that it is an all-new sequel to the original Pole Position. However, this one from Minds cape. is simply a rehash of its predesessor (albeit always a favorite of ours). Included are four racecourses for the big races. First, you must qualify on one of them to win a starting position. Then, it’s on to the race with competing cars. Gather 50 points for each car you pass while attempting to avoid crashes into signs, cars, and other hazards. Your car has two gears, high and low, in order to maneuver while going for top speeds. Doesn ’t Measure Up to New State •of-Art Games While a venerable favorite of ours, this game no longer measures up against such racing games as Test Drive (by Accolade). Certainly one of the best of its time, there’s nothing new here to bring it into the arena of these all-new, state-of-the-art racing games which include pits tops, more graphics, and more racing challenges. We also feel the name, Pole Position II, is misleading as it could make the buyer think they are getting their old-time favorite, with state-of-the-art features. Not true! We feel this is a definite pass! (one player; reviewed on MS- DOS; joystick optional) Not Recommended (MSR $39.95) STEEL THUNDER (**l/2/**l/2), a military simulation tank warfare game from Accolade, has been converted for MS-DOS use. Taking place in today’s global hot spots (Cuba, West Ger¬ many, and Syria), you operate one of four tanks on the front line assuming the role of tank commander, driver, and gunner. There are 24 day and night missions to choose from and you must outfit your tank before going into battle. Then, you receive an overview of the crisis and get your assignment. Your view is from the cockpit as you attempt to disable the enemy without taking on too much damage on your tank. In the cock¬ pit, there are all the controls with six weapons sys¬ tems with gun- sights. There’s a handy keyboard overlay to help with the keyboard functions. Still Not Exciting We weren’t too dazzled with the original C64 version and basically have the same complaints here. You must move through several screens choosing armaments, tank, etc., before moving into battle. Once there, you simply seek out enemy tanks, aim, and shoot. Might be good for a few short sessions but we still don’t see the longevity here, (one player; 384K; also available for C64) Not Recommended (MSR $39.95) Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 ABRAMS BATTLE TANK (***1/2/***) is the second combat tank simulator to come our way this month for MS-DOS, this one designed by Dvnamix and distributed by Electronic Arts . In this simulation, you only have the choice of one tank, which is fine as there are other attrib¬ utes. You’ll head out over pretty good 3D landscape (you’ll even feel the bumps on the road, recoil of the gun, etc.!) as you choose among 8 scenarios (day andnightboth available) aswellasa World War 111 scenario. You have four different battle perspectives and must identify friend and foe. Your mission is to seek and destroy enemy bases, reopen supply lines, protect convoys from ambush, and more as you either play single mis¬ sions or play through an en¬ tire campaign of all eight missions. Much More Realistic This game is much more realistic than Steel Thunder in both gameplay and graph¬ ics. The 3D perspective is quite good as are the sensations of feeling the movement and gun recoil. The gameplay gives you a good bit more also as we found the approach just more exciting all the way around. As opposed to screens outfitting and choosing your tank, there’s more to the action side of this one (although you must also choose your weaponry for this game). All in all, if you’re looking for a tank simulator for your lBM/compatible, this is the better one (one player; reviewed on MS-DOS) (MSR $39.95) FIRST OVER GERMANY (**^***) is a World War II B-17 air combat and flight simulation program from SSI in which you are involved in the actual events surrounding the formation of the 306th Bomb Group, including training and 25 possible flight missions. You start out as a second lieutenant pilot with just a few hours of flight experience. Join the men who began daylight bombing raids against Hitler in October 1942 as you choose a crew, engage in several training missions and then make the actual missions. For Simulation Buffs Another in the long line of fine SSI simulations, this osne is billed for intermediate simulation fans. These games are never known for their graphics excellence, as all the effort goes into the intricacies of putting together a historically realistic game with all the elements of fine flight and fight simulation. If these are your fancy, you should enjoy the challenge of this one. (one player; also available for Apple 11 and C64; reviewed on MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) Attention: All Subscribers! Please take a look at your Subscriber Nu mber (the last 4 digits of your mailing label). ALL SUBSCRIBER NUMBERS HAVE CHANGED THIS MONTH...Please note this number as it is your new nu mber for ordering fro m our Subscriber B uy ing Service, address changes, etc. 5 -\ MS-DOS ] SPEEDBALL(***l/2/** *1/2) is a real departure for Cinemaware as they enter the sports arena via their “Spotlight on Sports Action” series. A strange combination of hockey, soccer, and basketball in a hybred form for the 21st century, it features two five-men teams competing to score goals as they maneuver a 5-pound solid steel ball around on a alloyed metal surface. You’ll have a true birdseye view as you look down on this odd field in a complete free-for-all in spiked armor bodywear. The field includes a ball launcher, bounce domes, and warp tunnels (very handy for making passes to a teammate on the other side of the arena). In addition there are power tokens (rotating coins appearing around the arena at various times) and power tiles (rotating squares which allow you to have various effect on the opposition...different squares create different effects). Gameplay, other than these 21st century additions, are familiar as you pass and move around the arena floor. In this no-rules world, you can even try and bribe the officials. There’s a league system as eleven teams go for the championship with you choosing the length of each playing session - the computer will pick the schedule. Wild and Wooly This is definitely not like any sports game of the 1980’s but it’s fast and furious as you attempt to manipute your men around and score against the competition. The graphics are very strong, with the direct overhead shots of the men large and with good detail. Most similiar to a combintion of soccer and hockey, this should appeal to sports fans out there who’d like to try something just a little different! (one player; two-player simultaneous; joystick optional; 512K; reviewed on MS- DOS; coming for Amiga, Atari ST, C64) Recommended (MSR $39.95) MACINTOSH Software j WHERE IN THE U.S.A. IS CARMEN SANDIEGO (****/ ★***) comes to the Macintosh, a machine which is highly adapatable to the “gameplay” in which you must track down the whereabouts of villainous Carmen and her gang of 15 across the U.S., recovering such stolen treasures as the Liberty Bell(!), Davey Crockett’s coonskin cap, or anything else as nothing is sacred to this dastardly crook. Part of a very successful series from Broderbund . it features an on-screen map as well as a special 800-page plus Fodor’s travel book on America. The game becomes a great geography learning tool for the kids as they research various hints of where Carmen may be headed through the book’s guide to the various states and cities. There’s plenty of humor along the way as you work with the computer at your Acme Detective Agency. You can match clues with the suspect’s description. There are 16 suspects in all, traveling throughout the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Great Fun and Educational Too! We’ve always enjoyed the various Carmen Sandiego games as they have released in the various computer systems, and this is no excep¬ tion! The gameplay is so varied because of the random games and so many cities to visit, that it will take quite a long time to feel as though you’ve explored everything. The graphics are just terrific, with lots of fine animation and sound effects to add to the game. We guarantee you’ll learn something about geography along the way too! With over 1500 clues and “thousands” of random games, you’ll find many delightful sessions ahead of you! (one player; reviewed on Macintosh; also available for Apple II, C64, MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) APPLE II Software ) OVERRUN (***/***) is billed as a modern land warfare simula¬ tion where you can fight tomorrow’s land battles today. From SSL the theatre of battle is Europe and the Middle East as Russia and her allies fight the U.S. and her allies. There are 8 pre-programmed scenarios New Earl Weaver Upgrade MS-DOS owners can play Earl Weaver Baseball 15 which is enhanced to support 16 color graphics and full VGA graphics. Also, there’s a simpler keyboard interface for on-screen menus and custom game options. In addi¬ tion, there are 1.5 ver¬ sions of the Commis¬ sioner Disk and 1988 MLB PA Player Stats disk. Retail is $39.95 for MS-DOS ($44.95 for 5-1/4" and 3-1/2" combo) with the Commissioner’s Disk and MLB PA Player Stats disks retailing for $19.95 each. If you have the original Earl Weaver Baseball for MS- DOS, you can upgrade by sending $17.00 (plus $3.00 s/h and original manual cover) to Electronic Arts. included, three of which cover the Arab/Israeli battles of 1973. While not billed as a construction set, the game allows you to create your own missions, maps, and troops. Your weaponry includes a wide variety of ground ammunition currently available, as well as several which are in development. Based on the same game system developed for Panzer Strike! and Typhoon of Steel, the map in Overrun is 50% larger, in order to account for the increased ranges of today’s weapons. A Great Amount of Detail This advanced level strategy game includes a great amount of detail as you simulate single battles or an entire campaign. There’s loads of information to be dealt with in the manual which includes everything from briefing on the various armament to strategies on going into the battle. The ability to use the game as a construction set as well adds to its enjoyment. Any tactical game player will enjoy the depth of this warfare game, (one player; two player; reviewed on Apple II; also available for C64; coming for MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 AMIGA Software BUBBLE BOBBLE (***1/2/** *1/2) is a bit of silly fun fro m Taito 'in which there are over 100 screens where you must work you way through by blowing bubbles to trap your enemies. Once those beasties are surrounded by a bubble, they float harmlessly to the top until the bubble bursts and they head back down. If you bump them while they’re encased, bonus items appear. You’ll bounce your way up and down as Bub and Bob, two cartoon dinosaurs trying to rescue their friends from the evil Baron von Blubba. An Engaging and Addictive Game This has been one of Europe’s most popular arcade games and for good reason. It’s loads of fun and walking away from it is pretty lifficult as you blow and burst bubbles, moving up and down the 'levels. The graphics are bright and colorful with great sound effects. This is just great fun for the entire family as you move through 100 levels of play with accelerating speed. Add this one to your library! (one player; two player cooperative; joystick required; Amiga version reviewed; also available for Nintendo, C64, Apple II, Atari ST; coming for MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $34.95) RENEGADE (**^**) is a street-fighting game from Taito set in five different urban locations where you’re accosted by thugs. As you go against these thugs at each location (including a subway station, wharf, alley, etc), you must use your fists and kicks to defeat them. It’s definitely a violent scenario! Repetitive As in the earlier Nintendo version we reviewed last year (February), we found not enough variation for our liking. We found that there’s too much of the same thing over and over again, in spite of different locations. We don’t think there’s enough here for session after session of play. A nice job has been done with the graphics, taking advantage of Amiga’s capabilities. However, with the gameplay weak, if pos¬ sible, try it out before purchase, (one player; two-player alternating; joystick required; reviewed on Amiga; also available for Nintendo, Atari ST, C64, MS-DOS; coming for Apple II and Apple 11GS) Not Recommended (MSR $34.95) OPERATION WOLF (****/****), based on an extremely popular coin-op, is a military action game from Taito . featuring great gameplay and simply awesome graphics with sound effects! It’s a hostage mission in which you must go up against heavily armed terrorists in order to rescue American Embassy officials who have been taken prisoner. You’re armed with a machine gun and grenades and must make your way through six different missions to get the hostages to a waiting transport plane. Move from the enemy ordinance facility to the jungle, village, ammo dump, and prison camp. When you move into the prison camp, be sure you don’t kill any of the hostages! Action and Great Graphics It’s good against evil as you go up against this relentless enemy. The gameplay is fast and your reflexes better be good as there’s no time to think! Taito has done an absolutely outstanding job with the graphics on this Amiga version as the terrorists practically jump off the screen at you! There’s plenty of sound effects too, making this a great action game all the way around! This is another fine addition to any action lover’s library! (one player; 2 disk drives highly recommended; enhanced play with 1 MB of Ram; reviewed on Amiga; also available for Nintendo, C64; coming for MS-DOS and Atari ST) Recommended (MSR $34.95) Newest Hall of Fame Member Elected by Readers The votes are in and counted, and those of you who participated in this year’s Hall of Fame voting have elected Activision’s endlessly addic¬ tive and fascinating computer game, SHANGHAI, to the Computer Entertainer Readers’ Hall of Fame. SHANGHAI becomes the seventh game to be honored by our readers as one of the “best of the best.” Runners-up in the voting have earned Honorable Mentions in this year’s balloting: ZELDA II: THE ADVENTURE OF LINK by Nin¬ tendo for the NES; PHANTASY STAR by Sega for the Sega Master System (these first two runners-up nearly tied in the voting); EARL WEAVER BASEBALL by Electronic Arts for Amiga and MS-DOS; and TETRIS by Spectrum HoloByte for all computer systems. And so Computer Entertainer has begun its eighth year of publication, and there are now seven members of the Readers’ Hall of Fame, one each for the newsletter’s seven full years of continuous publication. A drum-roll, please, and a little trumpet fanfare as we honor our readers’ choices for their all-time favorite games: SUPER MARIO BROS. (Nintendo for NES) GUNSH1P (MicroProse for Commodore 64/128) FLIGHT SIMULATOR II (SubLogic for all systems) ALTERNATE REALITY - THE CITY (Datasoft for Apple II, Atari XE/XL, Commodore 64/128) ZORK TRILOGY (lnfocom for all systems) LEGEND OF ZELDA (Nintendo for NES) SHANGHAI (Activision for all systems) BLOOD MONEY (****/****) is something really special from Psygnpsis featuring some of the most extraordinary graphics we’ve seen! You’ll probably want to see the opening sequence a few times before you even want to play. Asteroids come at you as though you were right in the middle of Star Wars, the Movie. Now this is true 3D!!! Voice synthesis gives you an open¬ ing and proceeds to go into song as you pre¬ pare to enter one of four different hostile planets in a quest for gold and glory. You’ll meet aliens like you’ve never met before, with backgrounds and animation that are just the best. Lest you think it’s just graphics, this is some of the toughest gameplay any action lover will encounter as you must move around incredibly obstacles, firepower, and kill these amazing aliens which come from every which way. There are upside-down walkers, huge blue jellyfish-like creatures, immense claws, and many more imagi¬ native creepy-crawlies. 23-Year Old Designer David Jones is 23 (from Dundee, Scotland) and programmed Psyclapse’s earlier Menace. There’s no question this guy is truly talented. He’s even enclosed an interesting little story about the programming of the game within the pages of a manual which is filled with wit. There aren’t too many games that we go totally overboard on, but this one is right there! Run, don’t walk, to your nearest software store for the one! (one player; pause; reviewed on Amiga) Recommended (MSR $39.95) Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 7 A Great Idea from Interplay In what has to be one of the most customer-sensitive policies that we’ve seen lately from a software producer, Interplay Productions has announced a new software exchange policy for purchasers of games on the company’s independent publisher label: NEUROMANCER, BATTLE CHESS, and forthcoming entertainment titles (distributed by Mediagenic). Interplay now permits customers to exchange their software for a version that operates on a different hardware system by sending the original disks, a note indicating the desired version and customer’s return address, and $15 for the exchange plus $3.50 postage and handling to Interplay Exchange, P.O. Box 8123, San Francisco, CA 94128-9986. According to Interplay president Brian Fargo, “If one of our customers goes to the expense of buying a new computer, he shouldn’t have to pay full price to replace compatible software. With this policy, our customers can exchange an Interplay product at an affordable rate.” What a great idea! Interplay to Show DRAGON WARS for Apple 11 Family at CES DRAGON WARS is the newest title announced by Interplay Produc¬ tions, and it will be shown for the first time at CES next month. The program for the Apple II family (MSR $49.95) is a graphic fantasy role-playing game in the tradition of Interplay’s “Bard’s Tale” series (distributed by Electronic Arts) and will be capable of using characters developed in those games. The program promises to offer sophisti¬ cated, detailed graphics and animation with a pop-up window environ¬ ment, and it will feature auto-mapping and a unique combat system adapted from the popular paper-based super-hero role-playing adven¬ tures. The system permits the player to choose the level of combat resolution, determine spell strength, and select tactics of ranged combat. The story is set in the water-and-island world of Oceana, home of the legendary island of paradise, Dilmun. In his attempt to rule all of Oceana, King Drake has declared magic illegal and has begun conquering islands. The player and a party of pilgrims set out on a voyage for Dilmun, only to become involved in a quest to find out why magic has been declared illegal and to stop Drake’s conquest. The program is also planned for Commodore 64/128 ($44.95) and MS- DOS ($49.95). MS-DOS Atari ST Version of PIRATES! Due This Month MicroProse’s acclaimed PIRATES!, a game combining elements of role-playing adventure, historical simulation and action sequences, is set for release on Atari ST this month. The newest version is promised to contain the best elements of the two most recent versions of the game: playing mechanics the same as the Macintosh version and graphics similar to the Apple IIGS version. The ST version features new music by Ken Lagace, MicroProse’s resident sound engineer, and it will support the system’s MIDI board. Tentative retail price is $44.95. New from the Flight Experts at SubLogic SubLogic recently announced the availability of Scenery Disk #9 (MSR $24.95) for use with all SubLogic flight simulation programs and Microsoft Flight Simulator. The mid-west U.S. disk covers the Chicago, St. Louis, and Cincinnati sectional areas with3Ddetail—you can even try flying under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis! And there are more scenery disks in the works, including HAWAIIAN ODYSSEY scenery adventure and Scenery Disk #12 (New England: Halifax, Montreal, New York). Also new from SubLogic is the INSTANT FACILITIES LOCATOR ($39.95) for use with Microsoft Flight Simulator Version 3.0 for MS-DOS systems. This add-on program lets you quickly transport yourself to any airport or other identifiable location. The program includes an Extended Version, usable only on hard disk systems, which contains database listings for every airport, runway and radio nav-aid in every currently available SubLogic Scenery disk. j Gaming on Your PC: How Does It Sound? If you own an IBM PC or PC clone, do your Amiga, Atari ST, Apple IIGS and Macintosh-owning friends snicker at the pitiful beeps and boops coming from your PC’s internal speaker whenever there is music in a game? You’ve invested in a joystick and a good color card and monitor. Your machine certainly looks as good as theirs, and you mutter some remark about the MS-DOS systems’ representing the fastest-growing part of the entertainment portion of the software market. All true, but you secretly envy the great sound your friends enjoy on their systems. Your PC can sound sound as good as it looks, but you will have to part with some money. We have had the opportunity to try out the Ad Lib Music SynthesizerCard (MSR $195), a half-size card that adds eleven voices to your system. The sound is then routed through either headphones, amplified speakers or your stereo system. You won’t believe the difference it can make in your gaming pleasure. Chances are, some of the software you own already supports the card. Several of the games reviewed in this issue support it, and more are being released all the time. For anyone who is serious about playing games on an MS-DOS system, we believe that a music card is a necessity. There are several available, although we’ve tried only the Ad Lib and heard demonstrations of the Roland MT-32 ($550). If you’re interested in previewing the sound from these two cards, Sierra offers a music demo cassette for just $1.95 shipping and handling. (Send to Sierra On-Line, Inc., Attn: Fulfillment Dept., P.O. Box 485, Coarsegold, CA 93614.) OMNICRON CONSPIRACY (***1/2/★**) is a looney, tongue- in-cheek space adventure from Epyx (licensed from First Star Soft¬ ware). The game puts you in the role of Captain Ace Powers of the Star Police, and you’ve been assigned to find the missing Operative786 and bust an intergalactic drug ring. Sounds serious, doesn’t it? While the thread of a serious mission does hold this game together, the story frequently threatens to burst apart at the seams as some inspired bit of craziness makes you laugh and forget your mission temporarily. But on to the story. Your character moves within a three-dimensional; environment, frequently accompanied by his personal droid, PAL (Personal Automatic Link), as he explores over 250 “rooms”, meets! strange people, and tries to keep the planetary peace. The goal is to! locate the alien drug lab and stop the mad scientist, Quattro. Along the: way to your goal, you’ll run into many bizarre characters and outland¬ ish situations. Interaction with the story is quite easy. It’s a simple matter of moving your character around and issuing commands via icons and menus. We found many aspects of this game derivative (the designers were certainly inspired by Sierra’s “Space Quest” series andi certain scenes from the “Star Wars” movies, such as the alien- inhabited space nightclub). Even though it’s not completely original, however, we certainly enjoyed playing OMNICRON CONSPIRACY for its often barbed humor and enjoyable quest. (Solo play; Joystick oi keyboard; Pause; 512K; CGA/EGA/MCGA/Hercules/Tandy; Nol copy-protected.) Available for MS-DOS only. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) RED STORM RISING (A***^****) is the long-awaited war¬ gaming simulation from MicroProse, which is based onTomClancy’j best-selling novel of the same name. Was it worth the wait? You bet Even without the added attraction of the game title and the associatior with best-selling author Tom Clancy, this is a class act among Simula tions. We understand that the folks at MicroProse are a very pick) bunch of absolute perfectionists, which means that nothing ships unti Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 it’s perfect with a capital “P.” This attitude often delays releases, but it ensures the kind of slavish devotion that MicroProse typically gets from the fans of its games. The Game The game opens with a series of choices: four time periods (1984- 1996), the class of nuclear attack submarine (SSN) you will command, four levels of difficulty, and four groups of scenarios (training actions against a sub or destroyer, battle simulations, and the full Red Storm Rising campaign). You have full control over your boat’s many ; systems, so it takes quite a bit of practice to become thoroughly familiar to the point that you’re ready to take on a real enemy whose firing can harm you. A “help” function is built into the program, so it’s possible to ask for advice at points where you may be unsure of yourself. As you try your newly acquired skills at the battle sequences, you soon learn the truth of Clancy’s comment in the preface of the game manual: “The business of a submarine is stealth...You are safe only so long as you are undetected.” Battle simulations include a one- on-one duel with a Russian SSN, a duel with a group of Russian subs operating under wolfpack tactics, a search-and-destroy mission against a Russian ballistic missile submarine (boomer) which is escorted by one or more attack subs, and several others. The full Red Storm Rising campaign is, of course, the ultimate challenge of many missions. This one is a “conventional” (non¬ nuclear) World War III simulation from first invasion to final victory or defeat. It is designed with unpredictability in the Warsaw Pact’s strategies and actions, meaning that it can be played over and over again for a different experience each time. The program is flawlessly executed, with excellent graphics, suspenseful realism, superb docu¬ mentation, and outstanding depth of play. The results that MicroProse has achieved with RED STORM RISING prove that perfectionism pays. (Solo play; Joystick and/or keyboard; Pause; 384K; CGA/ Hercules/EGA/VGA/MCGA; Supports Innovation and Ad Lib sound boards; Key disk copy protection; Blank disk required for game¬ saving.) MS-DOS version reviewed; also available for C64/128 and planned for other systems. Recommended. (MSR $54.95) PROPHECY (***l/2/***l/2) from Activision is a game for those who prefer a heavy dose of action along with their role-playing adventuring. Unlike most action-oriented adventures, however, this one does not stint on the elements of more “serious” adventuring, such as multiple weapon choices, player characteristics that affect your success, interaction with non-player characters, and extensive use of magic. The story begins in the tiny village of CrissCross, where the population has remained safely hidden for many years from the evil Krellane, ruler of the Gendorian Empire. But Krellane’s minions have finally found CrissCross and left it in ruins. Your friends have all been slaughtered, so you try to find a way to defeat Krellane and fulfill the Prophecy. You search the remains of your beloved village, finding only bodies and a few unfriendly creatures. The weapons storehouse has been raided by Krellane’s forces, so you have to search elsewhere for the items you will need. And so it’s into the dungeons for you—all seven levels of them—full of monsters, treasures, clues, weapons, and magic. You can teleport between levels, perhaps leaving a great danger for a greater one. And monsters are not the only danger you’ll encounter. You may contract diseases or be poisoned by the enemy. Only experience in the dungeons can teach you the best defenses for each encounter, whether it be weapon or magic and what type of either will work to your best advantage. Balance of Action and Adventure Superficially PROPHECY has the look of a maze adventure such as “Gauntlet” because of its top-down view of the game world of dungeon Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 rooms. However, there is much more to PROPHECY because of the well developed systemof magical spells, character attributes, weapons and interaction with other characters in the game. This is the most balanced combination of arcade-style action with adventure gaming that we’ve played. Those who dislike any action elements in their adventure games may not approve, but we think most players will find PROPHECY a game that truly challenges both intellect and coordina¬ tion. (Solo play; Joystick or keyboard; Pause; 512K; CGA/EGA/ MCG A/VGA/Tandy; Not copy-protected; 5.25" & 3.5" disks.) Avail¬ able for MS-DOS only. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) SILPHEED (****^***1/2) is as slick a piece of arcade gaming as we’ve ever seen (and heard) on an MS-DOS system. Created bv Game Arts of Javan and enhanced visually and sonically by the designers at Sierra. SILPHEED could almost make you believe that your desktop PC has become a coin-op machine—especially if you’ve added a music card to your PC. (We had the opportunity to play SILPHEED with a newly installed Ad Lib Music Synthesizer card; see related item in this issue about the Ad Lib card.) SILPHEED is backed by the kind of story that will be familiar to any of our readers who are familiar with Japanese space-themed video games: the peaceful Milky Way Union is threatened by Xacalite, the merciless leader of a gang of interplanetary terrorists intent on conquering the Union. Xacalite’s battleship Gloire is attacking the Union’s main defense base, and the supercomputer has determined that the Un ion ’ s best chance of survival rests in your hands. The Milky Way Union sends you off alone in a Super Air Fighter SA- 08 SILPHEED prototype which has just passed its initial function tests. Of course the plot is timewom and a bitcomy, but who cares if the game plays well? And this one certainly does. Challenging Play Action Your sleek SILPHEED craft warps into space, quickly running into enemy craft. Fortunately there are opportunities to acquire extra firepower, shields and other helps. Some of these are found by flying into items known as Golans. Unfortunately, there are asteroids that closely resemble Golans, so you may blow yourself to bits just at the point when you think you ’re about to acquire a necessary weapon. The initial stages of battle occur in outer space, with s tars, asteroids and enemy craft speeding toward you. However, there are 20 levels of play in the game, some occurring above the surface of planets. It doesn’t take long for the action to become furious, so it helps to make note of which weapons work best on which levels. Throughout the game, beautifully rendered vector-like graphics give the spaceships a crisply futuristic look. The soundtrack of ten different songs from the original Japanese game has been enhanced by a rhythm track added by Supertramp’s Bob Siebenberg, and the music adds a great deal to the enjoyment of the game. (You’ll have to trust us on this one if you’re still listening to the squawky sound produced by the IBM’s internal speakers.) SILPHEED may have a conventional storyline, but the play action is challenging and the designers have made it difficult to stop playing. (Solo play; Joystick or keyboard; Pause; 512K; CGA/EGA/ MCGA/VGA/Tandy; Supports Roland MT-32, Ad Lib, IBM music 9 — cards; Not copy-protected 5.25" & 3.5" disks.) MS-DOS version! reviewed. Planned for Atari ST, Amiga, Apple IIGS, Macintosh, Apple Ile/c. Recommended. (MSR $34.95) The Amazing Spiderman and Captain America in DR. DOOM’S REVENGE (****/***1/2) brings the pages of Marvel Comics alive on your screen as you guide the two super-heroes in a quest to foil Dr. Doom’s dastardly plot to wreak nuclear havoc over New York City with a stolen missile. Paragon SoftH>are has created an interactive comic book that lets you participate in the heroics at any of three difficulty levels. The setting is Dr. Doom’s fortified castle, and the story that leads up to the game is presented in a special edition of Marvel Comics included with the game. Within the game, a moving hand travels from comic panel to panel, frequently stopping to take you into one of over 30 action sequences where you control Spidey or Cap in their battles against Dr. Doom’s robots or one of the Super Villains. Each Super Hero and Villain has his own particular set of fighting moves, so it takes some practice to learn how to deal with such wonders as exploding jack-o-lanterns and lightning bolts. DR.DOOM’S REVENGE is a very well designed program that does homage to one of the pillars of American pop culture, Marvel Comics. The manual not only does a good job of describing the game elements, but it also provides background details on each character and a history of Marvel comics. This one is a must for kids of all ages—even the grown-up ones—who have ever thrilled to the adventures of Spider Man and Captain America. (Solo play; Joystick or keyboard; Pause; 512K; CG A/EG A/Tandy; Supports Ad Lib music card, Hearsay 1000 speech card.) MS-DOS version reviewed. Coming soon for Amiga; also coming for C64/128 at $39.95. Recommended. (MSR $44.95) AMIGA Software SHOGUN ('k'k'k'k/'k'k'k) is one of Infocom’s new breed of interac¬ tive fiction enhanced with graphics used for story illustrations, text borders and rewards for success in certain portions of the story. SHOGUN is an interactive adaptation by Dave Lebling of James Clavcll’s best-selling novel. In the computer adaptation, you take the role of the seventeenth-century English sea pilot, John Blackthome. The story begins amid storm-tossed seas on the deck of the Dutch merchant ship Eras¬ mus. On this long voyage seeking the Japans, already four of five ships in the fleet are lost. There are fewer than thirty men still alive, and those just barely hanging on, including the captain below in his cabin. The surviving crewmen have been demoralized by the hardships of the voyage, and they doubt even the existence of the Japans. Your immediate task is to keep as many alive as possible while maintaining your authority, in hopes that the ship will soon make landfall. But when you finally reach Japan, you find yourself in the middle of feudal strife as two warring daimyos, Lord Toranaga and Lord Ishido, both hope to become Shogun, or supreme ruler. As a stranger thrust into an unfamiliar culture with people whose ways are much different from yours, you are suddenly drawn into political intrigue. In your role as Blackthome, ___ 10 your task is to think for him and make his decisions, rather than to solve a lot of puzzles. If you have read the book or seen the TV miniseries based on it, much of what happens in the game will be familiar. Like the character in the book, you must be prepared to think quickly and adapt to the ways of feudal Japan. Sumptuous Graphics, Excellent Prose , But No Sound Narrow-minded purists may turn up their noses at—heaven forbid— graphics in an Infocomprogram. We’re equally comfortable in a story¬ telling situation with or without graphics, and we believe that the sumptuous graphics add to the enjoyment of Infocom’s typically excellent prose. However, we’re very uncomfortable with the lack of sound of any kind in this program. Maybe this lack won’t bother everyone, but we really expected at least a little music to go with all that beautiful artwork. Aside from the lack of sound, we liked the program very much. Both Dave Lebling’s writing and the artists’ stylish graphics are very much in keeping with the theme of Clavell’s novel. (Solo play; Mouse and/or keyboard; Not copy-protected; Blank disk required for game-saving.) Reviewed on Amiga. Also available for Macintosh; planned for Apple II and MS-DOS. Recommended. (MSR $59.95) SNEAK PREVIEW COMMODORE 64/128 Software POCKET ROCKETS (***1/2/***$ is a new motorcycle racing game from Capcom which is set to make its public debut at CES next month. The game should be available in stores later next month, to be followed be additional versions in late summer. The game gives you a choice of four street-legal but very speedy 600cc sportbikes: Suzuki Katana, Yamaha FZR, Kawasaki Ninja, and Honda Hurricane. The first set of screens shows you the machines and their specifications (such statistics as engine displacement and bore, top speed, fuel usage, etc.). Choose one and then try your hand at road racing or drag racing. In the road racing sequence, you take the motorcycle of your choice onto the course where you’ll see the cycle’s instrument panel in the foreground, a cycle with rider on the road (your character), and the road itself stretching into the distance of a city skyline. The object, of course, is to complete the laps of the course in as little time as possible. This means going for maximum speed, using gears to best advantage without red-lining the engine—and staying on the course with its many curves and varying scenery. Sound effects are good, and there is a real sensation of speed in the nearly first-person perspective. Drag racing, the other event in the game, requires no steering so you can concentrate all your efforts on getting the maximum from your timing in acceler¬ ating and shifting. Because of the side-on view, there is not the exhilaration of speed that you feel in the road race. Drag racing has more to do with timing and precision in this game. Basically POCKET ROCKETS is a pretty straightforward racing game that offers good graphics, realistic sound effects and shifting action, and an especially good feel in the road race sequence. It’s not a game of great depth and variety, but it docs offer a lot of speedy fun. (Solo play; Joystick.) C64/ 128 version reviewed; coming soon for MS-DOS ($34.95) and Amiga ($39.95). Recommended. (MSR $29.95) Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 TH€ VIDEO Ci AMI UlPDAT€ First Look: Sega MegaDrive 16-Bit System A Last month we took a look at the NEC PC Engine, available only in Japan (with small pockets of imported units finding their way to the U.S.). The second unit we picked up in Japan, and one which we’d been hearing a good deal about, is the Sega MegaDrive 16-Bit System. (Even if you should find an imported unit in your town, think twice before purchase as it will NOT be compatible with any U.S. games...you would have to purchase imported Japanese games for the life of the machine.) The Unit Itself Upon opening the package, we discovered a console which is similar in size to the available U.S. Sega system. A little more “square” in dimension, the cartridge slot is on top. There is an extra feature on the unit which allows for volume control for a pair of earphones. The controller (the unit comes with only one!) is very reminiscent in size and shape to the Nintendo MaxPad. It is, therefore, larger than the traditional Sega control pad and comfortable to cradle in both hands. There are three trigger buttons, with the directional pad in place on the left. The software is similar in size to Sega cartridges, with a slightly more rounded casing. The Games We came back with two games for the unit (The titles currently available in Japan are Altered Beast, Space Harrier II, Super Thunder Blade, Phantasy Star II, Alex Kidd inTenkumajo [not directly translat¬ able, this is a Kidd adventure in a castle setting], and Oslmatsu-Kun [action game featuring comic book character that is well known in Japan] as the unit has been available for only about six months there). The first, immediately identifiable to any game player, was Space Harrier II. Upon hitting the start button, we found we could enter any one of several different worlds for our adventure. What hit us right away were the incredibly clean, colorful, large graphics that the game sports. The details of the Space Harrier are phenomenal and rival any coin-op out there. The backgrounds are rich, colorful, and offer many different venues of conflict. There are palm trees, columns, and many more obstructions which are richly detailed and offer tremendous challenge to avoid as you roar through the levels. Most impressive are the myriad of beasts and creatures which come at you in unending rapidity. There are some pretty amazing graphics on these guys! By the way, there’s also excellent sound. The second game, Altered Beast , really showed off the incredible graphics capabilities in the area of large, very well-animated characters. Here, in the land of ancient gods and spirit demons, the dreaded Neff (lord of the undead) has kidnapped the daughter of Zeus. Zeus brings a Roman Centurion back from the grave to rescue her. With the use of Spirit Balls, Centurion can shed his human form and transform into beasts of amazing power. Move through amazing worlds and transform into some pretty fancy beasts. There’s speech, animation, vivid colors, music, and terrific gameplay...a great combination for any gameplayer! Entry Into The US. Market While being kept under wraps, the Sega 16-Bit System will enter the U.S. market this fall underthe name GENESIS. We have been told that it will be shown at the upcoming C.E.S. (allowing us to report on more software and further details). We expect approximately 6-7 titles to be available at the time of release with about 10 available by Christmas. Sources tell us that game development for Genesis will be occurring on both sides of the Pacific - some games designed in Japan, some in the United States by American development teams. Terrific news for any Sega owner as a “Power Base Converter” will be available as a separate item to Genesis, allowing it to play all current Sega Master System cartridges. This alone will be a major selling point. In speaking with independent game developers, we have learned that this system has very sophisticated capabilities which have not yet been exploited in the first few 16-bit games. Genesis is, indeed, a gaming system which has the ability to really shake up the industry as the quality of what’s being offered far surpasses anything else currently available in the U.S. With an aggressive marketing campaign, Sega could do a great deal to narrow the gap between it and industry giant, Nintendo as Nintendo does not yet have a 16-bit machine. We’ve noticed a slight slowdown in sales as many gamers who’ve heard rumors of the impending arrival of 16-bit machines hold off their purchases. This could be an interesting fall, indeed! Capcom to Release New Disney Games for NES Following the success of MICKEY MOUSECAPADE, Capcom has announced more NES games in its line of Disney-licensed titles which will be previewed at CES next month. In DUCKTALES (MSR $49.95), Scrooge McDuck searches for hidden treasures in five differ¬ ent locations. He is assisted by his nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, plus high-tech Gizmo Duck and young tag-along Gizmo Duck. ADVENTURES IN THE MAGIC KINGDOM ($49.95) is an action- adventure set in a Disney theme park, and the game features Mickey Mouse and a variety of other Disney characters. RESCUE RANGERS ($49.95) will feature the antics of Disney’s high-energy chipmunks, Chip and Dale. Rebates Offered to Buyers of Capcom Games Purchasers of Capcom games for the Nintendo Entertainment System and home computers can now take advantage of a rebate offer which will run through December 31, 1990. Players who send in a rebate certificate along with Universal Price Codes (from game boxes) and their cash register receipts can earn $2.50 for the purchase of two games, $5.00 for four games, or $10.00 for six games. New Hand-Helds Announced from Kotiami SKATE OR DIE, licensed from Electronic Arts, was recently an¬ nounced as the sixth release in Konami’s upcoming group of hand-held electronic games. The other titles are GRADIUS, TOP GUN, TEEN¬ AGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, CONTRA and DOUBLE DRIBBLE. Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 11 --- Why There Are No Game Hints A few of our readers have commented on the disappearance of the “game tip” feature that we used to run. That feature has been discon¬ tinued permanently because there are now so many sources of excel¬ lent tips, hints and even maps in newsletters and magazines produced by various game manufacturers, plus the widespread availability of hints by phone from man A y game producers. In the very early stages of the current video game boom, we saw a need that we could fill in a small way, even though our primary purpose always was—and still is—providing no-nonsense reviews of entertainment software, along with up-to-the-minute game news. How to Get Help If you want lots of tips and help on your games, you should do two things. First, ALWAYS fill out the warranty registration card that comes with every piece-of software you buy. This is guaranteed to put you on a mailing list, and you may be very pleased with some of the information about games that comes your way as a result. Some companies even have fan clubs for owners of their games—JOIN! Second, keep this issue, because we’re providing you with as complete a list as is currently available of those video game companies that offer tips by phone. (If the company that makes your favorite game is not listed, try writing to them. A few companies that we contacted admitted to having a hint line but would notgive us the number because they did not want the number publicized!) Most of the numbers are NOT toll-free 800 lines (which are extremely expensive for a company to maintain), so be aware that becoming a “hint junkie” can create shocks when the phone bill arrives. Sunsoft asked us to tell our young game players that they must have their parents’ permission to call. This is a good rule for all long-distance calling if your parents must pay the bill. Many numbers listed are the main numbers for the companies, and you should ask for game hints or customer service or tech support. Phone numbers followed by an asterisk (*) are special lines dedicated to game counseling and customer service. All companies with the exception of Nintendo offer hints only for the games they produce. (Nintendo game counselors offer help for games by Nintendo and all Nintendo-licensed games by “third parties.”) Acclaim Entertainment 516-624-9300* Activision 415-329-7699* American Sammy Corp. 213-320-7167 Broderbund Software 415-492-3500* Capcom USA 408-727-1665* Culture Brain USA 206-882-2339 Data East USA 408-286-7080* FCI212-968-0425* Hal America 503-644-4117 Hi-Tech Expressions 212-941-9703/9704* Hudson Soft USA 415-495-HINT* Jaleco USA 312-647-7077 Konami 312-350-1268* Mindscape 312-480-8715* Nintendo 206-885-7529* SNK Corp. of America 800-PLAY-SNK* Sega of America 415-742-9300 or 800-USA-SEGA* Seika Corp. 213-373-0404 Sunsoft 312-350-8800 Taito Software 800-663-8067* Taxan USA 408-946-3400 ext 253 (Ken)* Tecmo 213-329-5880 Tradewest 214-874-2683 Ultra Software 312-350-1268* _ NINTENDO Software LEGACY OF THE WIZARD (***l/2/***l/2) from Rroder- bund combines action gaming with multiple-character fantasy role- playing for an experience that is a little different from the typical action-adventure on the NES. According to the story, a wizard once imprisoned an evil dragon that was terrorizing the land. Now the wizard is a grandfather living in peace with his son, the woodcutter, and his family, but the dragon is threatening once again. The woodcutter, his wife, their two children, and the family pet take on the quest of destroying the dragon. They must find the four crowns that protect the great and magical dragonslayer sword and then defeat the evil beast for once and for all. Play begins at the woodcutter’s cabin, where you can choose any of the four family members or their pet, Pochi. Take your character into the monster-infested dungeons, which are divided into five major sections, to find treasure and begin seeking the crowns. Also in the dungeons and the shops are many special and even magical items which can help in the quest. As you explore more of the dungeons with the different characters, you’ll find that each character has certain strengths which are especially useful in one of the dungeon sections. During the game, you can return a character to the woodcutter’s cabin, save the game and get a password, and then set off with a different character. More Than Monster-Bashing Surviving in the dungeons requires quick reflexes and quick wits. However, the task never has the nearly impossible feel to it that some games of this type can have. If you have enough gold, you can always stop at one of the inns for a complete refill of life and magic powers, enabling your character to fight on. The variety of characters with their different attributes keeps the game interesting and challenges you to use each character to best advantage. In fact, strategic thinking is extremely important in this game as you seek the hidden crowns. We enjoyed LEGACY OF THE WIZARD because it offers much more than mindless monster-bashing. (Solo play; Password feature.) Avail¬ able for NES only. Recommended. (MSR $44.95) TABOO THE SIXTH SENSE (***/*★) from Tradewest is not a game at all, but rather an electronic version of tarot card reading, which has been used for hundreds of years for fortune telling or prediction. The designers caution that TABOO is not intended for children under the age of 14, and that it is meant for curiosity value and entertainment only. A session begins with entering your name, date of birth and, gender, plus a question that you want answered, and then the cards are shuffled against a dizzying array of flashing colors on the screen. The cards are laid out in a Celtic cross, and they are revealed one at a time in the manner of a tarot card reading. When your question is fully answered, the program will also provide you with a set of personal “lucky numbers.” TABOO THE SIXTH SENSE is at least mildly interesting for a few rounds. However, we don’t think it maintains much interest after that, unless you happen to be fascinated by the occult in general and tarot card readings in particular. We’re inclined to dismiss this one as strictly a novelty item with very limited appeal. (Solo play.) Available for NES only. Not recommended. (MSR approx. $40) NINJA .GAIDEN ('k'k'k'kl'k'k'kill) features a well developed story with lots of martial arts action and excellent animation. Designed by Tecmo . NINJA GAIDEN uses cinematic techniques such as closeups, bits of dialogue, and different “camera angles” or viewpoints to create more interest in the story, which is divided into six “acts” comprising V V Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 wenty different scenes or areas. The background is set with an opening sequence iescribing a blood duel between two Ninjas. The defeated Ninja Ken, head of the Jayabusa clan which has been the guardian of the Dragon sword for generations, las left a letter for his son, Ryu. Ken directs Ryu to take the secret Dragon sword ind go to America, where Ryu is to seek vengeance for his father’s death and incover an evil plot to conquer the world. You take control of Ninja Ryu upon his irrival in the U.S., where he begins his quest on the mean streets of the city, slashing lis way through menacing street toughs and using his incredible Ninja agility to cale walls and avoid obstacles. As he fights his way through enemy characters and inds helpful characters, he learns more about the plotting of the evil Jaquio. You nustkeep a watchful eye on Ryu’s physical strength and his spiritual strength, both •f which are vital to his success. Throughout the game Ryu can find special items, ncluding Ninja weapons and increased powers. These, too, are critical parts of ✓inning the game. Tecmo has done a fine job with NINJA GAIDEN. By having a trong story to support the martial arts action, the designers have added to the layability and satisfaction of the gaming experience. Solo play; Continuation feature.) Available for NES only. Recommended. (MSR $44.95) JOLF CHALLENGE PEBBLE BEACH (**^***1/2) has some interesting matures which should satisfy most armchair duffers. From Bandai. you can choose om two levels of play and pick your handicap prior to teeing off. There are ddtiional screens which will provide information and help such as the Scorecard :reen (self-explanatory) as well as the Course window in which you can pan the ourse, as well as moving in for a close-up look at the green. Once you’re ready to lay, move on to the Shot Screen. You can use the “default” club, or you can override le selection and use another club of choice. There is also a direction cursor which automatically placed. You can also override that if you wish. At the top of the ;reen you’ll have the various information you need such as the club, wind factor, ar, etc. Now it’s time to have your golfer come up to the ball and swing. You’ll have birdseye view of him, as well as a cross-sectional view at the top which gives you side view of the topography. Your swing and hit is the typical combination of a ! ^mbination of three button pushes, timed for backs wing, size of swing, and moment f impact. Once you reach the green, a close-up of the green will appear with marks jdicating the direction of the roll. Quite Realistic \\l the elements for an afternoon on the links is here with a nice graphics feel giving mltiple views. Being able to play straight through without choosing clubs will be elcome by the novice player, with the ability to change clubs an important feature )r anyone who wants to venture out with their own ideas of what club to use and hen. This is the first Nintendo game allowing handicaps which adds again to •alism. We found the swing meter relatively easy to maneuver and, overall, found ,ie gameplay very satisfying, (one player; two player alternating) ecommended New Titles Announced by FCI [ FCI has announced two new games in the works for the Nintendo Entertainment Jystem, both to be shown at CES next month and to be released later in the year. VORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING has a self-explanatory title, and ’HANTOM FIGHTER is a martial arts game in which a Kung Fu warrior battles hosts and other creatures in eight villages and 100 haunted rooms. FCI also nnounced the limited re-release of LUNAR POOL, their billiards simulation with nany table setups and a wide variety of gravity settings. And players of FCl’s JLT1MA for NES will soon be able to obtain a hint book, which will be available rom retail stores that carry FCI games or by mail directly from FCI. New Comic Book to Star Golgo 13 Character jOLGO 13: TOP SECRET EPISODE, the NES game by Vic Tokai, is based on pan’s best-selling “Golgo 13 Graphic Novel Series,” which was created in 1971 'Tokai Saito. Vic Tokai has just announced a joint venture with J apan-based Saito oductions and Lead Publishing Company Ltd. which will result in the release of OLGO 13 COMICS in the U.S. this summer. The series of comic books about plgo 13 (also known as “Duke Togo,” secret agent for hire) will start as a trilogy, «.th the first story adapted from one of the more than 60 volumes of the Japanese aphic novels. In addition the stories in the comic books, each issue will contain secrets, tips and tricks for rious players of GOLGO 13: TOP SECRET EPISODE. Air Fortress (HAL) Joidsn V* Bud (MB) Rcxtd Runner (MIN) 720 (MIN) Sdcni Service (KON) Sky Shark (TAI) Super Psssworod (GT) Vegss Dream (HAL) OCTOBER Abyss, The (ACT) Adventure! in Magic Kingdom (CAP) Card Sharks (GT) Classic Concentration (GT) Diehard (ACT) Family Feud (GT) Sur Trek V (BAN) NOVEMBER Double Dragon 2 (ACM) POURTH QUARTER Batman (SUN) Calif amis Raisins (CAP) Fasanadu (N1N) Fun House (HT) Glove Pilot (MAT) Knight Rider (ACM) Nightmare on Elm St (UN) Ninja Taro (AS) Phantom Fighter (FCI) Rescue Rangen (CAP) Roller Ball (HAL) Super Glove Ball (MAT) Sweet Home (CAP) Terminator (SUN) Terror of Tech Town (MAT) To the Earth (NIN) Trick Shooting (NIN) Unset'* Turho Racing (DE) World Champshp Wrestling (FCI) SEGA APRIL xRuun(SEG) MAY Alex Kidd Hi Tech World (SEG) Alf(SEG) Montezuma's Revenge (PB) California Game* (SEG) JUNE Galaxy Force (ACT) Vigilante (SEG) JULY King's Quest (PB) AUGUST Altered Beast (SEG) Out Run 3-D (SEG) Warn or Quest. Spelkaster (SEG) SFPTEMBER Casino Games (SEG) Genesis System Maze Hunter 3 D II (SEG) Super Basketball (SEG) Walter Payton Football (SEG) THIRD QUARTER Time Soldiers (SEG) AiiS .Absolute Entertainment ACC.. Access ACM. Acclaim Entertainment ACO.Accolade ACT.AcuvuiotVMedtagcmc ARC Arcadis AS American Sammy BAN ..Bandai BAU.Baudville BRO Broderbund CAP Capcom USA CD . . .Culture Brain CIN Ctnemaware COS. Cosmi CSG CSGImageSoft DE..Data East DES Design S/W DIS Discovery SAY DS DataSoft GAM Gsmestar GT ..GsmeTek HAL Hal America HS. Jludson Soft HT Hi-Tech Expressions INF Jnfocom INS Interne! IP.Jmerplsy IS..3COM Simulations JAL. Jaleco KOE Xoei KON Konami KS. Xemco-Seika KYO Xyodai LF Lucatfilra Game* MAX Maxis MB. Milton Bradley MC , Mmdcraft MD MtrcOeaVMichTron MED.Medalist Ini'I MH Melbourne House MI Mcrolllusions MIC., MicroPro *e MIN M mdse ape MW Mindware Inti NIN. Nintendo ORI Origin PAR Paragon PB Parker Bros POL Polarware PSY. Piygnosis/Piyclapie PI..Publishing IntT RAI Pam bud sic...sierra SIR. SuTech SPE. Spectrum HdoByte SUB Sub logic SUN Sunsoft TAL.Taiio TAX Tax an TEC., Tecmo TEN Ten gen TL. Titus S/W TS Three -Sixty Pacific TW ..TradeWest ULT Ultra USG .U S Gold VIR..Virgm Games VT Vic Tokai NOTE Programs noted *V have shipped as of pres* time but may not yet be distributed nation wide Projected shipping dates are provided by manufacturer! and subject to change. NEC Set to Introduce Its Game System to US. Players At a May 23, 1989 press conference in New York City, NEC will unveil the TurboGrafx-16 System, the U.S. version of its advanced game system which is known as the PC Engine in Japan. The TurboGrafx-16 System, expected to ship early this fall, will come with the game KEITH COURAGE IN THE ALPHA ZONES, an adven¬ ture featuring a hero who is designed to appeal the the system’s presumed audience, 8 to 15-year-old boys. (NEC should have the opportunity to meet a representa¬ tive group of our many readers who are anxious to get their hands on this system—most of whom are definitely NOT 8 to 15-year-old boys!). The TurboGrafx-16, so named because it contains a 16-bit graphics processor, utilizes games which are provided on Turbo Chip game cards about the size of a standard credit card. Numerous peripherals will be available for the TurboGrafx-16 System, including special controllers, a multiple-player adaptor, and a CD-ROM drive. Moved??? Don ’t forget to tell us so you don’t miss any issues. Send us your new address, along with your old zip code and subscriber number (the last FOUR digits of your mailing label) and we’ll do the rest. J mputer Entertainer - May, 1989 13 ATARI ST APRIL x-Action Pighter (SEG) x-Balance of Power 1990 (MIN) x-Caplain Fizz (PSV) x Double Dragon (ARC) x-Jug (MD) x Renegade (TAI) x Space Qucsl III (S1E) MAY After Burner (SEG) x Bubble Bobble (TAI) Death bringer (SPO) Demon'* Winter (SSI) Federation (SPO) Kristal, The (CIN) Pirate* (MIC) Specdball (SPO) Total Eclipse (SPO) x-Talespin (MD) JUNE Battle Chess (IP) Dark Side (SPO) Qix (TAI) Shinobi (SEG) Star Command (SSI) SECOND QUARTER Android De cuion (DS) Artura (ARC) Axe of Rage (EPY) Bad Dudes (DE) Bionic Commando (CAP) I Clue (V1R) I Colony, The (MIN) Curse Buster (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Gal »c tic Conqueror (TI) Guardians of Infinity (PAR) Guerrilla War(DE) Indiana Jones & Ust Crusade (LF) Master Ninja (PAR) Mmi Puu (ACO) Monopoly (V1R) 1943 (CAP) Operation Wolf (TAI) Paperboy (MIN) Platoon (DE) Red Storm Over London (IS) Risk (VIR) RoboCop (DE) Rocket Ranger (ON) Savage (RAJ) Skate War* (EPY) Sky Shark (TxAl) Sporu-A-Roni (USG) Street Fighter (CAP) Thud Ridge (TS) I Time & Magik (DS) Tnals of Honor (EPY) Undersea Comm ando (EPY) Wizard Wars (PAR) 1 JULY Red Lightning (SSI) august TV Sports Football (CIN) THIRD QUARTER Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Ghoul* & Ghoit* (CAP) Harpoon (TS) LE D. Storm (CAP) Last Duel (CAP) Rastan (TAI) Side Arm* (CAP) Strider (CAP) APRIL x-Action Fighter (SEG) x-BaitleTech CNF) x-Combat Course (MIN) x Demon’* Winter (SSI) x-Firezone (DS) x-Hillafar (SSI) x Last Ninja 2 (ACT) x-Overrun! (SSI) x Sky Shark (TAl) MAY After Burner (SEG) Specdball (SPO) Total Eclipae (SPO) JUNE Dark Side (SPO) Pocket Rocket* (CAP) Qix (TAI) Spider-Man & Capt America (PAR) SECOND QUARTER Ajax (KON) Alien Fires (PAR) Android Decision (DS) Armais of Rome (DS) Artura (ARC) Aussie Games (MIN) j Axe of Rage (EPY) 1 Bad Dudes (DE) Carrier Command (RAI) Castlevama (KON) Chesterfield (VT) Curse Buster (EPY) Destroyer Escort (MED) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Dondra New Beginning (MI) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) F-g6 Sabre Strike (ACO) Falcon (SPE) Heavy Barrel (DE) Hostage (MIN) Might and Magic II (NWC) Hydride (KYO) Indiana Jones &. Last Crusade (LF) Jackal (KON) Keith VanEron Pro Soccer (MED) LE D. Storm (CAP) Lancelot (DS) Last Duel (CAP) Life Force (KON) Magic Candle (MC) Metal Gear (KON) AVAILABILITY UPDATE 1943 (CAP) Omnicron Conspiracy (EPY) Pete Rose Pennant Fever (GAM) PT-109 (SPE) Savage (RAI) Sgt Slaughter Mat War* (MIN) Shinobi (SEG) Skate Wan (EPY) Sorceror Lord (DS) Spoitsk A-Roni (USG) Super Hang On (DE) Tangled Tale* (ORI) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle* (ULT) Test Ride (CAP) Thud Ridge (TS) Time & Magik (DS) Trials of Honor (EPY) Ultima V (ORI) UllimaTnlogy (ORI) Undersea Commando (EPY) Univ Military Simulator (RAI) Warlock (TS) Wizard War* (PAR) JULY Curse of Azure Bond* (SSI) Heroes of the Lance (SSI) Storm Acres* Europe (SSI) AUGUST Dragon Wars (IP) TV Sports Football (CIN) SEPTEMBER Deathbnnger (SPO) THIRD QUARTER Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Ghouls & Ghosts (CAP) SurgUder II (RAI) Strider (CAP) FOURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) A MIGA APRIL X Action Fighter (SEG) x Aunt Arctic Adventure (MW) x Battleship (EPY) x BatdeTech (INF) x Bionic Commando (CAP) x-Captain Fizz (PSY) x Double Dragon (ARC) x Duel/Tesl Drive II (ACO) xF ire zone (DS) x-Joumey (INF) x Lord* of RismgSun (CIN) x-Manhumcr New York (SIE) x-Polioe Quest (SIE) x Rampage (ACT) x Renegade (TAI) x-Shogun (INF) x-Silem Service (MIC) x-Space Racer (BRO) x Star Wan (BRO) x-Time & Magik (DS) x-Zork Zero (INF) MAY After Burner (SEG) x Blood Money (PSY) X Bubble Bobble (TAI) Deathbnnger (SPO) DejaVu II (IS) Demon’s Winter (SSI) Federation (SPO) xGunship(MIC) Indiana Jones & Temple of Doom (MIN) Kristal,The (CIN) x Operation Wolf (TAI) Sky Shark (TAl) Specdball (SPO) Total Eclipae (SPO) Where in Worid/C Sandicgo (BRO) JUNE Dark Side (SPO) QtX (TAl) Shinobi (SEG) SECOND QUARTER Ajax (KON) Android Decuion (DS) Armais of Rome (DS) Arkanoid II (DIS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Bad Dudes (DE) Batman (DE) Castlevania (KON) Curse Buster (EPY) Colony, The (MIN) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Dive Bomber (USG) Double Dnbble (KON) Guardians of Infinity (PAR) Guerrilla War (DE) Indiana Jones &. Last Crusade (LF) JackNicklaus Greatest 18(ACO) Jackal (KON) Leisure Suit Larry 11 (SIE) Metal Gear (KON) Mmd Roll (EPY) Monopoly (VIR) 1943 (CAP) Neuromanoer OF) Operation Qcan Streets (BRO) Red Storm Over London OS) Risk (VIR) RoboCop (DE) Savage (RAI) Skate Wars (EPY) Sorceror Lord (DS)7 Sports A-Roni (USG) Street Pighter (CAP) Street Sport* Football (EPY) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) Test Ride (CAP) Thud Ridge (TS) Trial* of Honor (EPY) Undersea Commando (EPY) Wizard War* (PAR) AUGUST Pocket Rockets (CAP) SEPTEMBER Spider Man & Capt America (PAR) T1E1RD QUARTER Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Ghoul* & Ghosu (CAP) Harpoon (TS) LED. Storm (CAP) Last Duel (CAP) Rastan (TAI) Side Arm* (CAP) Strider (CAP) POURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Blade* of Steel (KON) APPLE Ilefllc APRIL x-Bad Dudes (DE) MAY x Bubble Bobble (TAI) Indiana Jones & Temple of Doom (MIN) Renegade (TAI) JUNE First Over Germ any (SSI) Qix (TAI )JULY Dragon Wars (IP) SECOND QUARTER Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Games Winter Edition (EPY) Gunship (MIC) Hunt for Red October (DS) John Madden Football (EA) Legend of Blackidver (EPY) Leisure Sun Larry II (SIE) Manhunter New York (SIE) Mmd Ron (EPY) Risk (VIR) RoboCop (DE) Sporting New* Baseball (EPY) Street Sport* Football (EPY) Street Sport* Soccer (EPY) Superstar Ice Hockey (MIN) Tangled Tale* (ORI) Technocop (USG) UllimaTnlogy (ORI) Victory Road (DE) Wizard Wars (PAR) THIRD QUARTER BalUeTech (INF) Journey (INF) Shogun (INF) Zork Zero (INF) APPLE IIGS APRIL x Instant Synthcaizer (EA) MAY Captam Blocd (MIN) DejaVu II (IS) PT-109 (SPE) Renegade (TAI) JUNE Qix (TAI) SECOND QUARTER Balance of Power 1990 (MIN) Bank Ches* (IP) Dondra New Beginning (Ml) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Final Aiiauli (EPY) Game*. Summer Edition (EPY) Hlosuge (MIN) Indiana Jones &. Temple of Doom (MIN) Jack Nicklau* Greatest 18 (ACO) Leisure Suit Larry II (SEE) Red Storm Over Ixmdon (IS) Rocket Ranger (C3N) Scooby-Doo (MI) Sentinel Work!* I Future Magic (EA) Silent Service (MIC) Silpheed (SIE) Street Sport* Football (EPY) Supcniar Ice Hockey (MIN) Sub Battle Simulator (EPY) Swoid of Sod an (DIS) Thud Ridge (TS) Undersea Commando (EPY) Zoom! (DIS) SEPTEMBER Rastan (TAI) THIRD QUARTER Ancient Land of Y*(KYO) Quartemaff (INF) MACINTOSH MAY Captain Blood (MIN) x Gauntlet (MIN) x Where in USA/C Sandicgo (BRO) SECOND QUARTER Arkanoid Construe Set (DIS) Arkanoid II (DIS) 4th A. Inches Team Construe Disk (ACO) Games Summer Edition (EPY) Guardian* of Infinity (PAR) Hottage (MIN) Kamov (DE) Leisure Sun Larry 11 (SIE) Manhunter.New York (SIE) Red Storm Over London OS) Sceptre (DIS) Ultima IV (ORI) Undersea Commando (EPY) THIRD QUARTER Statglider ll/Mac II (RAI) FOURTH QUARTER Harpoon (TS) MS-DOS APRIL x Abrams Battle Tank (EA) x C Yeager Flight Trainer 2 0 (EA) x Combat Course (MIN) x-Dcmon’s Winter (SSI) x Indiana Jones & Temple of Doom (MIN) x Omnicron Conspiracy (EPY) x Prophecy (ACT) x Renegade (TAl) x Silpheed (SIE) x-688 Attack Sub (EA) x-Sky Shark (TAI) x-Space Quest 111 (SIE) MAY After Burner (SEG) Alien Syndrome (SEG) X-Dan Burncti Modem Wars (EA) x-Dr Doom’s Revenge (PAR) x Earl Weaver Baseball 1 5 (EA) x Hiftsfar(SSI) IROC (TS) x-Red Storm Rising (MIC) Shinobi (SEG) x-Specdball (SPO) x-Steel Thunder (ACO) Total Eclipse (SPO) JUNE; Action Fighter (SEG) Alton (TAl) Bubble Bobble (TAl) Dark Side (SPO) F 14 Tomcal (ACT) Operation Wolf (TA I{) Rastan (TAl) SECOND QUARTER Ajax (KON) Android Decision (DS) A us** Games (MIN) Axe of Rage (EPY) Battleship (EPY) Camer Command (RAI) Castlevania (KON) Crossbow (ABS) Curse Buster (EPY) Dcja Vu II (IS) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dnbble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) GalKtic Conqueror (TI) Harpoon (TS) Heavy Barrel (DE) Hybns (DIS) Hydlide (KYO) Indiana Jones &. Ust Crusade (LF) Inti Team Sport* (MIN) Jackal (KON) Last Duel (CAP) Metal Gear (KON) Might and Mag* II (NWC) Mmd Roll (EPY) 1943 (CAP) Neuromancer (IP) Psychic War (KYO) Quartemaff (INF) Red Storm Over London (IS) Risk (VIR) RoboCop (DE) Sarge (CAP) Savage (RAI) Scooby-Doo (Ml) Sgt Slaughter Mat War* (MIN) Skate War* (EPY) Space Hamer (SEG) Sporting New* Baseball (EPY) Spons-A Roni(USG) Stocker (CAP) Street Cat (USG) Street Fighter (CAP) Street Sports Football (EPY) Super Hang On (DE) Suzuki RM 250 Moiocross (GAM) Swword of Sedan (DIS) Technocop (USG) _ _ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) Test Ride (CAP) Times of Lore (ORI) Tower Toppler (USG) Trials of Honor (EPY) UltimaTrilogy (ORI) Undersea Commando (EPY) JULY Battle* of Napoleon (SSI) Red Lightning (SSI) AUGUST Deathbnnger (SPO) Pocket Rockets (CAP) TV Sports Football (CIN) SEPTEMBER Thunder Blade (SEG) THIRD QUARTER Ancient Land of Ys (KYO) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Ghoul* & Ghott* (CAP) Journey (INF) Kri*tal, The (CIN) L ED Storm (CAP) Legend of Blackailver (EPYo) Overrun (SSI) Pirate* (MIC) Qtx (TAI) Shogun (INF) Starglider II (RAI) Zork Zero (INF) POURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Blade* of Steel (KON) Dragon War* (IP) Sender (CAP) ATARI 2600 SECOND QUARTER Crack’ed (AT) Dark Chambers (AT) Double Dragon (ACT) Neb ulus (AT) Rampage (ACT) AIARLim APRIL x Crack'ed (AT) x-Crossbow (AT) x-Dark Chambers (AT) X-Fighl Night SECOND QUARTER Ace of Aces Commando (AT) Double Dragon (ACT) Jinks (AT) Neb ulus (AT) Pete Rose Baseball (AB S) Rampage (ACT) Skyfox (AT) Super Huey (AT) Title Match Pro Wrestling (ABS) ATARI XE GAME APRIL x Cracked (AT) x Crossbow (AT) x Dark Chambers (AT) x Fight Night (AT) MAY x Eagle’s Nest (AT) SECOND QUARTER AirbaU (AT) ChopUfter (AT) Commando (AT) Cnme Busters (AT) Crystal Castle* (AT) Desert Falcon (AT) F-16 Fighting Falcon (AT) Jinks (AT) Karateka (AT) Mario Bro* (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) Neb ulus (AT) Summer Game* (AT) Ultimate Dnving (AT) NISTENDQ APRIL x Am agon {(AS) x Dance Aerobic* (N1N) x Fist of North Star (TAX) x Fnday the 13th (UN) x Kung Fu Heroes (CB) x Marble Madness (MB) MAY Battle of Olympus (BRO) California Games (MC) Cobra Tnangle (NIN) Double Dare (GT) Guardian Legend (BRO) Hollywood Squares (GT) Jeopardy Jr (GT) _ x-Legacy of the Wizard (BRO) x Mappy Land (TAX) Marvel's X Men (LJN) Mask Rider (BAN) NFL Football (UN) Ride On Bus Trip (FP) Super Mario Bro* (NIN) x-Taboo (TW) x-Tetri* (TEN) Vindicators (TEN) Wheel of Fortune Jr (GT) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (UN) JUNE Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Airwolf (ACM) Baseball Sun (SNK) Bowling (FP) Chessmaster (HT) Defender of Crown (ULT) Fire House (FP) Guerrilla War (SNK) Hydlide (FCI) Lrnle Piano Teacher (FP) MegaMan II (CAP) Monster Party (BAN) Muppet Adventure (HT) Shadowgate (KS) U-Porce (BRO) Street Cop (BAN) Sinder (CAP) Win Lose Or Draw (HT) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle* (ULT) SECOND QUARTER Athletic World (BAN) Dr Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (BAN) Goal! (JAL) Hoop* (JAL) Predator (ACT) Rolling Thunderw (TEN) Sesame Street ABC (HT) Spy Vs. Spy II (KS) Stealth Eagle (ACT) Super Spnni (TEN) Three Stooge* (ACT) World Game* (MB) Adventures of Tom S awyer (SET) AUGUST B*1 Dudes (DE) Bad Street Brawler (MAT) Ghostbusicn 11 (ACT) Power Glove (MAT) SEPTEMBER DuckTale* (CAP) Fe*ter’» Quest (SUN) Iron Sword (ACM) P.O.W. (SNK) • Robo-Cop (DE) Willow (CAP) THIRD QUARTER Adventure* of Lolo (HAL) . ..continued on Pag * 1989 Computer Entertainer and VideoGame Update. J25.00 annually n^sleucrts^to^ovidrihrrtadeTwi^honesl Van Nuys, CA 91411. (818) 761-1516. Computer Entertainer accepts no advertising from any software rranu - ^ of Computer Entertainer and are not influenced by the manufacturen on the market. It is our intention to act as an independent watchdog, providing critical commentary y ’ system Any reproduction, duplication, or re-publication of this copyrighted wor w To describe a program, we may use existing literature manufactu^r, but tot wdi no^beanr^^or^flie^ating^system.^Any^ JP^ $u ^ ect t0 c ^ v q and criminal penalties. This work may not be changed written consent of Computer Entertainer is strictly prohibited. Any violation of appbcab pyng _ - altered in any way. - Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 SUBSCRIBER BUYING SERVICE Program Abrams Battletank (MS) Action Fighter (Co) Action Fighter (MS*) Action Fighter (ST;Am) Alcon (ST) Alcon (Co) Alon (MS*) Aunt Arctic Adventure (Am) Baal (Am) Ballistic (Am,ST) Blood Money (Am) Bubble Bobble (Am;MS*) Bubble Bobble (Ap;ST) Bubble Bobble (Co) Bubble Bobble (NES) Chuck Yeager Simulator 2.0 (MS) Earl Weaver Baseball 1.5 (MS) Earl Weaver Commissioner Disk (MS) Earl Weaver MLB PA Player Stats (MS) First Over Germany (MS;Co;Ap) Jack Nicklaus 1989 Courses (MS) Jack Nicklaus 1989 Courses (Co*) Operation Wolf (Am;MS*) Operation Wolf (ST*;Co) Operation Wolf (NES) Overrun (Ap;Co) Pebble Beach Golf (NES) Pole Position II (MS) Renagade (Am;GS*;MS) Renagade (Co) Renag ade (Ap*;ST) Renagade (NES) Sim City Terrain Editor (Mac) Speedball (MS;Am*;ST*) Speedball (Co*) Steel Thunder (MS) Steel Thunder (Co) Thunder Blade (Co) Thunder Blade (MS*) Thunder Blade (ST/Am) Where in USA/Carmen Sandiego (Mac;MS;Co;Ap) MASTER INDEX!AWARDS - 1982-1988 Cost Sys/Format Quantity Total 28.80 18.70 22.30 28.80 28.80 22.30 26.10 28.80 28.80 26.10 28.80 26.10 22.30 11.20 34.70 36.40 28.80 14.80 14.80 36.40 14.80 11.20 26.10 22.30 37.95 36.40 32.10 28.80 26.10 11.20 22.30 32.40 18.70 28.80 22.30 28.80 22.30 18.70 28.80 36.40 36.40 4.50 (shipping included) RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! One Year Renewal 21.00 Two Year Renewal 38.00 _ One Year Overseas Renewal 33.00 NAME: Sub-Total ADDRESS: 61/2% Tax (CA only) CITY Shipping: STATE ZIP TOTAL ENCLOSED: Phone Subscriber # Shipping Chart: Check/MO Bankcard....Expiration Date UPS ... 1st 2 lb ea add. i Card #: Calif, Nevada, Arizona 2.50 .25 Signature: Continental US 3.25 .50 KEY: *=preorder;AM=Amiga;Ap=Apple II;Co=Commodore 64/128; Canada 8.00 1.05 MS=MS DOS & IBM PC/compatibles;Mac=Macintosh;GS=Apple GS; Postal (P.O. Boxes & APOIFPO) ST=Atari ST; NES=Nintendo; SEGA=Sega Calif, Nevada, Arizona 4.25 .30 Continental US (& APO/FPO) 4.75 .90 Save time and PHONE your order in at 1-800-228-4336 (outside Calif.) Canada 6.75 1.30 FAX YOUR ORDER! - 818-904-3682 FOREIGN: Please Contact Us for Rates )mputer Entertainer - May, 1989 15 — From: BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES i Self Mailing folder. Fold Here Carmen Sandiego Debuts on Amiga WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?, the first of Broderbund’s series of three award-winning Carmen Sandiego pro¬ grams, is now available in a graphically enhanced version for Amiga (MSR $44.95). The program combines the entertainment of solving a series of crime mysteries with the educational value of learning about world topography, flags, currency, languages, historical events, cities and other facts. The program is packaged with a copy of The World Almanac. Sir-Tecli Announces WIZARDRY Essay Contest Declaring that “all the market research in the world won't tell us what a Wizardry player feels when he or she plays the game, nor will it tell us what the user feels is missing from the Wizardry world," Sir-Tech Software is sponsoring a “Wizardry—What’s Hot, What’s Not’’ essay contest for game enthusiasts of all ages with the aim of learning more about how to make the next WIZARDRY scenario exceed the players’ expectations. The contest is open to anyone, whether or not they have played WIZARDRY, with prizes of software packages, WIZARDRY jackets, shirts, caps and other items awarded by age groups. Entries must be submitted to Sir-Tech on or before September 30,1989. Essays must be no longer than 2000 words, must describe the person’s likes and/or dislikes of the WIZARDRY series (or a particular scenario), and must include a section describing what the user would like to see in the next WIZARDRY scenario. Entries should be sent to Sir-Tech at P.O. Box 245, Charlestown Mall, Ogdensbulrg, NY 13669. All entrants will receive a WIZARDRY certificate, and entries will not be returned. Judging will be based on creativity, writing style and content. Capcom to Show New Computer Games at CES Promising more and better computer games in their upcoming lineup, Capcom plans to show several new titles next month at the Consumer Electronics Show. New for Amiga (MSR $39.95) and Atari ST ($19.95) will be LAST DUEL, SIDE ARMS and LED STORM. The company will also debut POCKET ROCKETS (pre¬ viewed in this issue) for Commodore 64/128 ($29.95). This is a fast- action game that allows players to “test ride’’ a variety of high- performance 600cc motorcycles. The game will also be available for IBM ($34.95) and Amiga ($39.95) in late summer. Eagle-Eyed Reader Notices Omission from MASTER INDEX We could try to put a good face on it and claim that we left an item or two out of our “MASTER INDEX/AWARDS - 1982-1988’’' intentionally as a test of our readers’ skills of observation. However, it wasn’t intentional, and Mike Price of Auburn, Calif, noticed that we omitted “Rescue Mission’’ for Sega, which was reviewed in our I May, 1988 issue. We won’t ask how he noticed this one item outof more than 2400 reviews listed, but we appreciate his calling it to our : attention and it has been added to our database. Since we missed one review, it’s possible that we missed others, so feel free to let us know if you find any others missing! Readers Vote to Keep Current Availability Update Format Along with their votes for the Readers’ Hall of Fame, readers were asked whether or not they wanted a change in the format of the Availability Update. The alternative format, suggested by long-time subscriber Bill Sommerwerck, would have eliminated the subdivi¬ sions by month and quarter under each system and provided a continuous list of titles arranged alphabetically by system. With the proposed new system, each title would be listed with its projected release date in parentheses. The suggested new format was favored by 31% of the readers who voted, while 69% preferred that the format of the Availability Update remain unchanged. Therefore, the Availability Update will continue in its familiar format. We appre¬ ciate the input of our readers on this issue, and we continue tc welcome expressions of personal opinion, whether or not you agre( with us. (If all of our readers agreed with us all of the time, we woult not be doing out job very well!) “F-19 Stealth Fighter” Earns Spot at National Air and Space Museum A new gallery (“Beyond the Limits: Flight Enters the Computer Age”) at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. will feature many interactive displays from noted names in the world of flight, such as McDonnell-Douglas and NASA. Micro Prose has been honored as the only entertainment software company to have a display in the gallery with an introductory version of “F-19 Stealth Fighter,” which has been modified so that gallery visitors can learn to fly the program’s jet in less than two minutes. _ 16 Computer Entertainer - May, 1989 Computer Entertainer INCLUDES iriHid Vidco Qikm Updatc 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411 ©June, 1989 Volume 8, Number 3 $3.50 Glory Days for Gamers at Ces This year’s Summer CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Chicago presented more games than we can remember seeing at any CES in the past—games for computers, games for videogame systems, hand-held games, hand held game systems with tiny cartridges, VCR games—the aisles of games went on for what seemed like miles! With the largest booth in the history of CES (50,000 square feet), Nintendo and its 50+ software and accessory licensees occupied what amounted to a 1 This Issue... n Isssue PACKED with CES News EVIEWS Include... 2 von Aire ....for Commodore 64 hn Madden Football ...for Apple II 2 ja Vu II ...for Amiga alifomia Games ...for Nintendo If igilante alifomia Games ...for Sega OP 15 COMPUTER GAMES Falcon (Spec/I) Duel/Test Drive 2 (Aco/I) Dungeonmaster (FTL/I) Space Quest III (Sie/I) Battlehawks 1942 (LF/I) Kings Quest IV (Sie/I) Red Storm Rising (Mic/I) Rocket Ranger (Cin/Co) Jordan vs Bird (EA/Co) ). Ultima V (Ori/I) . Pool of Radiance (SSI/Co) . Renegade (Tai/I) ». Three Stooges (Cin/Co) k Blood Money (Psy/Am) k Battletech (lnf/1) 0? FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMES Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) Skate or Die (Ult/NES) Double Dragon (TW/NES) Blaster Master (Sun/NES) Simon’s Quest (Kon/NES) Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) Operation Wolf (Tai/NES) Track & Field II (Kon/NES) Bases Loaded (Jal/NES) ). Ninja Gaiden (Tec/NES) . Tecmo Bowl (Tec/NES) k Rampage (DE/NES) k Bubble Bobble (Tai/NES) k Zelda II: Adv of Link (Nin/NES) k California Games (MB/NES) oming... lore News from CES iviews include... ontezuma’s Revenge me Soldiers .for Sega The Nintendo Mega-Booth small city, complete with its own “restaurant,” Cafe Mario. And Nintendo occupied just one comer of a show floor that was loaded with various companies* games—some great ones, many not nearly so great. (More and bigger does not always mean better.) What Did We Like at the Show? Three of us covered the 4-day CES extravaganza this year, and no one of us saw everything because we had to split up for many appointments. But the three of us sat back and rested our aching feet at O’Hare Airport just before departure and compared notes on the highlights of the show. We were preparing for the number one question we get from our readers and from friends in the industry: “What did you really like at the show?” First on all of our lists was the little party we threw at our hotel suite for subscribers and software industry friends. We enjoyed meeting and talking to those of our readers who were able to come. Everyone had a good time playing games on the Sega MegaDrive and NEC PC Engine, and there was plenty of lively discussion about the relative merits of the systems. It was a very rare opportunity for game players to meet and talk with a few game designers and other people from the software industry. And several of our friends in the industry told us that they enjoyed the chance to meet some of our readers because they respect your knowledge of gaming and your tendency to be involved in the leading edge of new technology. Everyone had so much fun that we plan to do it again in January at Winter CES. Innovation In a sea of software at CES, there were definitely some standouts. Our vote for the most innovative computer game at the show goes to LOOM, a fantasy role-playing adventure from Lucasfilm. Created by Brian Moriarty, formerly of Infocom where he wrote “Wishbringer,” “Trinity,” and “Beyond Zork,” the adventure dispenses with all text commands and menus and lets the player weave magical spells with music. LOOM graphic settings, drawn by award-winning fantasy artist, Mark Ferrari, are exquisite and moody. We were totally captivated by LOOM, and we can’t wait for the review copy! And while we’re talking about innovation, chalk up another future hit for veteran game designer David Crane. He’s now at Absolute Entertainment where he has created that company’s firstgame for the Nintendo system, A BOY & HIS BLOB. The boy becomes friends with a Blob who loves jelly beans, and he helps the Blob save the planet of Blobolonia from its evil king. The game is charming, eccentric, original and funny—we loved it! Another eccentric is POPU¬ LOUS (Electronic Arts), a game that lets you be a god, gathering followers and convincing them to help you get rid of false gods. This one is a big hit in Europe. Innovation wasn’t limited to game design, as proved by the introduction of Access Software’s RealSound. This bit of technical ...contd. on Page 6 .. 1 COMMODORE 64/128 Software j LAST NINJA 2 (A***/****) is the sequel to A cti vision’s e xc itin g and innovative martial arts adventure, which was released in late 1987. THE LAST NINJA was good enough that it certainly deserved a sequel, and the follow-up is everything that fans of the first game could have hoped for. Once again, the program was designed by System 3 Software Ltd., and they have used the same realistic graphic and movement techniques ?that we loved in THE LAST NINJA. In the second game, the action has moved from Japan to New York City, where the Last Ninja seeks the evil Samurai Master Armakuni. Armakuni and his Ninja henchmen have unleashed a reign of terror on the city—and the corrupt police are under the warlord’s power. The action moves through seven areas of danger and adventure that include Central Park, the streets of the city, the sewers, a mansion, a high-rise office building, a basement, and the Samurai’s inner sanctum. There’}s plenty of fighting action both with and without traditional Ninja weapons, but there are also puzzles to solve, clues to find, and enough adventure to satisfy gamers looking for more than just kicking and punching. LAST NINJA 2 is a beautifully executed piece of programming: superb three-dimensional graphics, good musical back¬ ground, outstanding animation, great depth of play, and an involving storyline. If you haven’t played THE LAST NINJA, it will take some practice to control the wide repertoire of your character’s moves, but the practice time is worth the effort to be able to enjoy this excellent adventure. (Solo play; Joystick; Pause.) Available for C64/128 only; additional versions likely. Recommended. (MSR $34.95) DEVON AIRE(***l/2/***l/2) takes you to Crutchfield Manor as Devon Aire, a cat-burglar extraordinaire. In this discovery-type game from Evvx . you’ve been hired by Lady Crutchfield III to find a collection of precious stones her eccentric (and deceased) husband has hidden in the Manor. So, you head off through a floor plan that reminds of of Winchester House in San Jose, California (a famous home build with dead ends, hidden doors, secretpassageways, etc.) whee you must move around items, push furniture out of the way, stack items, even balance on a billiard ball. Want to reach a particularly high spot? See if you can stack the furniture and climb up! There may even be a jewel hidden behind the roaring fire in the fireplace. ..if you can j ust figure out how to avoid the blaze. All the while, there are some pretty crazy critters to avoid like killer canaries and flies - all failed experiments in genetic engineering from Lady Crutchfield’s crazy husband. If you manage to get all the jewels back to her, you still have to find your way out of the Manor! Colorful and Fun Don’t assume anything - those gems could be anywhere! Use your puzzle-solving skills and don’t overlook any area of this crazy house. You’ll have fun moving the furniture around, climbing up on all sorts of things, and collecting items. The graphics are quite good, and give a nice 3D effect. This is a good game for anyone who enjoys a good puzzle and likes to think things through. The game also has a nice sense of humor which adds a fun touch to the proceedings, (one player; reviewed on C64; coming for Amiga, ST, Apple II, MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $29.95) AXE OF RAGE (***/**l/2) finds you in the character of either Gorth the Barbarian or Princess Mariana in a quest from Ed\x to find the evil sorcerer Drax and stop him from shinking humankind’s brain capacity in an attempt to throw civilization back millions of years. Your weapon is the Axe of Rage which you must wield with strength and accuracy. You’ll have to practice with your joystick to learn how to chop and kick as well as moving correctly in order to gain points. Before you can axe Drax in his subterranean sanctum, you must battle the creatures who face you in the first three levels. You’ll go from the Valley of Despair, Caverns, to the Dungeon, before facing Drax. There are various important charms to pick-up in the initial levels which will be needed in order to complete your quest. There’s 80 chambers in all. Kill The Creatures It’s pretty straight-ahead action as you just have to kill all the creatures to accomplish your goal. There are other perils such as lethal rivers, dripping gore which will sap your strength, etc. The graphics are pretty good but the action pretty basic. It’s, obviously, a pretty gruesome theme but they get away with it by making it in “another time with barbarian warriors. This is a game which will appeal most!) to young boys, (one player; joystick required; reviewed on C64 coming for MS-DOS, Amiga, ST) (MSR $34.95) AMIGA Software MIND-ROLL (***/***l/2) is a multi-dimensional puzzle playec on ten different dimensions which change each time you play. Remi¬ niscent of games such as Marble Madness, it’s an effort in concentra tion from Epvx which finds you manuevering through obstacle courses, around barriers (many of which are invisible), while picking up keys, amulets, as well as other items for points as well as unlocking doors. You’ll have to jump over electrical seas, race down a racetrack while working against the clock. There are bonus rounds following each completed plane, with each plane more difficult than the last. Yoi can also choose to go directly into a more difficult level if you wish Pay Close Attention! Lots of concentration is needed as you must carefully work arounc puzzles squares, avoid falling off, “walk the plank,’’ and more. Then are blind corners, and situation after situation which requires lighten ing-fast reaction. There are secret exits, and you can beam all over the plane by using the network of transports on the board. We like the fac that you can play any one or combination of levels so if you have i favorite one, you can go straight to it. The graphics are quite nice witf checkboard puzzles, barriers, etc., which you have a birdseye view of You’ll enjoy sitting down for a few hours at a time as you test youi concentration, (one player;joystick required; reviewed on Amiga; alsc available for C64; coming for MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $29.95) WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO? (*** ***1/2) makes its way to the Amiga in a series which has spawnec two sequels to this original, all from Broderhund . The program ha< been rewritten to take advantage of the Amiga’s sound and graphic! capabilities as you learn about world geography in your quest to trad down Carmen and her notorious band of thieves. Your computei becomes your extension of Acme Detective Agency as yougather fact! to help determine which world cities to jet off to as you close in or Carmen. In the package you’ll find The World Almanac where youcar look up and decipher the clues. As you move city to city, you’re taker on a brief background journey on culture and local geography. The clues and the crimes are pretty hilarious at times! Great Learning Tool One of the features we’ve liked best in this trilogy of “Carmens” ii what a great learning experience they are, without feeling as though you’re sitting down to a geography lesson. You’ll learn about flag colors, famous landmarks, and many other things as you move fron country to country racing against the clock. Broderbund has done i nice job with the graphics, taking advantage of the Amiga’s capabili ties. We’ve always liked the Carmen Sandiego adventures and the) I make a good addition to anyone’s library (reviewed on Amiga; alsc available for MS-DOS, Macintosh, Apple II, Apple IIGS, C64) Recommended (MSR $44.95) DEJA VUII: LOST IN LAS VEGAS (**^****) is a sequel fron I com Simulations for Mindscape to the original Deja Vu: A Night mare Come True . You wake up in the bathroom of a seedy Vega! motel, abducted by two thugs from Chicago. Now the mob wants yoi to pay $100,000 - you’ve got to raise it at the blackjack tables, or fine another way. You’ve got 7 days to get the money...there’s plenty o: clues along the way as you move from one detailed screen to another THE RATING SYSTEM: 4 STARS = EXCELLENT 3 STARS = GOOD 2 STARS = FAIR 1 STAR = POOR * = ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1st set of stars=quality o graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value) ! NA - Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) Computer Entertainer - June, 1989 ongue-in-Cheek iis is a tongue-in-cheek adventure with lots of action in the 24-day cy of Las Vegas. You’ll point and click for your commands to eimine, open, go, etc. With the point and click, you’ll be able to rnipulate drawers, books, etc., in order to explore all the items. \ u’ll need to pick up certain items along the way in order to find that r ney in time! Because of the easy manipulation, it’s a very easy a'enture even for beginners. There’s plenty of humor with good, rian graphics as you explore the fun capital of the world! (one player ^Viewed on Amiga; also available for Macintosh, Atari ST, MS- L)S, Apple IIGS) l commended (MSR $49.95) Vico Shorn Joystick Alternative for MS-DOS Computers Ve were impressed with the simplicity and utility of the new IlSYSTICK (MSRS19.95) for MS-DOS computers from Wico, one cthe oldest and most respected names in controllers for home and arcade. This nifty little controller mounts over the arrow keys on the keyboard and works on any keyboard that has cursor keys on the numeric keypad or ar¬ ranged in a “plus-sign” configuration. EasyS- tick has obvious gam¬ ing applications, but it also offers an alterna¬ tive way to control the cursor in programs such as spreadsheets, data¬ bases, graphics pack¬ ages, and many others that require intensive use of the arrow keys. iccess Accomplishes the Impossible with RealSound nyone who owns an IBM PC or compatible knows that the systems’ i emal speakers are pretty much limited to beeps, buzzes and clicks. Icess Software is about to change all of that with their new technol- cy called REALSOUND. Access seems to have accomplished the i possible by creating real music, real sound effects, and real digitized s;ech on MS-DOS systems WITHOUT any added hardware. The -c mpany has applied for a patent for RealSound, a process in which nlog sounds such as speech, music or sound effects digitized and c pied onto a floppy disk with the application software. Access dem- (strated upgraded versions of WORLD CLASS LEADER BOARD ( SR $54.95) and ECHELON ($59.95) enhanced with RealSound, i i it was very difficult for us to believe that the realistic sound we l.ard was generated directly from the disks without the help of an add- ( sound board. In the golf game, we heard the “thwack” of club-head feting ball, the applause of the crowd, and even birds chirping in the ):kground. The company plans to license the technology to other (mpanies. ■th & Inches Construction Disk Accolade has shipped 4th And Inches Team Construction Disk for lacintosh (MSR $14.95). With this disk you can create your own Dotball players and teams for your 4th SJnches program. You can ssign specific stats, player sizes, experience, and ability attributes. N APPLE II Software JOHN MADDEN FOOTBALL (***1/2/****) is a fascinating football simulation which has been four years in the making from Electronic Arts. There are a total of 81 offensive and 81 defensive plays in individual playbooks compiled from ten teams which John Madden coached, including his World Championship seasons. There are 22 computer—programmed players on the field as you choose your plays. Before kick-off, you can choose the field conditions - from hot to rain, to snow or cold and windy. In addition, you’ll choose time per quarter as well as your team and handicap levels. There’s an announcer’s recap following each play too. The various games which can be chosen are Quick Game in which you can run your offense yourself or allow the computer to run the play, as well as a reduced playbook in order to make play calling simple. In the Standard Game you pick your teams while the computer runs the plays and builds up the stats. You can play a strategic version of this game if you just want to call the plays butlet the computer control the players. Call the plays from the Madden playbook and play as strategic, action, or Stat Replay. You can also go into a team roster/stat screeen in which you can change player’s ratings in various areas such as offensive, de¬ fensive, and special team ability; build a team, etc. Another screen available to you is the Madden Report in which you can compare the abilities of any two teams which is a great way to work on a good game plan. Play Editor on a Chalkboard For anyone who has always wanted to diagram plays on a chalkboard, the feature is included and works as a play editor. Draw the play on the chalkboard, save it and build custom playbooks. There’s loads of features here as you can get into the QuickPlay mode with a reduced playbook with simple play calling. The standard game can be played in the strategic or action mode. In the action mode, you will deliver passes, block, intercept...all the features of the real game. In all levels of play, you can choose to be the coach on the sideline and call the plays or take control of the passer, ball carrier, or receiver. When you’re passing or kicking, you’ll get an overall view downfield of the whole field. During normal downs, you’ll have a birdseye view of the action below. Designers Trip Hawkins and Robin Antonick worked with Madden through the four years in order to get as realistic a game as possible and they have done a terrific job. We especially enjoyed the chalkboard as we really felt as though we were in the locker room with the team gathered around us. You can play from Madden’s playbook or try all those creative plays you’ve dreamed up as you sit down in front of of the TV on a Sunday afternoon! This is one of the most complete computer sports games we’ve seen. By the way, the 1988 NFLP Player Disk will be shipping shortly, (one player; two-player simultaneous; joystick required; reviewed on Apple II; coming for C64, MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) Vroom Through San Francisco With Vette Spectrum Holobyte showed a fascinating street racing simulation entitled Vette! in which you work through one of four street courses through the winding streets of San Francisco. Not only are the graphics pretty breathtaking, but you have several points-of-view including side views and a helicopter view. You’ll dodge cable cars, pedestrians (we ran over one in the almost-finished game and there was a flattened person in our rear-view mirrow!). There will be four models of Corvettes to choose from, with completely realistic attributes. Our resident driving fanatic has already put on goggles and gloves awaiting a review copy which should be here shortly! C'mputer Entertainer - June, 1989 3 — Movie Titles and More from Activision Activision announced computer game versions of two movies, GHOSTBUSTERSII and DIE HARD. Both will be available initially for MS-DOS systems (MSR $49.95), with additional versions of GHOSTBUSTERS II for C64/128 ($34.95) and Amiga ($39.95) to follow. The games are promised to build upon material from the movies* plots. The company also announced TONGUE OF THE FATMAN ($49.95 for MS-DOS), a hand-to-hand combat game set in the future with bizarre characters and lots of dark humor. (Imagine a time when the most popular sport is a sort of human cock Fighting.) More fun from Activision On the lighter side of computer entertainment, Activision showed an eye-popping new Mac II (color) version of SHANGHAI, the very popular puzzle game based on Mah-Jong. And for those who don’t have a Mac but have heard about the enchanting interactive adventure, THE MANHOLE, this charming program will be available later this summer for MS-DOS systems and will support Roland MT32 and Ad Lib sound boards. And Mac-owning MANHOLE fans won’t want to miss COSMIC OSMO ($69.95), another HyperCard fantasy explora¬ tion program from Cyan, the same team that designed THE MAN¬ HOLE. COSMIC OSMO is set in an animated fantasy universe with no end of wonders to discover. We could have spent hours happily exploring the solar system with Osmo, but we did have to move on to see other new products! Broderbund: New CARMEN SANDIEGO, LICENCE TO KILL and More Never say that the folks at Broderbund don’t know how to get the most out of a good concept! The company showed WHERE IN TIME IS CARMEN SANDIEGO? at CES (MSR $49.95 for Apple II, MS- DOS), in which Carmen and her gang of thieves have nabbed a time machine that allows them to move through the past. Of course, the Acme Detective Agency has its own time machine, and you’ll be sent back in time to track down Carmen and her cohorts, saving such priceless artifacts as Queen Isabella’s jewels or the Magna Carta. History is the focus of the learning experiences behind all the fun in this one, and the program comes with a 1300-page reference book, The New American Library Desk Encyclopedia. The Broderbund booth was also the place to see trailers from the upcoming James Bond Film, LICENSE TO KILL, along with the new Broderbund action game based on the movie. (Both the movie and the game use the British{ spelling, “Licence.”) The game lets players become Agent 007 and fight on land, sea and through the air, striking out to bring down a ruthless billionaire drug lord. The game will be available for MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST ($34.95 each) and C64/128 ($29.95), and it looks like great fun as you get to pilot helicopters in pursuit of planes and jeeps, go swimming with sharks, dodge bullets, water-ski with a harpoon gun, and chase oil tankers in a crop duster. More from Broderbund and Affiliates Maxis and Kyodai Broderbund has also introduced WIBARM ($39.95, MS-DOS), an action role-playing game in the tradition of the type so popular in Japan. The object of the game is to recapture Government City’s orbiting power plant before it explodes and pulverizes the planet. The game features high-speed arcade action combined with true role- playing elements such as puzzle-solving and interactions that can affect ability and energy powers. Broderbund affiliate Maxis introduced the MS-DOS version of SIMCITY ($49.95), the {program that is already very popular on Macintosh. Maxis has also released SIMCITY Version 1.1 for Mac, which includes several new features (LaserWriter support, among others) and enhancements. Kyodai Software Marketing showed two _ Japanese titles: MURDER CLUB, an interactive mystery adventu with a realistic comic-strip look to the graphics ($39.95 for MS-DO and ANCIENT LAND OF YS, a role-playing game with plenty arcade-style action ($44.95 for MS-DOS, Apple IIGS). Broderbu: also announced a new long\-term agreement with Distinctive So ware, a company that has developed and converted many famili titles, including ‘Test Drive,” “The Duel,” “HardBall” and “Out Rut The first jointly developed titles from the two companies are expect in 1990. Revamped PRINT SHOP Due Broderbund’s most successful group of titles are the various versio of THE PRINT SHOP and their accompanying add-on progran Responding to feedback from program users, THE NEW PRtt SHOP will be available for MS-DOS ($59.95) this shimmer and lal in the year for Apple II ($49.95). The new program includes more th 20 new features and enhancements, including a new assortment high-resolution graphics saved in multiple sizes, an improved infe face allowing users to make changes during design without repeat! steps, the ability to place multiple graphics and fonts anywhere on t page, and WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) preview tf allows users to see how an overall design looks at any time. There w also be new Graphic Library add-ons ($34.95 MS-DOS, $24.95 App II) and THE NEW PRINT SHOP COMPANION ($49.95 MS-DC $39.95 Apple II). Upgrades will be available to owners of the origir PRINT SHOP for $20, unless their purchase of the original program recent enough to qualify for a free upgrade (within 90 days of purcha for MS-DOS; after May 25, 1989 for Apple II). Upgrades can ordered by calling 800-999-3256 (consumers) or 800-521-6263 (ec cators). Accolade Shows Wide Range of New Programs Some of the new programs from Accolade fit with their exist! catalog, but the company is also striking out in new directions as we HARDBALL II is a sequel to one of the company’s biggest hits a attempts to combine the best of the original program with many n» features requested by users of the first program, such as choice j viewpoint (behind the batter or behind the pitcher), player draftii league play, instant replay and tailored team construction. HAR BALL II will be available for MS-DOS (MSR $39.95) and Ami ($44.95) later this year. Two new racing simulations were shown 1 the First time at CES: HEAT WAVE: OFFSHORE SUPERBO/ RACING ($39.95, MS-DOS) and THE CYCLES: INTERN TIONAL GRAND PRIX RACING ($44.95 MS-DOS, $29.95 O 128). The First program lets players experience the thrill and danger traveling at speeds in excess of 200 mph in an authentic 600-1 Superboat while moving through an entire season of racing on cour: along the Mississippi River, Biscayne Bay, Miami and Ft Lauderda The second offers speed and thrills of a different kind as it puts \, player on the seat of a racing motorcycle on 15 of the most grueli courses in the world. Accolade also showed the highly realistic E'* OF THE STORM: THE VIETNAM COMBAT HELICOPTI SIMULATION ($44.95 MS-DOS), which lets the player fly 12 co bat missions in a Huey UH-1 helicopter. Graphics are rendered in D polygon-Fill style. New from Accolade: Role-Playing Games Catering to their typical customer, the adult player, Accolade int duced their first efforts in the graphic adventure and role-playi categories, all of which feature contemporary themes and modem-d characters. CONSPIRACY: THE DEADLOCK FILES ($49.95 V. DOS) puts you in the role of an innocent bystander accused of mun and mistakenly entangled in a plot to overthrow the U.S. govemm- _ ./ 4 Computer Entertainer - June, 1989 aruly fine mess you * ve gotten yourself into this time!). This one uses r 500 digitized photos that give the program a gritty sense of :lism. THE THIRD COURIER ($49.95 MS-DOS, $44.95 Apple 1- S) plunges you into a world of espionage and deadly intrigue that izs place on both sides of the Berlin Wall. This program would seem : ffer an unusual degree of repeat playability because your character, |;nt Moondancer, changes according to your answers to the “Char- « t T Creator” function at the beginning of the program. DON’T GO tONE ($39.95 MS-DOS) puts you and a few other characters into a nted house where each creature encounter may drive you all closer ;he brink of insanity. You can’t be killed, but you can go mad and < ransported to another section of the house where you ’ll have to start r. Accolade’s initial foray into role-playing games certainly piqued * interest. ariety of New Games from Mindscape ,J ie Mindscape booth at CES looked a little like a Trekkie conven- i, with several people clad in uniforms of USS Enterprise officers, fc reason was the first showing of Mindscape’s strategy and action kpe in development, STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER [SR $54.95). The portions that we saw are from the MS-DOS version ■ this fall, and it certainly looked good with its digitized photos from movie. (There will be Macintosh and Amiga versions, but not until iy next year.) The company was also showing GAUNTLET 11, fch looked very good—much better than the original game, in fact, i UNTLET11 will be available for MS-DOS ($39.95), Atari ST and iiga ($49.95) and C64/128 ($29.95). Chris Gray’s latest for Mind- :pe was also shown, and it’s quite different from his earlier hit, ]filtrator.” FIENDISH FREDDY’S BIG TOP O’ FUN contains six i us events rendered in cartoon style, and Fiendish Freddy is ready : jil your every attempt at high wire or trapeze stunts. This game will Available in late summer for MS-DOS ($44.95), Amiga and Atari "($49.95). Mindscape will also let you take to the road and expen¬ se the bikers’ lifestyle in HARLEY-DAV1DSON: THE ROAD TO JRG1S ($49.95 for MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST). You’ll get to npete in bikers’ contests to earn money and Harley points. !' ga Arcade Hits for the Home ome computer versions of two Sega arcade hits, SH1NOB1 and TER BURNER, were on display in Mindscape’s booth at CES. :ga computer games are distributed by Mindscape.) SH1NOB1 lets ‘ be a Ninja, using your stealth and weapon skills to rescue the | lapped children of world leaders. AFTER BURNER puts you atthe itrols of an F-14 Thunder Cat in a speedy game of dogfighting [inst the enemy. Both games will be available for C64/128 ($34.95), -DOS ($39.95), and Amiga and Atari ST ($49.95 each). Capcorn Shows Variety of New Arcade Titles Expanding its computer game catalog, Capcorn introduced many new arcade titles for Amiga (MSR $39.95), MS-DOS ($34.95), Atari ST ($19.95) and C64/128 ($29.95) systems. The summer introduc¬ tions included L.E.D. STORM (futuristic driving quest packed with danger), LAST DUEL (save a princess and an alien world in your ship that transforms from land vehicle to jet fighter), SIDE ARMS (wear an advanced space suit with a personal arsenal to defend Earth from invasion by alien monsters), POCKET ROCKETS (600cc motorcycle racing simulation), FORGOTTEN WORLDS (fight aliens in your anti-gravity suit, moving through alien bases to save Earth), STREET FIGHTER (go up against the toughest street fighters in the world on a tour of England, China, Japan and the U.S.), and STR1DER (become a swordsman of the future and infiltrate enemy strongholds). Capcorn has more arcade games lined up for release later in the year, including the sequel to “Ghosts ’N Goblins,”GHOULS AND GHOSTS, the one- man army assault against terrorists in CABAL, and BLACK TIGER, a fantasy epic in which the hero must reclaim a kingdom conquered by three evil dragons. Two additional future releases are TIGER ROAD, in which a warrior in ancient China faces impossible odds in attempt¬ ing to rescue the kidnapped children of his village, and 1918: HUNT FOR THE FLYING CIRCUS, a World War 1 flight combat game against the infamous Red Baron. BC Sports and Data East Join Forces 6 ta East introduced Data East MVP Sports™ at the show, with the "ial title being ABC Monday Night Football. A familiar and 'trious name in sports simulations will be helming the project - ttOrr (formerly of Gamestar), who will also develop a Basketball Baseball game. We saw the footballgame and were impressed with * anced graphics and digitized voice. While we didn’t have a chance et into the game, we noted that there is a very interesting feature in ch you can be involved in the action from one of several positions, f ing to the excitment. 1 other game in the MVP Sports line will be a car racing title which involve racing legend, A1 Unser Jr. . w Arcade-Style Titles 'avy Barrel, a strategic combat game for the C64 and MS-DOS :hines was also shown. The player attempts to recapture an under- jnd control complex of a nuclear missile site occupied by terrorists, ilante combines a martial arts theme set in an urban setting. New Offerings from Origin Origin had four new programs to preview at CES. W1NDWALKER (MSR $39.95), designed by Greg Malone, is the spiritual successor to his earlier game, MOEB1US. The combination of role-playing with martial arts action sequences will be familiar to fans of his first game, buthe has moved many steps beyond MOEB1US in the conception and execution of WIND WALKER (Apple 11, MS-DOS, C64/128, Macin¬ tosh, Amiga). KNIGHTS OF LEGEND ($49.95 for MS-DOS, Apple 11, C64/128) is a medieval fantasy role-playing game that claims “the industry’s most comprehensive combat system.” The game is planned as the beginning of a modular mega-game, with five additional modules planned that will each offer new quests, subquests, characters and locales. OMEGA ($49.95 MS-DOS, C64/128, Apple 11 and 11GS, Macintosh, Amiga, Atari ST) lets you design cybertanks by integrating chassis components and creating artificial intelligence. Cybertanks then compete on simulated battlefields, with options such as compet¬ ing against your friends’ tanks. (Tank designs can be transferred by modem.) SPACE ROGUE ($49.95 for Apple 11, MS-DOS, C64/128) combines fantasy role-playing elements with space flight simulation as you explore a galaxy of eight star systems, twenty planets and two lmperium star bases. SSI’s CURSE OF THE AZURE BONDS Previewed at CES The second of Strategic Simulations’ Advanced Dungeons & Drag¬ ons role-playing games, CURSE OF THE AZURE BONDS, was previewed at CES. The game is the sequel to POOL OF RADIANCE and revolves around the characters’ regaining control of their own destiny. The game will be available initially for C64/128 (MSR $39.95) and MS-DOS ($49.95), to be followed later in the year by an Apple 11 version ($49.95). The MS-DOS version we saw at CES looked wonderful, with detailed characters and a larger than usual graphics window. iputer Entertainer-June, 1989 — CES Overview...continuedfrom Page 1 wizardry, coded onto disk along with a program, allows IBM and compatible computers to produce music, digitized voice and realistic sound effects without an add-on sound board. Innovative design was also evident in the Atari Portable Color Entertainment System. Devel¬ oped by Epyx, this hand-held game system accepts small cartridges and has its own 3.5-inch color LCD monitor. Video gamers can now play anywhere! More innovation: thanks to ESP Corporation, gamers can look forward to a sort of electronic theme park via BattleTech Centers (the first to open in Chicago in late 1989). Four-player teams, with each member in his own enclosed BattleTech cockpit with full instrumentation and a high-resolution computer screen, compete against other teams. It’s total immersion in a fantasy world that becomes very real. And More Games With “Something Special” We saw many games that captured our interest for a variety of reasons. WHERE IN TIME IS CARMEN SANDIEGO? (Broder- bund) adds a new dimension to the popular Carmen Sandicgo myster¬ ies, testing your knowledge of history as you hop into a time machine to chase Carmen and her gang. VETTE (Spectrum HoloByte) lets you loose on the streets of San Francisco in a Corvette—complete with all the familiar landmarks. INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRU¬ SADE (Lucasfilm) turned out to be not one game but two: one for adventure fans, the other for those who love action games. Both look superb, and they let you become one of the great adventure heroes of our time. Also from Lucasfilm, THEIR FINEST HOUR: THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN is from the same design team that did “Battlchawks 1942,” and it looks like a must for simulation fans. There were lots of sports simulations, and two that looked especially good were TV SPORTS BASKETBALL (Cinemaware) and LAKERS VS. CELTICS (Electronic Arts), both featuring five-on-five action. Mar¬ tial arts action, always a popular focus in games, has two new expressions in BUDOKAN (Electronic Arts), an exquisitely animated game that lets you master a variety of martial arts styles, and WIND- WALKER (Origin Systems), a game of intellectual and physical challenge that combines role-playing with beautifully drawn action sequences. Incidentally, WIND WALKER was one of very few games we saw demonstrated on Apple II. And when it comes to graphics and animation, no one does it better than Cinemaware. They showed portions of IT CAME FROM THE DESERT, their upcoming interac¬ tive giant bug movie which pays homage to “creature features”—it’s definitely goose-bump time, folks! Another “creature” we liked was Osmo, who is the lovable alien in COSMIC OSMO (Activision). This is the second exploratory HyperCard adventure for Macintosh, de¬ signed by the same team that did THE MANHOLE, and it’s a total delight. We also loved the newest SHANGHAI version in color on Mac II—fabulous graphics, and just as addictive as ever. Also in the addictive class, Taito’s wildly colorful and musical ARKANOID II has the added bonus of a construction set. Notable Trends Several trends were noticeable among this show’s exhibits. There seems to be a mini-trend toward the use of digitized photographs in computer games. They add to the gritty realism of THE DEADLOCK FILES (Accolade), provide a consistent cast of believable characters in DAVID WOLF: SECRET AGENT (Dynamix), and highlight the movie connection in STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER (Mindscape). The trend in systems for game developers is MS-DOS— not because the programmers love working with it, but because that’s where the largest segment of computer game buyers can be found. (MS-DOS drives programmers crazy because of compatibility prob¬ lems among the many IBM clones, along with multiple graphics and sound standards.) After MS-DOS, the system seen most frequently at CES was Amiga. There were some Atari ST programs, very few Apple II and hardly any C64 programs on display. Developers are still supporting C64, but that market has become a troublesome one for them. Many feel that the sharp fall-off in the C64 market is due to player defection to video games. And the video game scene is wild, with Nintcndomania rampant. It may be too much of a good thing, though, because the sheer number of games for the NES has reached the overwhelming point, which tends to confuse both consumers and dealers. One unfortunate trend noted in the Nintendo mega-booth: not only too many games, but too many that are too much alike. Both Sega with its GENESIS and NEC with its TURBOGRAFX-16 are hoping to take some of the wind out of Nintendo’s sails by providing more sophisticated systems and options not currently available to Nintendo _____ 6 players. Sega’s TeleGenesis Modem and TeleGenesis Baseba game—playable by two people across phone lines—is the early stepi what could be a very exciting area for game players. And NEC TurboGrafx-CD player with its promise of greater depth of gamepla is another early foray into a new area of technology for gaming. It’s to early to tell how these new systems will fare in the market, but the have begun the eventual and inevitable move toward what has alread happened in computers: the supremacy of the 16-bit machine. CES Is More Than Games Although you could easily spend all four days of CES explorin computer and video games (we very nearly did just that), theConsumi Electronics Show encompasses all areas of electronics for the hom Some of the more interesting non-game products we saw include Sharp’s portable unit that combines a four-head VHS VCR with a fou i inch color LCD screen. Sharp also showed a working model of a b inch color LCD TV. It was a little over an inch thick (no giant pictu tube protruding from the back of the set), and it had a beautifully cle - picture. And they previewed a 19-inch TV with built-in Nintend console. Camcorders arc more popular than ever, spawning a larj variety of camcorder accessories from lenses and lighting to cleanii kits and tripods. And novelty phone manufacturers are trying son pretty crazy things to get you to buy another phone. There are phon mounted in the bellies of teddy bears, a phone inside a running shoe ( you can talk to your sole-mate, no doubt), and even a phone that’s bu into a dead fish! CES includes it all, literally from the sublime to t ridiculous. T wo Indy Games from Lucasfilm x When Lucasfilm Games set out to design a game based on th parent company’s new film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade , th had to decide whether to favor intellect-challenging adventure arcade-style action. Rather than compromise and make fans of one the other type of game unhappy, they decided on two games. INE THE GRAPHIC ADVENTURE (MSR $49.95 for MS-DOS, Ami* Atari ST) is structured like “Maniac Mansion” and “Zak McKrackei with point-and-click interface and no typing. The basic game folio the movie’s plot, and can actually be played through by echoing 1 events in the movie. However, it also includes many altemati subplots for departures from the movie. Players earn more I.Q. (In Quotient) points for especially clever solutions to problems that In encounters in the game. INDY THE ACTION GAME ($29.95 Ct 128; $39.95 Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS) was co-developed with l Gold in great Britain and turns many of the great action sequences fre the movie into arcade-style challenges, -including the circus tr chase, a trip through the Venetian catacombs, the three trials of \ Grail Temple, and others. Both games look great and are full of ma little touches that add to the enjoyment of the games. Simulation and Fantasy Adventure The design team that brought gamers the acclaimed “Battlehaw 1942” is now working on THEIR FINEST HOUR: THE BATTLE* I BRITAIN ($59.95 MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST). We were told thatt is not a sequel to “Battlchawks,” but a separate game that incorpora' some of Battlchawk’s best features and expands upon them. The rep, camera is back, but with more camera angles, slow motion, and ' ability to record to disk. Players will be able to sample the fighting fn both sides in a variety of German and British aircraft. Lucasfilm’s fi new introduction at CES almost defies description. LOOM ($59 MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST) is a fantasy role-playing game, but it’s i like any you’ve ever seen. It is a game of magic and music, w absolutely no typing and no menus. It centers on Bobbin, a young t of the Weavers’ Guild who tries to find out why the Elders of the gu' have disappeared and where they have gone. He belongs to a gi whose members “weave” magic with musical notes. You are ignorant as he in the ways of weaving magic, so your tasks are*, explore the wondrous fantasy landscapes of your village and beyond while learning to weave magic. We’ve experienced just a li of this game, and we were enthralled. Watch for an upcoming feat# in Computer Entertainer, including a review of the game and interview with its creator, Brian Moriarty. Moved??? Don’t forget to tell us so you don’t miss any issues. Send us yourr/ address, along with your old zip code and subscriber number (the I FOUR digits of your mailing label) and we’ll do the rest. _ Computer Entertainer - June, 1989 i_ Cinemaware Does It Again Tie Cinemaware suite atCES was a little more crowded than usual— ore games on display because of adding their Spotlight Software line the displays. We’ve talked about those games in past issues, so we’ll hiit this piece to just the brand-new titles on display for the first time. 7 c got a bit of a preview of work in progress on TV SPORTS ASKETBALL, a five-on-five game for Amiga scheduled for this inter. To absolutely no one’s surprise, it looks wonderful. The signers are adding new features that many people requested after aying TV SPORTS FOOTBALL, including instant replay. TV PORTS will eventually become an entire series of sports games, eluding such favorites as baseball, tennis, boxing and soccer. jiant Bugs Attack! Cinemaware’s other new title is an interactive sci-fi movie in the •iritof the “creature features” of the 1950s. IT CAME FROM THE J5SERT (MSR $49.95 for Amiga) is hysterically funny, and yet it anages to be very scary, too. It’s set in the California desert town of Izard Breath. A meteor strikes nearby, and soon there are reports of ant bugs. As an archeologist studying desert phenomena, you be- >me involved in the battle to save the town from the monster ants, /entually, even the National Guard is called in! And the game even >ntains its own sequel, IT CAME FROM THE DESERT II, in the ickage. We loved what we saw and heard—typically excellent inemaware graphics, a foreboding musical score, and some great aming sequences. Work Progressing on Hanna Barbera Games at Microlllusions Vhile visiting the Mediagenic suite at CES, we had an opportunity to e the work in progress on Microlllusion’s Hanna Barbera titles COOBY DOO, JONNY QUEST, THE JETSONS and THE JNTSTONES). Graphics in all games are extremely faithful to the iginal cartoons and feature large-scale characters. The designers are ‘essing the idea of bringing the player into the cartoons through the ime s, rather than simply creating games about the cartoons. Electronic Arts Showcases New Products Two conversions and three new games for MS-DOS systems were ghlighted in Electronic Arts’ CES booth. JOHN MADDEN FOOT- ALL, just shipped on Apple II, is modeled after pro football and :ludes 162 of John Madden’s favorite plays from his offensive and fensive playbooks. Playable as an action or statistical game, JOHN ADDEN FOOTBALL lets the player create his own plays on the talkboard. FERRARI FORMULA ONE, first done on Amiga, mes to MS-DOS as a detailed driving simulation in a Ferrari Fl/86 er 16 international race courses. The program also includes exten- /e testing facilities, such as the Wind Tunnel and Dynometer. F-16 OMBAT PILOT is a fighter simulation that allows players to plan d implement air squadron strategies in a series of missions against eal-time enemy. Head-to-head dogfights with another player via 'ectdatalinkor modem are also possible. (F-16 COMBAT PILOT is ;o planned for Atari ST.) LAKERS VS. CELTICS AND THE NBA .AYOFFS uses real players and their stats from the 1988-89 season ■ five-on-five basketball action. Ten NBA playoff teams are avail- le, complete with individual characteristics of some of the more dl-known players. BUDOKAN is a martial arts game of consider- le detail that is drawn with beautifully animated graphics. The 3gram includes training and tournaments in a variety of martial arts des, including weapons. EA Programs for Amiga, Atari ST, C6~4 Electronic Arts reaffirmed its commitment to the Amiga, introducing its first Amiga product developed by the company’s European divi¬ sion. POPULOUS presents the player with two warrior nations—one good, one evil—each following its own god. The player assumes the role of a god whose aim is to populate, claim new lands, attract new followers—and wipe out the opponent’s population. As a deity, the player can also control the elements and cause fire or floods or volcanoes. This game with its fascinating concept can be played by modem, and a version is planned for Atari ST. POWER DROME, also for both Amiga and ST, is a futuristic airborne racing simulation with hovercraft. The third new Amiga title, SWORDS OFTWIL1GHT, was designed by Free Fall Associates (“Archon,” “Temple of Apshai”). This fantasy role-playing game allows up to three people to play at a time, each controlling a character, and characters can interact with each other. C64/128 owners haven’t been forgotten. Four conversions of popular EA titles are planned for release this fall: SENTINEL WORLDS I: FUTURE MAGIC, STARFLIGHT, FERRARI FOR¬ MULA ONE, and KINGS OF THE BEACH: PROFESSIONAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL. Interplay Debuts DRAGON WARS for Apple II at CES We got a first look at Interplay’s new fantasy role-playing game, DRAGON WARS, at CES. Typical of this design crew, this new game looks better than any of their previous efforts. It allows you to use characters from any of the three “Bard’s Tale” games, and it features a very flexible combat scheme. Auto-mapping eliminates the need for graph paper, and the user interface has been simplified as compared to previous Interplay games. The initial Apple II version (MSR $49.95) that we saw is quite impressive. The game is also planned for C64/128 ($44.95) and MS-DOS. Interplay also showed new versions of BATTLE CHESS for Apple I1GS ($49.95) and NEUROMANCER ($44.95) for MS-DOS. An additional version of BATTLE CHESS for C64/128 is due this fall. Taito Shows Three New Computer Games at CES Moving beyond its previous niche of arcade game conversion, Taito showed RAMBO III, its first movie-based title. The action-adventure follows the movie plot, sending you as Rambo on a desperate mission to free Colonel Trautman from a heavily guarded fortress on the plains of Afghanistan. The program is set for Atari ST and C64/128 (MSR $29.95), Amiga ($34.95) and MS-DOS ($34.95/537.95 dual pack). Taito hasn’t abandoned the arcades, though, as they showed Q1X, a classic puzzle game of mental dexterity and strategy, and ARKANOID II, THE REVENGE OF DOH with 67 new levels and a construction set (MS-DOS and Apple IIGS versions only). Both of these coin-op conversions looked terrific, and they’re available or planned for C64/ 128 and Atari ST ($29.95), Apple 11GS ($34.95) and MS-DOS ($34.95/$37.95 dual pack). QIX will also be available for Apple II ($29.95) and Amiga ($34.95). Taito Plans Rap Promotion This fall, Taito Software plans a promotion that will involve its computer and video games. The “Say Rap, Say Taito, Say Yo” promotion will offer a grand prize of a trip to New York and a vidit to MTV’s hit show, “ Yo! MTV Raps.” Other prizes will include Side Out sportswear and Ray Ban sunglasses. J ^mputer Entertainer - June, 1989 7 r imii Vidco Ci ami Umm c NEC Unveils TurboGrafx-16 in New York With much fanfare on May 23, 1989, NEC introduced their new, state-of-the-art game machine, the TurboGrafx-16, in New York City’s historic old U.S. Customs House. The new system is the U.S. version of the NEC PC Engine, which has been javailable in Japan since 1987. Upon entering the rotunda of the Customs House, we noted that all NEC equipment was shrouded in the secrecy of black cloth. The only units visible were an Atari 2600, an lntellivision and a Nintendo. Each was set in a glass showcase with an adjacent monitor demonstrating the system’s games. A nearby sign marked the year each unit was intro¬ duced. The effect created was one of viewing ancient relics in a museum. (King Tut never had it so good!) Direct Comparisons of NEC and NES Next we were led to a theatre-like area and treated to a super film and slide show highlighting the TurboGrafx-16 and all its peripherals, in¬ cluding an ex¬ citing CD- ROM interface which is ca¬ pable of han¬ dling games with up to 2000 times the mem¬ ory of the stan¬ dard NEC Tur- boChip game cards (com¬ plete with CD- quality audio). And then NEC went straight for the “jugu¬ lar” of N in tendo ’ s system, com¬ paring head- to-head the TurboGrafx- 16’s games to those of Nin¬ tendo on a large movie screen. They compared NES “Kung Fu” to NEC “China Warriors,” NES “Pinball” to NEC “Alien Crush,” and NES “Rad Racer” to NEC “Victory Run.” NEC stressed not only the superiority of the TurboGrafx-16 games in sound and graphics, but also their superior playability. They cited a Japanese study which showed that a youngster plays the average Nin¬ tendo game about 60 hours before shelving it, while the typical PC Engine game is good for 100 or more hours of play. The System & the Games The introduction of the new machine proceeded as we returned to the ro¬ tunda, where the black cloths were lifted, and we got our first look at the TurboGrafx-16s. Members of the U.S. National Video Game Team were on hand to demonstrate VIG¬ ILANTE, POWER LEAGUE BASEBALL, R-TYPE1, GALAGA 88, DUNGEON MASTER (a 5-player interactive game), VICTORY RUN, ALIEN CRUSH, LEGENDARY AXE, and KEITH COUR- v. 8 AGE IN ALPHA ZONE. NEC also demonstrated F1GHT1N STREET (we know it as “Street Fighter”), which is on CD, n TurboChip game card. This is a martial arts game with nearly fu screen-height characters displaying so much graphic detail that y< could almost see them perspire. It was a dramatic and exciting deb for the TurboGrafx-16, which is expected to be available early thisf; at a retail price of approximately $200. The game console and o: TurboPad controller will be packaged with the TurboChip game cai KEITH COURAGE IN ALPHA ZONE, a multi-level adventu featuring many large-scale, colorful adversaries. The controller h three-level turbo firing capability. NEC seems? to have a strong entn in what is shaping up as the Video Game Wars of 198 —Ron Patane And Another NEC TurboGrafx-16 Showing in Chicago AtCES in Chicago, NEC chose not to have a presence on the floor McCormick Place. Their showing of the new TurboGrafx-16 was u hotel suite, so most people who attended CES did not see it, and inde many would not have been aware of it but for some press coverage the show dailies. The drama of the New York debut was missing, 1 the TurboGrafx-16, peripherals and games are quite capable of gen ating plenty of excitement on their own. No died-in-the-wool gai player could fail to be impressed by the large characters, hi TurboGr large-sc graphics "Ch Warrior"' sirrn] game fr\ Nintei resolution graphics and obvious “next generation” look of the systei,, The TurboGrafx-16 achieves its special graphic look with what described by NEC as a 16-bit Custom Graphics and Video Encoder., is not a fully 16-bit system, however, because it has an 8-bit CP Initial availability of the system (approx. $200) and first games expected to be limited to the New York and Los Angeles markets. Nf has stated that they “ will distribute the system through selected toy ai i mass merchant chains as well as audio/video dealers.” The compa: expects to have about 20 games available by Christmas, plus access ries including the TurboGrafx-CD player (approx. $400), which ij eludes CD-ROM game interface and system card. The CD player al plays standard audio compact discs (3" and 5 M ), as well as the m CD+G format (compact disc plus graphics—CDs encoded with visi information along with music, such as song lyrics, liner notes, pictures). Those of you who have been following our periodic updal on future digital technologies in development have already heard abc * CD+G. Other accessories for the TurboGrafx-16 include the Turk Tap (allows up to five-player action), TurboStick (joystick w; variable rate turbo fire and slow motion), extra TurboPad controlle and TurboBooster (permits connection of console to monitor a^ amplifier or amplified speakers for enhanced visual quality and ster sound). NEC’s press releases state that the system “is aimed square * at the 8 to 16 year old age group,” which eliminates over three quart* of our readership. Perhaps NEC will catch on to the fact that the “ole gamer” is a serious, important and growing force in the U.S. videc ame market today. ___ / Computer Entertainer - June, 1989 intendo Showcases New Games, Accessories ;ht new games are planned by Nintendo between now and the end of the DRAGON WARRIOR is a role-playing adventure with the promise of t complexity, as you must gather three sacred objects to rescue the King’s ;hterand recover the mystic ball of light from the dreaded Dragon-Lord. CANADU is also a role-playing game. Your goal is to search for water to the elf kingdom of Eolis. Nintendo also showed its own version of RIS, which may have been pul together a bit hastily for the show since it not look nearly as good as Tengen’s TETRIS. Nintendo again showed dboat action in COBRA TRIANGLE, which will be available this mer. We were glad to see new games for both the Power Pad and the )er (which now sports a bright new color scheme). SHORT ORDER and ISPLODE! for the Power Pad are combined on a single cartridge. The first 2 involves pattern matching, as you must build a deluxe burger in a ified order. The second game has you defusing bombs placed by a fox r eggs in the chicken coop. Both of these would seem to appeal more to iger players. The Zapper is used in BARKER BILL’S TRICK SHOOT- (camival-style sideshow shooting gallery) and TO THE EARTH (first Dn space ship adventure). Nintendo’s final new entry is NES PLAY 'ION FOOTBALL, which promises a realistic simulation of the sport, game can be played by up to four people with the use of the new NES ELLITE, a very interesting accessory. The NES SATELLITE is an red wireless remote control unit that accepts up to four controllers, tiding standard pads, joysticks and even the Power Pad or Zapper. Its four- zt capacity will also be exploited by games from some of the third-party isees, such as Tradewest’s OFF-ROAD. Nintendo also showed the NES JDS FREE, a controller designed for the physically disabled which allows zts to control most games with a “sip and puff tube.” hird-Party Licensees Now Number Over Fifty tendo shared its 50,000-square-foot booth with a huge number of licensed jfacturers of games and accessories who presented a staggering anay of ucts. And then there was the World of Nintendo, and area showcasing ything from Nintendo-approved lunchboxes and pencils to pins and T s. We spent an awful lot of time in the Nintendo mega-booth, but we still offeryou more than general impressions until we receive actual review s of games. In general, we felt there were too many baseball games, too y scroll-and-shoot alien/space themed games, and too many similar Con¬ ors—definitely too much “me-too-ism” on display. Fortunately there was ure to be found, as well. Herewith, our semi-annual rundown of the third- l f licensees and their games. solute Entertainment is is a new licensee with some heavy hitters on the design staff. David ,:e’s witty A BOY & HIS BLOB was easily the most charming and original z in the entire Nintendo area. The company also showed SHREDDER, a /boarding game. :laim Entertainment is company showed the DOUBLE PLAYER system, wireless remote rol pads for two-player simultaneous action. Shown were AIRWOLF and GHT RIDER (based on TV shows of the same names), CYBERNOID Dt from the helm of the ultimate fighting machine), IRONSWORD: ARDS & WARRIORS II (action adventure that looks better than the nal), and DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE (a definite winner 2-player simultaneous action). Acclaim also previewed a planned 1990 BIGFOOT, which simulates five “Monster Truck” events such as Mud : and Car Crush. ivision n games from the veteran game designers include GHOSTBUSTERS II 'A on the upcoming movie), ARCHON (fascinating chess-like game with jgy and action screens, magic and more), TOMBS AND TREASURE loration and magic among Mayan ruins), SUPER PITFALL II (Pitfall y returns in an action-adventure with lots of secrets), STEALTH A.T.F. ’ighter simulator) and THREE STOOGES (excellent adaptation of the maware computer hit). Activision’s overall lineup appeared to be one of tronger ones in the Nintendo booth. terican Sammy s company’s new arcade conversions are THUNDERCADE (features a ?at motorcycle) and TWIN COBRA (military helicopter action). Their iously announced NINJA TARO may not be released. .erican Tech nos company’s first game is RIVER CITY RANSOM, a riverboat adventure nik lother new licensee, this company showed CHRIS EVERT & IVAN DL TOP PLAYERS’ TENNIS (singles and doubles with advice from the * and COSMIC EPSILON (3-megabit space game). idai HLETIC WORLD and STREET COP are set for play on the Power Pad, SHOOTING RANGE for the Zapper, which has backgrounds ranging the Old West to outer space. DR. JEK YLL & MR. HYDE takes place in | worlds and MONSTER PARTY tells of a young boy mysteriously sent to ien world. Bandai brings players another coin-op conversion in DIG DUG its martial arts street-fighting action in WILD BOYS. Expected to be sed early next year: STAR TREK V (based on the movie) and -IGAN’S ISLAND (based on the TV show). Broderbund The attention-getter was U-FORCE, the hands-off controller, but the com¬ pany also showed its upcoming games, GUARDIAN LEGEND (super-fast space shooting action that looks much better than many of the general type) and BATTLE OF OLYMPUS, an action-adventure with familiar characters from Greek legends. Broderbund announced that a worldwide development pro¬ gram has been initiated to encourage creation of games specifically for U- FORCE. Capcom This company has a large lineup of games. Previously announced games which were shown at CES included the Disney titles ADVENTURES IN THE MAGIC KINGDOM and DUCKTALES, along with MEGAMAN II, STRIDER (spy adventure) and WILLOW. CODE NAME: VIPER is a brand- new title which involves a secret U.S. rescue mission to save U.S. citizens captured by a Central American drug organization. CSG lmage soft This company showed its initial release, SUPER DODGE BALL, which is about to be the focus of a series of contests in major U.S. cities. Upcoming titles include SUPER RESCUE (rescue people from a burning building), SUPER SUSHI PINBALL and CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER. Culture Brain In addition to the previously announced FLYING DRAGON (martial arts action) and MAGIC OF SCHEHERAZADE (an Arabian adventure), this company announced its BASEBALL SIMULATOR 1,000 with battery- backed memory for saving season results. Data East Upcoming releases are BAD DUDES and ROBOCOP, both of which had been announced earlier. FCl HYDLIDE (adventure with battery) will be available soon. FCI showed two new games for the first time: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING (seems to have a very large number of possible moves) and PHANTOM FIGHTER (different-looking martial arts game with ghostly opponents and password feature). GameTek This company has announced far more games than it has shipped. They showed WHEEL OF FORTUNE, FAMILY EDITION and JEOPARDY!, SILVER ANNIVERSARY EDITION for early 1990 release. Two new games have been added to their Fisher-Price line for young children: PERFECT FIT an d I CAN REMEMBER. (These should be available early next year and are expected to be the first of the Fisher-Price titles to ship.) Names of other Fisher- Price games have been changed somewhat. The line for later in 1990 now includes MY GRAND PIANO, FUN FLYER, SCHOOL BUS DRIVER, FIREHOUSE RESCUE and LITTLE PEOPLE BOWLING ALLEY. Hal America This company was again showing ADVENTURES OF LOLO, AIR FOR¬ TRESS and ROLLERBALL. Hal America did not show any additional new titles. Hi-Tech Expressions In addition to its SESAME STREET titles, Hi-Tech showed their NES version of the TV game show, WIN, LOSE OR DRAW plus the system’s first chess simulation, CHESSMASTER (based on the computer version by Soft¬ ware Toolworks). Other future games are MTV’s REMOTE CONTROL (based on the MTV Trivia game show), MUPPET ADVENTURE: CHAOS AT THE CARNIVAL (favorite Muppet characters go to the carnival), FUN HOUSE (based on TV game show for kids) and THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER (escape from the Soviet Navy and defect to America; based on Tom Clancy’s best-selling novel). Hudson Soft ADVENTURES OF DINO-RIKI, a prehistoric adventure, and STARSHIP HECTOR, a shooting game had been announced earlier. New for this CES were the JOYCARD (control pad with rapid fire and stereo earphones with simulated stereo effect) and two games expected early next year. XEXYZ is a high-speed shooting adventure. PRINCESS TOMATO IN THE SALAD KINGDOM turned out to be a very captivating and clever adventure which we look forward to reviewing. Jaleco HOOPS (basketball) and GOAL! (soccer) are still scheduled for this year. Next year, the company plans to release BASES LOADED II: TllE SECOND SEASON as a follow-up to their very successful baseball game. The sequel promises more realism and control options. Jaleco also showed an action game with the unusual tide of BASHI BAZOOK: MORPHOID MASHER. (Where do they come up with these names?) Kemco-Seika This company had previously announced SPY VS SOY II, DESERT COMMANDER and SHADOWGATE. New game titles added for this CES were BUGS BUNNY CRAZY CASTLE (help Bugs rescue his Honey Bunny from Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam, Sylvester and Wile E. Coyote); SNOOPY’s SILLY SPORTS SPECTACULAR (kooky contests with Snoopy, his brother Spike and pal Woodstock); ROCKET RANGER (based on the Cinemaware computer game); and RESCUE: THE EMB ASSY MISSION (rescue hostages held inside the embassy by terrorists). Koei This company is about to ship their first title, NOBUNAGA’S AMBITION, a historical strategy game set in feudal Japan. Future titles, also based on ...continued on Page 12 *puter Entertainer -June, 1989 — Hand-Held Games Battle Looms Thanks to the increasing popularity of video games for the Nintendo, Sega and Atari systems, there has been a resurgence of interest in hand¬ held games by a number of manufacturers, especially Nintendo’s “Game & Watch” hand-helds which are distributed here by Microg¬ ames USA. With summer approaching, a time when mostpeople spend less time indoors, watch for hand-held games to become the focus of an intense battle for market share among several companies. Microg¬ ames will introduce three new Nintendo hand-helds: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, TETRIS (MSR $38.95 each) and PUNCH-OUT ($42.95). Konami/Ultra will debut a line of hand-held games including DOUBLE DRIBBLE, GRADIUS, TOP GUN,TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, C (Contra), and SKATE OR DIE. Acclaim will add to its initial line of hand-helds with a new series of SuperPlay games featuring enhanced graphics and sound: WWF WRESTLEM A- NIA CHALLENGE, WIZARDS & WARRIORS, KNIGHT RIDER, 1943 and ROCKY ($19.95 each). New Hand-Held Game Systems Shown at CES by Nintendo and Atari Both Nintendo and Atari showed portable, hand-held video game systems at CES. Although both systems are small and accept game cartridges, they are quite different from each other. The Nintendo Game Boy (MSR $109.95), which was previewed in our May issue, features a monochrome LCD dot-matrix display (black against a Nintendo's Game Boy yellow-green background) and stereo sound with earphones. The Game Boy weighs in at 10.6 ounces and runs on four “AA” alkaline batteries or an optional Rechargeable Battery Pack/AC Adapter ($32.95). The system will be packaged with TETRIS, the Soviet puzzle game, and the Video-Link Cable which permits head-to-head compe¬ tition between two Game Boy players. Initial cartridges announced for Game Boy are ALLEYWAY, BASEBALL, TENNIS and SUPER MARIO LAND ($24.95 each). Third-party Nintendo licensees cur¬ rently developing games for the NES were quick to jump on the Game Boy bandwagon. Konami showed prototypes of its football game for Game Boy, GRIDIRON GLADIATORS, and Ultra’s MOTOCROSS MANIACS (reminiscent of “Excitebike” for the NES). Other titles announced for Game Boy were GHOSTBUSTERSII (Activision) and SUPER PINBALL and SHANGHAI (Hal America). Other Nintendo licensees planning to produce cartridges for Game Boy include Abso¬ lute Entertainment, Acclaim Entertainment, American Technos, Bandai, Capcom, FCI, Gametek, Hi-Tech Expressions, Hot-B USA, Jaleco, Koei, UN Toys, Mindscape, Rare Coin-It, Seta, SNK, Soft¬ ware Creations, Taito, Tecmo and Vic Tokai. Advanced Hand-Held Game Technology from Atari and Epyx The Atari Portable Color Entertainment System is more expensive (MSR $149.95) and slightly larger and heavier (about one pound) than Game Boy, but it is more sophisticated and offers full color on a 3.5- inch LCD monitor with 160xl02-pixel resolution. The monitor dis¬ plays dot-matrix graphics in up to 16 colors at a time from a possible V_'_ 10 Atari Portable Color Entertainment System rotated 180 degrees so that the eight-direction control pad can manipulated by the preferred hand. Initial games to be released fort system ($34.99 each) will be MONSTER DEMOLITION (ang monster wreaks havoc across the country), IMPOSSIBLE MISS1C (spy mission against Criminal Brain and his droids), BLUE LIGH NING (fly-and-fight jet simulation), TIME QUESTS &TREASUI CHESTS (adventure from dungeons to outer space in quest for Si Gem), and THE GATES OF ZENDOCON (space battle agaii aliens). This system was developed by Epyx, and we saw and play a prototype unit in a private showing at the January CES. Excited as' : were about the system at the time, we were unable to tell our read* about it since we had signed a non-disclosure agreement with Ep) We felt privileged to be the first members of the press to see the sysl in development, but we hated not being able to talk abou tit! The proji has now been sold to Atari, and the system will be marketed under Atari name. Epyx will work with Atari on continuing development] new game cartridges for the system, and the two companies are said; be carrying out negotiations with a number of firms on licensi; agreements and third-party development programs. Tengen Shows New Games for NES The newly released TETRIS (MSR $39.95) for the NES was one the highlights ofTengen’s CES booth. Based on the Atari Games co op version of the original computer game, Tengen’s TETRIS off sparkling graphics, Russian folk tunes and totally addictive play act: for one or two. (Tengen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atari Gam which is not affiliated with Atari Corp.) This TETRIS definitely lo< better than Nintendo’s for the NES, which was shown in Nintendl booth. (Legal action is currently pending between Tengen/Atari 2. Nintendo over the rights to the game.) Tengen also showed 11 upcoming NES games SUPER SPRINT ($49.95), a Grand Prixdrivi. game with cars that can be customized, plus VINDICATORS (battl \ f tanks in the 21st century) and XYBOTS (futuristic battles agaii j robotic monsters). Tengen also announced that it will release POL1: 1 ACADEMY early in 1990. This will be a humorous game, based on: I movie, in which players can be any of a variety of characters us; | wacky weapons to capture crazy criminals. palette of 4,096 colors. The Atari system is packaged with CALIFOR NIA GAMES, runs on six “AA” batteries, AC adapter or cigarette lighter adapter, and includes a headphone jack. A connecting cable ca be used to link up to eight units for multi-player challenges. On feature that left-handers will love is that images on the screen canb ' Computer Entertainer - June, 1989 Lots of New Games from Sega rhcre was activity aplenty in Sega’s booth at CES where the theme as “Sega: America’s Most Wanted Games.” Several new arcade tmes w'ere featured, including DEAD ANGLE (government man ith a mission takes on crimelords in cities from coast to coast), YNAMITE DUX (zany game about a shooting duck out to rescue his rlfriend), SCRAMBLE SPIRIT (flight game with bombing mis- 3 ns), and GOLDEN AXE (barbarian adventure to be released simul- neously in home and arcade formats). New on the action front are ree games that looked very good: CLOUD MASTER (Oriental erne with mystical undertones), CAPTAIN SILVER (pirate quest for ;asure), and WONDER BOY III: THE DRAGON’S TRAP (our hero is been transformed into a little dragon and seeks the Salamander ■oss to restore his former shape). On the role-playing front, ULTIMA r is now a reality—a magical quest to become an Avatar of Truth, ga offers a Westem theme in W ANTED!, the newest shooting game r the Light Phaser, in which you get to be the ?sheriff and hunt down 2 outlaws. Sports games, always popular with many gamers, include ^SKETBALL NIGHTMARE (an offbeat game that replaces the eviously announced “Super Basketball”), WORLD GAMES (inter- tional events from bull riding and barrel jumping on skates to log lling and caber toss), TENNIS ACE (singles and doubles with ssword feature for saving tournament standings), and SUPER PLF (wonderful graphics, accommodates foursomes, and has bat- 'y-backed memory to save games and standings). 'ome Sega Titles Dropped eriodically Sega thins out its line a little as the company introduces w games. RUNG FU KID and SHOOTING GALLERY are no iger listed, and all 3-D games except POSEIDON W ARS have been leted from the Sega catalog (BLADE EAGLE 3-D, SPACE HAR- ER 3-D and ZAXXON 3-D). The 3-D games have not been as ccessful as Sega would have liked, so they have also dropped the mned titles OUT RUN 3-D and MAZE HUNTER 3-D II. Sega’s tpid Fire Adaptor was discontinued in January, and now the RAPID RE CONTROL STICK package has been discontinued, too. Some the discontinued items may still be available in certain stores, but n’t delay if you still want to add any of these titles to your collection. Sega Genesis: 16-Bit Sophistication for Gamers t looks as if the future has arrived for video game fans as Sega Dduced a splashy and successful CES debut for its GENESIS, the st fully 16-Bit game system which features true arcade-quality aphics and stereo sound. The GENESIS section of the Sega booth ^is enclosed, leading visitors first to a video presentation on the new stem, next to a live demonstration of TeleGenesis (more about this a moment), and then to the “play room” with many GENESIS units : up with a variety of games. As visitors left the GENESIS area, Sega Sega s Genesis I sonnel were on hand to ask them what they thought of the new s ;tem—and those Sega people were listening carefully to the an- 5 ers. Reactions to Sega’s GENESIS were very positive among many | >ple we talked to at the show. he Games ENESIS is very impressive: realistic, arcade-quality graphics, great ‘ reo sound (especially with earphones), very large and well-ani- 1 ted characters, and independent scrolling of two planes within - nputer Entertainer - June, 1989 \ backgrounds that gives a 3-D look to many of the games. At the heart of the system is a 68000 microprocessor (the same as that in the Amiga computer) and a Z80 co-processor which allows the system to play 8- bit games made for the Sega Master System (with an optional con¬ verter). As might be expected from a company with a reputation for arcade game design, the earliest group of games relies on home versions of coin-ops: ALTERED BEAST (packaged with the system), SUPER THUNDER BLADE (helicopter fighting missions), SPACE HAR¬ RIER II (the scrolling 3-dimensional shooting classic), GHOULS’N GHOSTS (action-adventure with plenty of scary creatures), and SU¬ PER HANG-ON (motorcycle racing with first-person perspective). Additional action games planned for this year include THUNDER FORCE II (high-s peed shooting game with multi-directional scrolling and fantastic sound), LAST BATTLE (martial arts action and strategy), RAMBO III (multi-stage rescue operation), ALEX KIDD: EN¬ CHANTED CASTLE (another adventure with Alex, this time on the planet Paper Rock), and FORGOTTEN WORLD (nine rounds of fast- action shooting). Sports games, always a popular category, are repre¬ sented by TOMMY LASORDA BASEBALL (features managing and playing, with roving camera angles for unobstructed field vision) plus BASKETBALL, SOCCER, and a detailed GOLF game that features courses in the U.S., England and Japan. Gaming-by-Phone And sports fans are bound to love TELEGENESIS BASEBALL, which can be played between any two GENESIS players via telephone lines, so long as they both have the TELEGENESIS MODEM and the game cartridge. We saw this one in action—a very exciting demonstra¬ tion showing that each player sees the same game from a different point of view (n other words, if you're batting, your view is from behind the plate; pitching- your view is be¬ hind the pitcher!!... pretty a m z i n g stuff). Tel¬ eGenesis gameplay can also include partnered play-offs, in which two play¬ ers test their skills as a part- nership against another p artner- ship which might be next door or across the country. TeleGenesis is not expected to be available until late 1989 or early 1990. Third-Party Support for GENESIS Sega obviously recognizes that advanced technology is only one part of the appeal of any game system to the player. The real key is the availability of a good quantity and variety of exciting games. With that in mind, Sega announced that they expect to be working with 20 third- party developers of software for GENESIS in the U.S. and the MegaD- rive in Japan. The first third-party developers named were Namco, Ltd.; Sun Electronics Corp.; Sigma Enterprises, Inc.; Techno Soft Company Ltd.; Micronet Company, Ltd.; Treco, Ltd; Dempa Publication, Inc.; HBS Company, Ltd.; and Spectrum HoloByte, a division of Sphere, Inc.. About fifteen games from third-party developers are expected to be available by the end of the year. Spectrum HoloByte’s partnership with Sega was accomplished and announced during CES, and the first result will be a GENESIS version of Spectrum HoloByte’s award¬ winning F-16 fighter simulation, FALCON. The game will be playable with the TeleGenesis Modem. The System and Its Components GENESIS will be available in September and will include one Genesis Control Pad and the arcade hit, ALTERED BEAST. The package is expected to sell for less than $200. (Sega does not offer a _ 11 -- “manufacturer’s suggested price” on any of its products.) GENESIS purchasers who may want to able to play some of the games made for the 8-bit Sega Master System can purchase the Genesis Power Base Converter (less than $40) which accepts both cartridges and cards. Additional Genesis Control Pads (less than $20) will be available from the outset. The approximate price range of the games should be from about $35-$40 on the low end to $60-$70 on the high end. Watch for a major Computer Entertainer feature with reviews shortly before the release of GENESIS! ...continued from Page 9 successful computer strategy games, are ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS and GENGHIS KHAN. Konami One of last year’s most popular titles has spawned a sequel in TOP GUN II: THE SECOND MISSION. There are three fighters to choose from, and players can have a friend join the team as wingman. Konami also showed JACK NICKLAUS’ GREATEST 18 HOLES OF MAJOR CHAMPION¬ SHIP GOLF, which is based on the popular computer game from Accolade. UN TOYS LJN Enteractive showed several titles seen or announced previously: WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, NFL FOOTBALL, BACK TO THE FUTURE and MARVEL’S X-MEN. A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET has been completely reworked so that the player does not have the role of the murderous Freddy, but instead attempts to stop Freddy from killing. Matchbox Toys This new licensee, well known as a manufacturer of tiny cars and trucks, announced five titles for release in 1990: TUNE-UP RALLYE (design, tune, test and race cars); MONSTER TRUCK RODEO (design and customize monster trucks and then compete in six events); URBAN Convoy (wildcat trucking with schedules, pickups and deliveries); WEB WORLD (spiders in space, racing to capture the universe); and RING RAIDERS (flight game with various types of aircraft from different historical periods). Mattel The POWER GLOVE and the game BAD STREET BRAWLER captured plenty of attention as visitors to the Nintendo booth stopped to watch Mattel’s game demonstrators in action. Milton Bradley In addition to the previously announced JORDAN VS. BIRD: ONE ON ONE, due this fall, Milton Bradley previewed three more games. CABAL is based on a popular combat-theme coin-op, CAPTAIN SKYHAWK is a jet fighter simulation, and TIME LORD is an adventure through time as you track down and destroy the Evil Force threatening to change the course of history. Mindscape Upcoming titles include ROAD BLASTERS (arcade hit with high-perform¬ ance armored vehicle), 720 (coin-op skateboarding game), INFILTRATOR (an update of the Chris Gray computer hit combining helicopter combat and ground missions), THE LAST STARF1GHTER (space combat game based on the movie; programming actually derived from the computer game, “Urid- ium”), and ROAD RUNNER (maze-chase coin-op featuring the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote). Nexoft This is another new licensee. The company showed CASTLEQUEST, a maze adventure, and wireless remote NES controllers (a gun and an elaborate, console-style joystick). Roms tar This company’s first release will be TWIN EAGLE, an arcade hit that provides cooperative shooting action for two players. SNK Upcoming releases from SNK are BASEBALL STARS (with memory feature to save statistics) and two military-theme coin-op translations, GUER¬ RILLA WAR and P.O.W. Seta The first release from this new licensee will be ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER, an action-adventure loosely based on the Mark Twain character. Sofel CASINO KID is the first offering from new licensee, Sofel. The game combines poker and blackjack with adventuring aspects as you make your way through mazes to your next gambling opponent. Square Soft Another new licensee, Square Soft showed the action-adventure, KING’S KNIGHT. The game features four heroes who make their separate ways through the early stages of the game and then band together to save the princess. SunSoft FESTER’S QUEST, using characters from “The Addams Family” TV series, stars Uncle Fester in a wacky quest to rescue the townfolk from an alien invasion. TERMINATOR has been delayed, probably until early next year. BATMAN was shown for the first time, and the game is based on this summer’s movie. The portions we saw looked good, especially the character movement and animation. ...continued on Page 13 V_ 12 Nintendo Poliferation - An Editorial Viewpoint As we roamed through the Nintendo booth, the largest display in t, history of CES, we reflected back only about two years ago wh Nintendo made strong statements regarding how they were going keep this second wave of gaming from turning into the nightmare of t first time around (Atari, Intellivision, Coleco). They spoke of a ve careful growth plan in which they would not allow “me-too” games j poliferation of 3rd party companies, and the like. They were in auniq position to do that as everything must be licensed through the . (although that is being challenged in court in a lawsuit brought I Tengen) and they provide the chip allocation for all the compani « producing Nintendo software. As we became bleary trying to cover all the new 3rd party compan: | (we ’re now up to around 40 - we wonder how many of these compan will be around in 12 months), alarm bells went off in our heads. We three booths in a row in whish new baseball games were being shov’ Without making an exact count of all the baseball games at this sho we wondered, “how many ways are there to play baseball??” The were the seemingly dozens of scrolling shoot-’em-ups with the ba; premise so similar that the subtle differences do not justify \ | purchase of them (especially at the kind of money these things co \ now). As we moved booth to booth, we asked for release dates and | amazing number of companies quoted “4 th quarter.” While we und stand that everyone wants those Christmas sales, just how many gan , do they think you’re going to buy??? Based on projected shipments new titles in the fourth quarter, they want you to buy over 25 games q the last few weeks before Christmas. Unless you’ve struck oil, 11 doubt you can do that! That then takes us to the Nintendo position» I renting. They are openly against it and will not sell directly to anyc: | renting. They want it stopped. However, this poliferation of tit; J simply fuels rental as gamers try out games before purchase. Aij I many of the action-arcade games get play from a rental of a few d; i I thatthegamerisn’tinterested in purchase. Instead, he moves on to * * next game coming out. Joysticks , Guns , Peripherals Everywhere Then, we started looking around at the ridiculous number of peri]- i erals you can buy. Everyone has their own version of a control p,, & infrared wireless joysticks, turbo this, turbo that, big, small, and i of them with the official Nintendo “Seal of Excellence.” As the d s at the show wore on, we had more and more of a sinking feeling I “we’ve seen this movie before.” When we confronted a Ninten j* executive with our concerns, his reply was “we do not feel we sho J > control what the 3rd party companies put out.” That was in dirt j conflict with what we understood the Nintendo policy to be. We kn v f the third party companies must submit each game to Nintendo r approvial before manufacture so we’re very confused by multi e baseball games (we can understand two or three for a varied appro h but this is ridiculous), and some of the other, in our opinion, redund it titles. We are finding this is becoming more and more of a “F i business with only the big titles moving, and only having a short sl.if j 1 life. We don’t like the signs if we want a continued healty gamg < environment and are deeply concerned. If you feel the same, we u e I you to write to Nintendo in Redmond, Washington. After all, we d see some great games (see elsewhere in this issue) and feel this su e j should be slowed down j ust a bit in order to ensure the long-term he; h ) of the gaming business. And Then , There 1 s Tetris Vs. Tetris In another situation which will confuse the market, both Nintendo ‘d Tengen have versions of the widely popular Tetris! The Ten n version, of course, is not licensed (again, the lawsuit) so it won’t h’e I the same spread in stores as the Nintendo version. We spent time vii 1 both versions and, while we will have full reviews upon release, ie < Tengen version wins hands-down in our opinion. Not only are ie graphics far superior with shading giving the objects a nice 3D feel,# K there is more choice of music and a unique 2-player version as >u f battle side-by-side. The Nintendo version was nowhere near as gace ship so he can get to Mars and visit his friends Rhonda and Skip. )me items you can simply find and pick-up while others have to be lught. You can open doors and head to die basement to look for ings, go outside, etc. Meanwhile, watch out for the Alien Task Force, one touches you, that’s it! You can also get run over by a boy on his ke while out on the street Perhaps that space scooter will help you ivel into the sky; however, if you don’t find the fuel, you can’t make go. Fix the space ship and Alf is one his way; if not, he’s stranded 1 Earch. [ Cute Game for Youngsters ased on the popular TV character (we did miss hearing his voice, but at’s another story), this Alf looks a good deal like his TV counterpart legameplay is cute and something that the younger set will enjoy the ost We really got a kickoutof Alf when we got called out of the room id, upon returning a few minutes later, found him asking (text on the reen), “I’m human, is anybody out there?!” All this while he was locking on his side of the screen. He continues his quest for your esence in a very funny dialogue with the knocks on the screen coming more persistant. It’s a very cute game which is not terribly fficult, making it a good target for those 8-year-old plus kids, (one ayer) Recommended IGILANTE (***^***) is based on the Se ga arcade hit in which 'U are a karate master called Vigilante who must rescue your ifriend Maria from the clutches of the Rogue gang. You must knock f the punks and the firve Area Bosses, all before they make it back their headquarters in order to rescue Maria. At the headquarters, you ist fight the Big Boss. You’ll move through city streets, a junkyard, idge, downtown, and a construction site before making it to their ieout. You can kick and punch, jump, and use the Nunchuck weapon you battle the enemy. 'un For Martial Arts Fans here are plenty of martial arts fans and this one allows you to use )se skills again, in a city setting. You’ll have opportunity to kick and nch punk after punk in colorful scenes. Quick reflexes are the key you sit down for some fast and furious sessions, (one player) VLIFORNIA GAMES (***1/2/***1/2) allows you to have a ally rad time at the beaches and deserts of sunny Southern Califor- t. Originally a very popular title from Epyx for computers, the Seva me includes halfpipe skateboarding, surfing, BMX bike racing, foot g, roller skating, and flying disk. You can choose to compete in all ents, any combination, one event, or practice one event. Also, you n pick your sponsor. If you haven’t tried an earlier computer version id even if you have), you’ll probably want to practice to get a feel for w the control pad works in each event. It has a high score screen and itures the awarding of trophies after each event and scoring. till a Strong Title l spite of the fact that this is a title that’s been around for quite some le (albeit for computers only), it still holds strong as several fun isions in various sports/skill games which are particularly popular in lifomta. The action is quite good and adaptation to the control pad ■ it Fine. Graphics are very strong with some nice sound effects (the me opens to the strains of “Louie Louie”). With the ability to play ne or with a total up to eight friends, you can have lots of fun this nmer with this one. (one to eight players) commended NINTENDO Software iLIFORNIA GAMES (***l/2/***l/2) ships for Nintendo m Milton Bradley coinciding (coincidentally) with the release for * ga by Sega (see review in Sega area above for details). This game tures the same six events as the Sega game, with gameplay very Hlar and the same features included. ood Game s in the Sega version, this is a good game with lots of fun included, ere are slight nuances that are different in the two versions. For instance, the Nintendo version features a shark with the “Jaws” theme ^ when your surfer wipes out. The Sega version has a shark which occasionally crosses the screen without music; however, we felt the waves were a bit better in the Sega version. Both are excellent translations of a hit title and will be a good addition to your library (one to eight players) Recommended Atari Features New Video Games for 3 Systems The Atari booth at CES was dominated by games for its 2600, 7800 and XE game systems. Small sections of the booth were devoted to the Atari Portable Color Entertainment System (PCES), Atari calculators, and music applications on the Atari ST. The very small space devoted to the ST stood in stark contrast to Atari booths in previous shows which included numerous displays by a variety of companies produc¬ ing games and other software for the ST. The minimal emphasis on the ST at this year’s show reflects the decreasing importance of the ST in the U.S. software market. Considering the small space devoted to it, the PCES certainly grabbed lots of attention for its beautiful color graphics combined with portability. (See separate article on hand-held games in this issue.) Most of the booth was devoted to video games, showcasing new titles for all three Atari systems and a new light gun (MSR $24.95) for the Atari 2600 and 7800. New gun games include BARNYARD BLASTER for the 7800 (target practice in a farm setting), SHOOT¬ ING > ARCADE for the 2600 (carnival-themed shooting), and SEN¬ TINEL for the 7800 and 2600 (destroy energy sources in an alien landscape). Other new games shown for the 7800 included arcade conversions such as COMMANDO, IKARI WARRIORS and XENO- PHOBE plus DOUBLE DRAGON and RAMPAGE from Activision. Additional 7800 games featured were PLANET SMASHER, NINJA GOLF, MAT MANIA CHALLENGE, WHITE WATER MADNESS and MEAN 18 ULTIMATE GOLF. New 2600 games shown included OFF THE WALL, ROAD RUNNER, RADAR LOCK, IKARI WARRIORS, WHITE WATER MADNESS, STREET FIGHT, MOTORODEO plus Activision’s RAMPAGE and DOUBLE DRAGON. The XE Game System was represented by COMMANDO, SUPER FOOTBALL, TOWER TOPPLER, XENOPHOBE, MIDI MAZE and DEFLEKTOR. As many of our readers who own Atari game systems know, we have had considerable difficulty obtaining information and games for review from Atari in the past. (Many other publications have had the same problems.) Our meeting with an Atari representative at CES was encouraging, and we were assured that we will n~ow get the cooperation we need to provide our readers the news and reviews they want. j‘ a ft 0 ...continued from Page 12 The next NES game from this company is SKY SHARK, which had been shown before. New at this CES were TARGET RENEGADE, a street fighting sequel to “Renegade,” and DEMON SWORD, and action adventure that looked especially good. Taxon This company showed its existing games plus one new title, 8-EYES. The player is a falconer out to save the world from evil jewels of power. The falcon can be controlled by a second player for “dual attack mode.” Tecmo TECMO WORLD WRESTLING is the next game due from this company, and it includes 36 different wrestling moves. Toho This new licensee’s first title is GODZILLA, and it certainly looks like a lot of fun. The player controls Godzilla, battling his way through alien space monsters as he makes his way to enemy headquarters. Trade west On display at Tradewest were MAGIC JOHNSON’S FAST BREAK, a two- on-two game. What really caught out attention, though, was Tradewest’s support of the new NES SATELLITE accessory in IVAN “IRONMAN” STEWART’S SUPER OFF-ROAD, allowing up to four players to race at one time—what fun! Ultra New from Ultra are two NES games based on computer games. The first is SILENT SERVICE, a submarine combat simulation by MicroProse. The second is licensed from Electronic Arts: KINGS OF THE BEACH, volleyball game which was co-designed by Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos, the # 1 team in professional beach volleyball. Up to four people will be able to play with the NES SATELLITE. Vic Tokai GOLGO 13 comic books are new from Vic Tokai, and they even contain game hints. The company’s newest game titles are KID KOOL, an action- adventure; CLASH AT DEMON HEAD, a quest to rescue a princess trapped on a dangerous mountain; TERRA CRESTA, an action game based on a classic coin-op; and ALL-PRO BASKETBALL, a five-on-five game. Licensees who have not announced their first titles or were not showing games at CES were Hot-B USA and NTVIC. A nputer Entertainer - June, 1989 13 ATARI ST MAY x-Bubble Bobbtc(TAI) X Demon’* Winter (SSI) x-Talespin (MD) JUNE Android Decision (DS) Arksnmd II (TAJ) Arturs (ARC) x Battle Chess (IP) Dark Side (SPO) Gauntlet II (MIN) Indiana Jones Last Ciutade/Action (LF) Krittal, The (CIN) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) 1943 (CAP) QufTAI) Operation Wolf (TAJ) RamboIII (TAJ) Rocket Ranger (CIN) Side Aim* (CAP) Star Command (SSI) Street Fighter (CAP) Total Eclipse (SPO) SECOND QUARTER Axe of Rage (E{PY) Bad Dudes (DE) Curve Buster (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Guardian* of Infinity (PAR) GuemUs War (DE) Paperboy (MIN) Platoon (DE) RoboCop (DE) Skate War* (EPY) Tnal* of Honor (EPY) Undersea Comm ando (EFY) Wizard War* (PAR) JULY Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SPO) Forgotten World* (CAP) Pirate* (MIC) Red Lightning (SSI) AUGUST APR. (TEN) Clue (VIR) Frendish Freddy'* B ig Top (MIN) Monopoly (VIR) TV Sport* Football (CIN) SEPTEMBER After Burner (SEG) Indiana Jones Last Cnuade/Adv (LF) Risk (VIR) Shinobi (SEG) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) THIRD QUARTER Bionic Commando (CAP) Harpoon (TS) OCTOBER Licence to KHl (BRO) Loom (LF) Their Finest Hour (LF) Xybots (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Colony, The (MIN) Double Dragon II (MH) Ghouls A Ghost* (CAP) Rax tan (TAJ) Rick Dim Work! Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman UU Golf (MH) Sluder (CAP) COM M ODORE 641121 MAY x Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EFY) X-Tocal Eclipse (SPO) JUNE Arkanoid II 8(TAJ) Aitura (ARC) Dark Side (SPO) Fire King (SSG) x-Furpower (MI) Gauntlet II (MIN) Hostage (MIN) Indiana Jones Last Cruiade/Action (LF) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) 1943 (CAP) Pocket Rocket* (CAP) QixfTAI) RamboIII (TAJ) Sgt Slaughter Mat War* (MIN) SpeedbaD (SPO) Spider Man St Capl America (PAR) Target Renegade (TAI) Tiger Road (CAP) War in Middle Earth (MH) SECOND QUARTER Axe of Rage (EFY) B*J Dude* (DE) Cur*e B uiter (EPY) Destroyer Eicon (MED) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Falcon (SFE) Heavy Barrel (DE) Keith V in Eroo Pro S occer (MED) PT 109 (SFE) Skate War* (EPY) Super Hing On (DE) Test Ride (CAP) Trial* of Honor (EPY) Undersea Commando (EPY) JULY After Burner (SEG) Android Decision (DS) Curse of Azure Bond* (SSI) Empire (INS) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Heroes of the Lance (SSI) Might and Magre U (NWQ Shinobi (SEG) Storm Across Europe (SSI) AUGUST APB. (TEN) Due (VIR) Dragon War* (IP) SEPTEMBER Battle Chets (IP) Black Tiger (CAP) Cabal (CAP) Death bnnger (SPO) 1918 (CAP) Omega (ORI) Orel Heahuer’* Strike Zone (MH) Space Rogue (ORI) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) WmdwaJker (ORI) OCTOBER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) Knights of Legend (ORI) Xybou (TEN) THIRD QUARTER Cycles, The (ACO) Ferrari Formula One (EA) King* of the Beach (EA) Sentinel World* I: Future Magic (EA) Starflight (EA) TV Sport* Football (CIN) FOURTH QUARTER Adventure* of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blade* of Steel (KON) Casllevania (KON) Double Dragon II (MH) Ghotlbusier* U (ACT) Ghouls A Ghosla (CAP) Licence to Kill (BRO) Rick Davis World Trophy S occer (MH) Shark Attack. G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Sender (CAJ*) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) AMIGA MAY x Blood Money (PSY) x Bubble Bobble (TAI) x-Deathbnnger (SFO) x Deja VuD (IS) x Demon’* Winter (SSI) x-Gun*hip(MlC) Indiana lone* A Temple of Doom (MIN) x-Opeiation Wolf (TAJ) x SimCuy (MAX) x Where in Workl/C Sandiego (BRO) JUNE Android Decision (DS) Arthur Quest for Excalibur (INF) Dark Side (SPO) x Fail Break (ACO) Gauntlet II (MIN) Indiana Jones Last Crusade!Action (LF) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) Qix(TAI) Populous (EA) RamboIII (TAI) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Side Arm* (CAP) Street Fighter (CAP) SECOND QUARTER Arkanoid II (DIS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Bad Dude* (DE) Batman (DE) Curse Bu*ter (EPY) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Guerrilla War (DE) Jack Nicklau* Greatest 18 (ACO) Jackal (KON) Leisure Suit Larry U (SEE) Metal Gear (KON) Mmd Roll (EPY) Operation Clean Street* (BRO) RoboCop (DE) Skate War* (EPY) SpeedbaD (SPO) Te*t Ride (CAP) Tail Eclipse (SVPO) Trials of Honor (EP Y) Undersea Commando (EFY) JULY Artura (ARC) Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SPO) Fidelity Chen muter 2100 (ST) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) KrmaLThe (ON) Magic Johnson Basket ball (MH) Neuromanoer (IF) Fowerdrome (EA) Sky Shark (TAJ) AUGUST AFB (TEN) Clue (VIR) Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top (MIN) It Came from the Desert (CIN) Monopoly (VIR) Pocket Rockets (CAP) SEPTEMBER After Burner (SEG) F-19 Stealth Fighter (MIC) Indiana Jones Last Cruiade/Adv (LF) Omega (ORJ) Risk (VIR) Shinobi (SEG) Spider Mm A. Capl America (PAR) Target Renegade (TAJ) Wmdwtlker (ORJ) THIRD QUARTER Harpoon (TS) 1943 (CAP) OCTOBER Licence to KDl (BRO) Loom (LF) Their Finest Hour (LF) Xybou (TEN) NOVEMBER TV Spons Basketball (ON) FOURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) Casllevania (KON) Colony, The (MIN) Ghostbuster* II (ACT) Ghouls A Ghosta (CAP) HardBall II (ACO) KyBos (BS) Ran an (TAI) Shark Auact G Norman UU Golf (MH) Stnder (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) F-19 Stealth Fighter (MIC) Harpoon (TS) APPLE lit file MAY x Bubble Bobble (TAI) x John Madden Football (EA) Indiana Jones A Temple of Doom (MIN) JUNE Arthur Quest for Excalibur (INF) Journey (INF) Qix (TAJ) Renegade (TAI) Shogun (INF) Zork Zero (INF) SECOND QUARTER Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Legend of B lackidvcr (EPY) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) ManhunterNew York (SIE) Mmd RoD (EPY) RoboCop (DE) Superstar Ice Hockey (MIN) Technocop (USG JULY Dragon War* (IP) Earl Weaver Baseball 15 (EA) Pint Ovct Germ my (SSI) }Qix (TAI) AUGUST due (VIR) Omega (ORJ) SEPTEMBER Space Rogue (ORI) Space Rogue (ORI) Wmdwalker (ORI) OCTOBER Knights of Legend (ORI) FOURTH QUARTER Curse of Azure Bonds (SSI) Where in Time/C Sandrego (BRO) APPLE IIGS MAY x Deja VuD (IS) PT 109(SPE) JUNE Arkanoid II (TAJ) Capnm Blood (MIN) Hostage (MIN) Renegade (TAJ) Rocket Ranger (CIN) SECOND QUARTER Downhill Challenge (BRO) Final Assault (EPY) Indiana Jones A Temple of Doom (MIN) Jack Nicklaus Greatest 18 (ACO) Leisure Sux Larry U (SIE) SCpheed (SIE) Superstar loe Hockey (MIN) Undersea Commando (EPY) Zoom! (DIS) JULY Ancient Land of Ys (KYO) Bailie Chess flP) Halls of Montezuma (SSG) Life A Death (ST) AUGUST APB. (TEN) OCTOBER Xybou (TEN) THIRD QUARTER Quanerstiff (INF) Third Courier (ACO) Three Stooges (ON) FOURTH QUARTER Double Dragon U (MH) Qix (TAI) Ran an (TAI) MACLVTQSU MAY x Gauntlet (MIN) x Where in USA/C Sandiego (BRO) JUNE Arthur Quest for Excalibur (INF) Captam Blood (MIN) Cosmie Otmo (ACT) Halla of Moraeziima(S{SG) Hostage (MIN) Puzzle Gallery (MC) SECOND QUARTER Arkanoid Construe Set (DIS) Arkanoid II (DIS) Kamov (DE) Leisure Sun Larry II (SIE) ManhunterNew York (SIE) Sceptre (DIS) Ultima IV (ORI) Undersea Comm ando (EPY) JULY Fdeliry Chess master 2100 (ST) AUGUST Shmghai/Mac D (ACT) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) SEPTEMBER Omega (ORI) THIRD QUARTER Starglider II/Mac II (RAJ) FOURTH QUARTER MS DOS MAY x Dan Bunten Modem Wars (EA) x Dr Doom’s Revenge (PAR) x Earl Weaver Baseball 15 (EA) x Hillsfar(SSI) 1ROC (TS) x Red Storm Rising (MIC) x-Speedball (SFO) x-Steel Thunder (ACO) x-Street Fighter (CAP) x-Total Eclipse (SPO) X-Wibarm (BRO) JUNE Amer Civil WarVol2(SSG) Arkanoid II (TAI) Android Decision (DS) Arthur Quest for Excalibur (INF) Bubble Bobble (TAJ) Dark Side (SPO) F 14 Tomcat (ACT) Gauntlet II (MIN) Gold of the Americas (SSG) Journey (INF) Shogun (INF) Zork Zero (INF) SECOND QUARTER Axe of Rage (EFY) Battleship (EPY) Curse Busier (EFY) Devon Aire Dia mond Caper (EPY) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Heavy Barrel (DE) Hybnt (DIS) Inti Team Sports (MIN) Jackal (KON) Metal Gear (KON) Mmd Roll (EPY) Quanemaff CNF) RoboCop (DE) Scooby Doo (MI) Skate War* (EPY) Space Hamer (SEG) Super Hang On (DE) Technocop (USG) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) Tower Toppler (USG) Trials of Honor (EPY) Undersea Commando (EPY) JULY Action Fighter (SEG) Alcon (TAI) Alien Syndrome (SEG) Ancient Land of Ys (KYO) Curse of Azure BondWs (SSI) F-13 Strike Eagle II (MIC) Indiana Jones A Last Crusade/ Adv (LF) Last Duel (CAP) Monopoly (VIR) Murder Club (KYO) Neuromanoer (IP) Operation Wolf (TAI) Orel Henhiser’s Strike Zone (MH) Rastan (TAJ) Red Lightning (SSI) AUGUST AFB (TEN) After Burner (SEG) Battles of Napoleon (SSI) Clue (VIR) Death bnnger (SPO) Deja Vu II (IS) Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top (MIN) Ml Tank Flatocm (MIC) Manhole, The (ACT) Focket Rockets (CAP) SimCiiy (MAX) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) SEPTEMBER Cabal (CAP) _ David Wolf Secrjet Agent (DYN) Federation (SFO) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Harley Davidson: Rd to Sturgis (MIN) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Knstal, The(CIN) Loom (LF) 1943 (CAP) Omega (ORI) Qix (TAJ) Risk (VIR) Shinobi (SEG) Space Rogue (ORI) Star Trek V: Final Frontier (MIN) Stnder (CAP) Sword of the Samurai (MIC) Tank Killer A-10 Thunderbolt (DYN) Their Finest Hour (LF) Thunder Blade (SEG) Tongue of the FatMan (ACT) THIRD QUARTER Conspiracy Deadlock File* (ACO) Cycles, The (ACO) Don’t Go Alone (ACO) Eye of tkhe Storm (ACO) Ferrari Formula One (EA) HardBall II (ACO) Harpoon (TS) Heat Wave (ACO) LED Storm (CAP) Legend of Blacksilver (EPY) Overrun (SSI) Starglider II (RAl) Third Courier (ACO) TV Sports Football (CIN) OCTOBER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) Ghostbuster* II (ACT) Knight* of Legend (ORI) Licence to Kill (BRO) Rambo III (TAI) Xybou (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) Casllevania (KON) Die Hard (ACT) Double Dragon II (MH) Dragon War* OF) KyBos (BS) Rsick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman UU Golf (MH) Where in Time/C Sandiego (BRO) ATAEUm MAY x-Daik Chamber* (AT) x Ram page (ACT) x-Double Dunk (AT) JULY Off the Wafl (AT) AUGUST Double Dragon (ACT) Road Runner (AT SEPTEMBER Ikari Wamor* (AT) THIRD QUARTER R*lar Lock (AT) Street Fight (AT) FOURTH QUARTER Motorodeo (AT) Sentinel (AT) Shooting Arcade (AT) White Water Madness (AT) ATARI 7m MAY x-Ace of Aces (AT) x-Super Huey (AT) JULY Rampage (ACT) AUGUST Double Dragon (ACT) Jink* (AT) Xmophobe (AT) SEPTEMBER Commando (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) THIRD QUARTER Ikari Warrior* (AT) FOURTH QUARTER Barnyard Blaster (AT) Mat Mania Challenge (AT) Ninja Golf (AT) Planet Smasher* (AT) SenuncI (AT) White Water Madness (AT) ATARI XE GAME SYSTEM MAY X Eagle’s Nest (AT) AUGUST Deflcktor (AT) SEPTEMBER Commando (AT) Mali Maze (AT) Super Football (AT) Tower Toppler (AT) Xenophobe (AT) NIX1EXW MAY x-CaLfornia Games (MB) x-Legacy of the Wizard (BRO) x Mtppy Land (TAX) x-Taboo (TW) x-Tetria (TEN) JUNE Adventures of B ayou Billy (KON) x Auwotf(ACM) Athletic World (BAN) Baseball Star* (SNK) Defender of Crown (ULT) x Guardian Legend (BRO) Guerrilla War (SNK) Hoop* (JAL) Hydhde (FCI) McgaMan II (CAP) Predator (ACT) Stnder (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) | x-World Game* (MB) SECOND QUARTER Shadow gate (KS) Spy Vs. Spy II (KS) JULY Adventures of Tom Sawyer (SET) Dr Jekym A Mr. Hyde (BAN) Hollywood Squares (GT) Jeopardy Jr(GT) Nobunaga’s Ambition (KOE) Shooting Range (BAN) Street Cop (BAN) Super Dodgeball (CSG) , Super Sprint (TEN) Thundercade (AS) Wheel of Fortune Jr (GT) AUGUST Bad Dudes (DE) Bad Street Brawler (MAT) Cobra Triangle (NIN) Dragon Wamor (NIN) Duck Tale* (CAP) Faxanadu (NIN) Monster Party (BAN) Power Glove (MAT) Silent Service (ULT) U Force (BRO) SEPTEMBER Fester’s Quest (SUN) NES Satellite (NIN) P.O.W. (SNK) Robo-Cop (DE) ...continued on ra ©1989 Computer Entertainer and Video Game Update. 525.00 annually in U.S. funds for 12 issues, published monthly. FoieignS33.00 to US. ptd Van Nuys, CA 91411. (818) 761-1516. Computer Entertainer accepts no advertising from any software manufacfiirer. The philosophy^ofthis Entertainer and are not influenced by the manufaci on the market. It is our intention toacl as an independent watchdog, providing critical commentary and analysis. The opinions are so e y Hnniiration or re-Dublicalion of this copyrighted work To describe a program, we may use existing literature from the manufacturer, but thal will have no bearing on the raling system. y repro u , p ' penalties This work may not be chaft 1 written consenl of Computer Enlertainer is strictly prohibited. Any violation of applicable copyrighl laws will be vtgorously prosecuted and subjecl to civil and criminal penalties. Tlus work m y altered in any way. ?ram SUBSCRIBER BUYING SERVICE Cost Sys/Format Quantity Total 'Sega) 34.10 of Rage (Co) 26.10 of Rage (MS*) 28.80 of Rage (ST*;Am*) 36.40 fomia Games (Sega) 41.40 Vu II (Am,ST,GS,MS,Mac) 36.40 Dn Aire (Co;Ap*) 22.30 dd Aire (MS*) 28.80 on Aire (ST* ;Am*) 36.40 i Madden Football (Ap;MS*) 36.40 J Roll (Co;Am;MS*) 22.30 Shark (Co;ST*) 22.30 Shark (Am*;MS) 26.10 [ante (Sega) 45.70 re in World is Carmen Sandiego Mac;MS;Co;Ap;Am;GS) 32.90 STER INDEX!AWARDS • 1982-1988 4.50 (shipping included) EW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! Year Renewal 21.00 Year Renewal 38.00 Year Overseas Renewal 33.00 IE:_ >RESS: rE_ZIP_ e_Subscriber #_ Check/MO _Bankcard....Expiration Date_ #: _ iture:__ : *=preorder;AM=Amiga;Ap=Apple II;Co=Commodore 64/128; MS DOS & IBM PC/compatibles;Mac=Macintosh;GS=Apple GS; ^tari ST; NES^Nintendo; SEGA=Sega time and PHONE your order in at 1-800-228-4336 (outside Calif.) YOUR ORDER! - 818-904-3682 Sub-Total_ 61/2% Tax (CA only)_ Shipping:_ TOTAL ENCLOSED:_ Shi pping Chart: UPS ... 1st 2 lb ea add. lb Calif, Nevada, Arizona 2.50 .25 Continental US 3.25 .50 Canada 8.00 1.05 Postal (P.O. Boxes & APOlFPO) Calif, Nevada, Arizona 4.25 .30 Continental US (& APO/FPO) 4.75 .90 Canada 6.75 1.30 FOREIGN: Please Contact Us for Rates Galactic Video Review Adventure Magazine n a product becomes extremely popular, many people look for ways to “cash in” on that popularity. We’re seeing that now with the Nintendo tn and games, as entrepreneurial types try to get a little of that multi-million dollar business. An example is a tape we received recently, rst of a quarterly “video magazine,’’THE GALACTIC VIDEO REVIEW ADVENTURE MAGAZINE (MSR $ 14.95) published by Studio ) Productions of San Luis Obispo, Calif. The tape includes lists of the top 10 Nintendo games (sales and rentals) and promises reviews of ndo accessories and games along with playing hints. In reality, the reviews and hints take a back seat to an overly long and lame comedy | ie starring Commander Vamak and his space-kid sidekicks, Cadets Bob and Sabrina. In 40 minutes the trio manages to do mini-reviews 1 ir games, two joysticks and one light gun (all invariably referred to as this or that “puppy”) but they devote most of the time to some very written comedy material. And as bad as the material is, the acting and production values are even worse. Reviews tend to consist of such ingful evaluations as “that game is totally tubular” or “really rad.” Hints are very basic, and even the decent ones aren’t detailed enough useful. The people who put this video together had an interesting idea, but they got carried away with trying to be cute and clever. The >arts of the video are the black-and-white clips from 1930s sci-fi serials. Don’t spend your game money on this one! * Jter Entertainer - June, 1989 15 J r From: BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 Self Mailing folder. Fold Here Availability Update...contd. from Page 14 Rolling Thunder (TEN) Sesame Street ABC (HT) To the Earth (N1N) V indie alon (TEN) THIRD QUARTER Adventures of Lolo (HAL) Air Fortress (HAL) Baseball Simulator (CB) Flying Dragon (CB) Goal! (JAL) Marvel’s X Men (1JN) NFL Football (UN) Sky Shark (TAl) Stealth A.TF. (ACT) Super Password (GT) Three Stooges (ACT) OCTOBER Abyss, The (ACT) Battle of Olympus (BRO) Card Sharks (GT) C as deques! (NX) Classic Concentration (GT) Code Name. Viper (CAP) Diehard (ACT) Family Feud (GT) Jordan Vs Bird (MB) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (UN) Willow (CAP) Xytoots (TEN) NOVEMBER Barker Bill’s Trick Shooting (N1N) Batman (SUN) Che asm aster (HT) Dig DugO (BAN) Iron Sword (ACM) Jack Nicklius Greatest 18 (KON) Kings of Beach (ULT) NE5 Play Action Football (NTN) Romance of Three Kingdoms (KOE) Short OidepEggsplode! (N1N) Top Gun II (KON) Wild Boys (BAN) Win Lose Or Draw (HT) World Champahp Wrestling (FCT) DECEMBER Arch on (ACT) Ghostbusien II (ACT) Knight Rider (ACM) Super Pitfall II (ACT) Tombs and Treasure (ACT) FOURTH QUARTER Boy A His Blob (ABS) Demon Sword (T AJ) Double Dare (GT) Glove Pilot (MAT) I Stewan Super Off Road (TW) Magic Johnson’s Fast Break (TW) Roller Ball (HAL) 720 (MIN) Super Glove Bill (MAT) Target Renegade (TAI) Terror of Tech Town (MAT) Twin Cobra (AS) Uriser's Turbo Racing (DE) Vegas Dream (HAL) S££tA MAY x Alf(SEG) x California Games (SEG) x-Time Soldsen (SEG) x-Vigilante (SEG) JUNE Alex Kidd Hi Tech World (SEG) Altered Beast (SEG) x Montezuma’s Revenge (PB) JULY King’s Quest (PB) AUGUST Cloud M aster (SEGv) Wanted! (SEG) SpeUcaster (SEG) Wonder Boy III Dragon’s Trap (SEG) SEPTEMBER Captain Silver (SEG) Casino Games (SEG) Galaxy Force (ACT) 16 Genesis System World Games (SEG) OCTOBER Basketball Nightmare (SEG) Walter Payton Football (SEG) NOVEMBER Dead Angle (SEG) Dynamite Dux (SEG) Scramble Spirit (SEG) Super Golf (SEG) Tennis Ace (SEG) NOTE: Programs noted “x* have shipped as of press time but may not yet be dumbuied nation¬ wide. Projected shipping dates are provided by manufacturers and subject to chxange. QQMTAXY QQDLS. ABS. Absolute Entertainment ACC..Access ACM Acclaim Entertainment ACO Accolade ACT ActivisioiYMediagemc AK . AinukCorp ARC Arcadia AS . American Sammy BAN Bandai BE.Buflseye S/W BRO .Brodeibund BS Bethesda Softwoski CAP Capcom USA CB ...Culture Brain QN...Cinemaware COS Cos mi CSG CSG ImsgeSofl DE JDiu East DES. Design SAV DIS Discovery S/W DSDauSoft EA. Electronic Arts OT . GameTek HAL Hal America HJC.. HJC S/W HS. Hudson Soft HT . Hi-Tech Expressions INF Jnfocom INS Interne 1 IP., interplay IS. ICOM simulations JAL. Jaleco KOE Xoa KON. Xonami KSKemco-Seika KYO Xyodai LF Lucajfilm Games UN UN Toys MAX Maxis MB. Milton Bradley MC Mmdcrafi/Miles Comp MD McroDeaVMichTroo M ED.. Medalist Ini ’ I MH Melbourne House Ml. Microlllusioni MIC. Micro Prose MIN M mdse ape MT.. Matchbox Toya MW, Mindware Inti NX...Nexoft ORL. Origin FAR. Paragon PSY PsygnosiVPsyclapae PI .Publishing Int’l RAJ Rain bud SET Seu S1E Sierra SPE Spectrum HoloByte SPO Spotlight S/W SUN. Sunsoft TAJ...Taito TAX Tax an TEC...Tecmo TEN . Ten gen TI ...Titus S/W TS . Three-Sixty Pacmftc TW .Trade We it ULT Ultra VT... VicTokai In the Arcades Sega introduces Turbo Out Run, their newest driving game which puts you in a cross-country race beginning in New York and ending in Los Angeles. There are sixteen different scenes, hi/low shift, and a great turbo option for those long straght-aways. You can upgrade to an 800 horsepower engine, high grip tires, or a turbo charger of bigger capacity. Sega also has Wrestle War, a realistic wrestling action game in an arena-like setting. Defeating all eight opponents allows you to wear the Championship Belt. Another one from Sega is Gain Ground, portraying war action on battlefields of the past and present. It’s the story of a battle simulation system controlled by a supercomputer which goes haywire and takes citizens hostage. You must go forth and fight to rescue the captives and then battle for the destruction of the system. There are up to 20 different types of warriors. Hippodrome, from Data East, is set in the ancient times of gladiators and chariots where you are challenged to fight the planet’s mightiest warriors in a duel to the death. Taito has shipped U.S. Classic, a golf game allowing you to compete on a 9 or 18-hole course. There are realistic wind and terrain effects and you play with a roller ball. Nastar Warrior, also from Taito, has a theme focusing on the people of Nastaria and their fear that the sacred shrine is falling into the hands of an evil tribe. It is believed that whoevergains control of the shrine will receive all of its power and rule the earth. You must prevent this from happening. Konami has two new coin-ops: Bottom of the Ninth is a two-player baseball game, while M.I.A. is a two-player game where you must find the enemy prison camp and save the MIAs. Atari has shipped Vindicators 11, based on a voyage to another place and time where intense galactic tank warfare prevails. It’s a one- or two-player simultaneous tank game. MicroProse Signs Agreement with Ozark Softscape A five-year agreement between MicroProse Software and game designer Dan Bi and his company, Ozark Softscape, was recently announced. Game players cert know Ozark Softscape’s previous work (SEVEN CITIES OF GOLD, HEAR' AFRICA, M.U.L.E., MODEM WARS and others distributed by Electronic Arts^ they can look forward to more of Bunten’s highly playable efforts which will net* distributed under the MicroProse label. Bunten looks forward to more of acollaboi i effort with MicroProse, and he expects to be able to take advantage of the technok 3 expertise of the MicroProse design staff in producing high-quality games. Computer Entertainer - June, 1989 Computer Entertainer INCLUDES f hc Vidco Qkmi IIpdatc \ 1 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411 > ©July, 1989 Volume 8, Number 4 $3.50 j In This Issue ... We Visit Accolade C.E.S. Wrap-Up Continues ...CJE.S. News Continues! Epyx Goes to the Movies Stepping into the Epyx booth at CES gave showgoers a bit of the feeling of attending a Hollywood REVIEWS Include... Qix ...for Commodore 64 DeathBringer Total Eclipse Fast Break ...for Amiga MegaMan 2 Friday the 13th ...for Nintendo Time Solders jAlex Kidd: High-Tech World ...for Sega TOP 15 COMPUTER GAMES 1. Duel/Test Drive 2 (Aco/I) Z. Falcon (Spec/I) 3. Dungeonmaster (FTL/1) 4. Battlehawks 1942 (LF/I) 15. Space Quest III (Sie/I) 5. Renegade (Tai/I) 7. Red Storm Rising (Mic/I) 3. Hillsfar (SSI/I) 5. Battle tech (Inf/I) 10. Blood Money (Psy/Am) tl 1. Kings Quest IV (Sie/I) 12. Ultima V (Ori/I) 13. Rocket Ranger (Cin/Co) 14. Gunship (Mic/Am) 15. Ballistix (Psy/Am) TOP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMES 1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) Z. Blaster Master (Sun/NES) 3. Double Dragon (TW/NES) 4. Operation Wolf (Tai/NES) 5. Simon’s Quest (Kon/NES) 6. Skate or Die (Ult/NES) 7. Ninja Gaiden (Tec/NES) 3. Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) 3. Bases Loaded (Jal/NES) 10. Track & Field II (Kon/NES) U. California Games (MB/NES) 12. MegaMan 2 (Cap/NES) 13. Tecmo Bowl (Tec/NES) 14. Zelda II:Adv of Link (Nin/NES) 15. California Games (Seg/SEG) Coming ... Inside Sega Reviews include... Hydlide ...for Nintendo ..jand much more! movie premiere. The company showcased its lineup of new games with an entertaining video done in the style of a movieland newsreel. Apropos of the newsreel presentation, Epyx showed SNOW STRIKE, a flight simulation game with a theme as current as today’s headlines. This action and strategy game for MS-DOS (MSR $44.95) and Commodore 64/128 ($34.95) puts players in the cockpit of a fighter jet for a series of ten missions to destroy the heavily defended fields, refineries and seagoing transport of South American drug lords. The missions take place over land and sea, as players must master aircraft earner and airstrip takeoffs and landings, operate machine guns and ATA/ATS heat-seeking missiles, and learn to maneuver over mountainous terrain in uncertain weather conditions while defending against local navy and air forces that support the drug kingpins. Epyx also showed underwater action that was realistic, current and believable in PROJECT NEPTUNE, a game that appeared to be a re-worked and refined version of the game previewed at the January CES under the title of “Undersea Commando.” PROJECT NEPTUNE, which is scheduled for MS-DOS, Amiga, Apple IIGS, Atari ST and Macintosh ($34.95-$39.95), involves an Allied Special Forces covert operation to stop the nefarious plans of an arms dealer who is code named “Yellow Shadow.” The player will control special agent Robert “Rip” Steel, an accom¬ plished diver, in an underwater adventure involving plenty of action and strategy. More Action from Epyx There was more Epyx action in the form of CALIFORNIA GAMES II (MS-DOS, $49.95), a planned Christmas release which will bring more rad, Califomia-style sports action to computer screens from coast to coast. The program includes four new events: bodyboarding, jet skiing, skateboarding in an abandoned aqueduct, and snowboarding. The samples of the program that we saw looked great, and this is a type of program that Epyx designers do so well. In fact, the Epyx designers are moving the multi-sports-event program to entirely new frontiers in another game shown for the first time at CES: PURPLE SATURN DAY ($39.95 for MS-DOS, Amiga, C64/128 and Apple IIGS). This one takes us to a time 100 years into the future when “athletes” from around the galaxy gather to celebrate the New Year, better known on Saturn as the Day of the Purple Dawning. The competition among seven unique space aliens and an Earthling covers four events. “Ring Pursuit” is a wonderfully three-dimensional slalom course around Saturn’s rings in which athletes attempt to avoid colliding with drifting asteroids. A maze-like mental race to open and close electronic gates in a non-functioning brain is the object of “Brain Bowler.” Fast action and three- dimensional graphics are the attractions in “Tronic Slider,” a sliding first-person race across a Tronic playing field to gather energy globules. And “Time Jump” is a shooting contest in which athletes jump forward in time by zapping spark clusters to gain energy. No one can accuse Epyx of not being able to get plenty of mileage from their successful concept of multi-event sports games! And Still More Epyx Action Epyx also showed another futuristic, sports type game in FLYTON 500 (MS-DOS $49.95). This high-speed, arcade-style racing game looked intriguing with its superconductor-powered space vehicles traveling through three-dimensional, tunnel-like tracks in first-person perspective. There are ten different tracks and four classes of vehicles in the game, and there is more involved than just speed and steering. Players must also avoid or handicap other players with a laser stun gun. This game features a two-player option via modem or network. Seemingly hooked on all kinds of action, Epyx also showed REVENGE OF DEFENDER, an updated version of one of the all-time great coin-op classics. The familiar horizontal scrolling and shooting action of the original has been set against a beautifully detailed series of new planet backgrounds, from the jungle planet of Sirion with its vicious wildlife to Gorbaxa, the energy-waste dumping ground of the galaxy. A variety of new enemies appear, including living crystals, silicon worms and blood sucking plants. REVENGE OF ...continued on Page 5 J i r More News From Consumer Electronics Show i Bethesda S of (works Announces More Hockey and First Arcade Game New versions of Bethesda Softworks* WAYNE GRETZKY HOCKEY are scheduled for release later this year for MS-DOS, Macintosh, C64/128 and Atari ST. The initial release of the program for Amiga was recently voted “Best Sports Simulation of the Year" by members of the Software Publishers Association. The company also plans its first arcade-style game, KYBOS, in which the object is to capture a three-dimensional, rotating cube that moves around the computer screen while disobeying all known laws of ?physics. The 24- level game is slated for Amiga and MS-DOS. Dynamix Shows Secret Agent Adventure As a new affiliate of Mediagenic (formerly Activision), Dynamix previewed DAVID WOLF: SECRET AGENT for MS-DOS (MSR $49.95) in Mediagenic’s suite atCES. Billed as an interactive movie, the program has graphics done entirely with digitized photographic images, both still and animated. The story centers on the theft of a top- secret U.S. stealth fighter and the fighter’s designer. Both have fallen into the hands of Viper, the most powerful criminal force in the world. As Secret Agent David Wolf, it’s up to you to recover the plane and its designer. Creating the graphic look of the program took 15 actors with costumes plus sets, a film studio, full-color digitizing, and a “VCR Interface” which permits fast-forwarding and scene skipping. It’s a -very interesting program. Dynamix also showed a more traditional simulation program, TANK KILLER: A-10 THUNDERBOLT (MS- DOS $49.95). This program incorporates digitized images, but it also utilizes solid-fill 3-D graphics. In addition to flight and battle simula¬ tion, the program includes a variety of character interaction for a more realistic experience. Two New Computer Games from Tengen At its CES booth, Tengen previewed two upcoming computer game releases. A.P.B. is described as “the ultimate cops and robbers game,” in which you play a cop and become involved in high-speed chases, shoot-outs and arrests. To advance levels, you must arrest your daily quota of criminals and return to the police station unscathed. X YBOTS is a futuristic game pitting you against the evil Master Xybot and his army of robotic monsters. Both games will be available for Apple 1IGS, Amiga, Atari ST and MS-DOS ($49.95) and for C64/128 ($39.95). Infocom Recreates Arthurian Legend ARTHUR: THE QUEST FOR EXCAL1BUR is the newest title in lnfocom’s line of graphic interactive fiction. As the young Arthur, your quest for Excalibur involves proving yourself worthy of the throne, lest you lose your legacy to the evil King Lot. The program includes all the familiar characters of the legend: Merlin the Magician, the Lady of the Lake, and others. Initial versions of the game will be available for Macintosh and Amiga (MSR $49,95), to be followed by versions for Apple II and MS-DOS ($39.95). V 2 MicroProse Announces Major Acquisition Last month, MicroProse announced its purchase of Telecomsoft, th entertainment software division of British Telecom. Tclecomsol games, formerly marketed in the U.S. under the Rainbird and Firebin labels, will now be marketed by Medalist International, a division o'k MicroProse, under the MicroPlay label in the U.S. New from MicroProse MicroProse announced the upcoming release of F-15 STRIK1 EAGLE II, an updated version of its classic flight simulator, for MS, DOS systems. The new version will take advantage of some of the 3i D graphics technology First seen in F-19 STEALTH FIGHTER. Th company also plans a brand-new simulation for MS-DOS, M1TANI PLATOON. The game will put the player at the helm of four tanks, nt just one, because tanks travel in platoons of four in real tank warfare. And they will be able to call in other forces to aid in the battle, includin; infantry, helicopters, jets, artillery and other tanks. The other ne\ game for MS-DOS from MicroProse is SWORD OFTHE SAMURA a combination of fantasy role-playing and simulation of the type Fir:' seen in “Pirates!”. The player is an ambitious young samurai seekin to move up the military and social ladder, eventually reaching the titl I of Shogun, the game will stree political savvy, the Japanese concept c honor, and wargaming action. The company has developed its ow , hardware and technology, and the first planned coin-op will be base on the F-19 STEALTH FIGHTER computer game. Vette Sweepstakes from Spectrum Holobyte There will be five trips to San Francisco given away in conjunctio with the upcoming release of Spectrum Holobyte’s VETTEl Randoi drawings will be held each month August through December and yo can win airfare for two to San Francisco, 3 nights in a hotel, plus tf use of a Corvette for the four day weekend. You’ll be able to get enti forms from your participating software dealer. Kyodai Releasing First Two Titles for MS-DOS Murder Club and Ancient Land of Ys will be released shortly t Kyodai for MS-DOS. Murder Club is an interactive mystery ad ventui in which you are the detective assigned to a case where you must so through clues, conflicting stories, etc., to get to a shocking conclusion Ancient Land of Ys contains both a role-playing game as well as a arcade game. On your quest for the six stolen Books of Ys, you a• faced with battles and mysteries at every turn. Moved??? Don’t forget to tell us so you don’t miss any issues. Send us your ne I address, along with your old zip code and subscriber number (the la FOUR digits of your mailing label) and we’ll do the rest. THE RATING SYSTEM: 4 STARS = EXCELLENT 2 STARS = FAIR 3 STARS = GOOD 1 STAR = POOR * = ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1st set of stars=quality < ;l graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value) NA - Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) i| _A Computer Entertainer - July, 1989 AMIGA Software SLAMMERS r DAVE -MUSCLE*' MCGOWAN CPLAYBOOK > LBS* HITS THE B<^ “I SHOT. LOUSY ~ 9 PT ft PF r|oig InIiPE^SHoI^ lousy S HARD. HANDLER. ST ft IQ JAMMERS THURMOND H^c?5gf T ^iE T ?WE * “ers'TW ; r- TLOYD THE BARBER'* JOHNSON cJH 1^2 hB i* % - pr SPASTIC INSIDE. E LEAGUE. ^ ^ 9 PF % ST FAST BREAK (***l/2/***l/2) has been converted for Amiga owners by A ccolade in a basketball simulation which features three- on-three, full court action. Each “team” has a guard, center, and forward and you choose your team from a roster of six. You can check out each candidate by reviewing his scout¬ ing report. Your view is from halfway up in the stands, mid-court, with the action switching from one side of the court to the other based on where the ball is. At the start of the game, you van select and use up to four plays from a playbook which has fifteen offensive and five pro-type defensive plays. Included is the fast break, man-to-man loose and tight, double team, and trap. You can move in for the slam dunk, the jump shot, etc. With the Play maker feature, you can design your jwn plays as well. Fine Court Action Designer Steve Cartwright (he’s be¬ hind such classics as he 2600 Megama- Tia) has done a fine ob in bringing lots )f fast action to a Same very popular o sports fans. Once /ou get the hang of low to manipulate either the mouse or joystick (you have your choice )f either), you’ll find you can nicely manipulate your players. While his isn’t “by the book” basketball (after all, the real game features five iin each team), the action is very good and the graphics are quite good, vith good size players and nice detailing. It’s an enjoyable game of basketball for any computer sports fan. (one player; two player .imultaneous; joystick or mouse; also available for MS-DOS and C64) Recommended (MSR $44.95) jRAND PRIX CIRCUIT (***l/2/***l/2) takes you to the world )f Formula One racing in a conversion b \ Accolade . You can choose orace for the teams of McLaren, Ferrari, or Williams as you enter the ightdifferent races/tracks of the Grand Prix Circuit. Initially, you can hoose to practice as you work on one particular course to master it. Eventually, you’ll enter the championship circuit where you race at all ight tracks for a total time and score. Whether you choose to race in he circuit or on one particular track, you ’ll have to qualify first as you ace against the clock. Your time on the lap will determine your Placement in the 10-car starting grid. There are five levels of play with he easiest allowing automatic shifting. As you move up through the evels, you’ll have to master shifting as well as the higher risk of spin¬ ets, blown engines, and the like. As you race and incurdamage, you’ll lave to decide when it’s necessary to enter to pitstop to change tires. The dual rear view mirrors must be monitored closely so you can keep *___ omputer Entertainer - July, 1989 \ track on that competitor breathing down your neck. You’ll find yourself dealing with all the obstacles, tunnels, and the like as you race at breakneck speeds. Still a Fine Racing Game While we tend to give a slight nod to Accolade’s own Test Drive (both designed by Distinctive Soft¬ ware), this is a really fine straight-ahead racing game. After all, Test Drive is really a slightly different type of racing game, albeit with slightly better graphics, more cars to choose from, etc. One draw¬ back here is the pitstop as changing the tires is the only “fixing” you can do and that “fixes” whatever is wrong. By the way, we noted with surprise the opening screen of the voice coming on and announc¬ ing, “Accolade Presents Grand Prix Circuit” was that of a woman! Interesting choice, especially in the racing genre which, right or wrong, is identified as a male domain. If you already own a racing game you’re in love with, you may want to pass. If not, this is a strong entry in the genre, (one player; requires joystick; reviewed on Amiga; also available for MS-DOS and C64) (MSR $49.95) SPEEDBALL (***I/2/***l/2) is yet another conversion we’ve looked at this month, this one ftom Spotliefit SoftM'are (distributed by Cinemaware) . This is a strange combination of hockey and soccer somewhere in the 21st century where men look like they’ve just come off the Rollerball rink. It’s a free-for-all with two 5-men teams com¬ peting to score goals maneuvering a 5- pound solid steel ball on an alloyed metal surface. Your view is from directly overhead as you peer down on the heads of these bashers in spiked ar¬ mor bodywear. The field includes such items as a ball launcher, bounce domes, and warp tunnels (handy for passing the ball to a teammate on the other side of the arena). There are also power tokens (rotating coins which appear at random) and power J 3 AMIGA Software tiles allowing you to have various effects on the opposition. There aren ’t any rules and you can try to bribe the officials. If you wish, create a league schedule and compete against 11 unique computer teams. A Different Sport , Indeed We really enjoyed a sports game which isn’t like anything else out there, allowing us to combine the prem¬ ises of a couple of dif¬ ferent sports already familiar to us. The graphics are very good and there enough crazy action to hold your interest (one player; two-player simultaneous; joystick required; reviewed on Amiga; also available for MS-DOS; coming for C64; Atari ST) Recommended DARK SIDE (***l/2/***l/2) is a strange adventure as you ex¬ plore a hi-tech military base of the future in the guise of a one-man army dedicated to sav¬ ing the world from destruction. Featuring Freescape™, a smooth scrolling, solid 3D graphic system, Spot¬ light SoftM’are (dis¬ tributed by Cine¬ ma ware) arms you with shields, jetpower pack, and lasers in search of the Alien weapon hidden on this base. As you search through this interesting world, you’ll move through doors, search through buildings and tunnels, looking for the weapon. Meanwhile, there are many traps and tricks to foil you. There’s a walking cursor to help you guide your steps through the screens and a Message Window keeps you abreast on your current sector lo¬ cation. In addition to using a joystick or mouse in moving around, there are sev¬ eral keyboard com¬ mands which will help you as you search in all directions. There are important objects to collect along the way such as shields, fuel, etc. A Very Interesting Game This is a fascinating combination of exploration adventure and puzzle solving, with enough action to keep you happy. You’ll have to work Discover ways to open doors through space! through several problems as the absolutely fascinating solid 3D landscape scrolls around you. There’s plenty of adventure here and places to explore for just about any gameplayer as you Find yourself being pulled in by the strange landscape. You may have some trouble putting it away! (one player; joystick optional; reviewed on Amiga; coming for MS-DOS) Recommended TOTAL ECLIPSE (***1/2/****) is the second game this month from Spotlight Software (distributed by Cinemaware) which features Freescape™, a very interesting solid, smooth-scrolling 3D graphics j system. Here you’re transported to Egypt where an impending eclipse of the sun is about to trigger an an¬ cient Egyptian curse. The Earth will be anni¬ hilated unless you can find and destroy a se¬ cret shrine buried I somewhere beneath a mysterious pyramid, i Explore a mysterious 15-leve! labyrinth . , f 7 As you locate one of the two doors to the pyramid, you enter a chamber of horrors filled with treasures, mum¬ mies, deadly spiders, and more in a 15-level labyrinth which you may never find your way out of! Of course, you ’re racing against time as the eclipse comes ever nearer. All you’ve got is a revolver, wrist- watch, water bottle, and compass. Care¬ fully examine every¬ thing from the plane sitting outside the pyramid to various objects inside to gain clues. Pick up ankhs for later use and, by all means, keep an eye out on your watch and the darkening sun. You only have two hours! There are several keyboard controls which you’ll use for looking up, down, Firing your gun r turning, crouching, and more as you attempt to solve the mystery of where the secret shrine is. A Different Locale We enjoyed heading to the deserts of Egypt and into the mysterious and frightening depths of an Egyptian pyramid as adventure and action abounds. Again, the solid 3D graphics provide a most interesting way to present the surroundings as you truly feel as though you’re in the middle of this labyrinth. There’s even some very appropriate music which thrusts you into the world of King Tut! It’s a nice change of pace, (one player; joystick optional; reviewed on Amiga; coming for MS- DOS) Recommended Computer Entertainer - July, 1989 MACINTOSH Software ] ’OSMIC OSMO (★★★*'*★★*) is a fascinating animated fantasy xploration from Activision which takes you through the strange and uite amusing worlds of Cosmic Osmo. Conceived by Cyan, the team of two brothers who designed the award¬ winning interactive fantasy, The Man¬ hole , it’s a trip through several worlds like nothing you’ve experienced before. The worlds are quite whimsical as you visit the planet, Holy Mackerel (in the guise of a fish, of course), a planet made of cheese, and many others. As we made our way into the spaceship (simply bint and click to explore everything from cabinets, windows, funny oking creatures, etc.) we checked out the various music which we )uld put in the cassette deck. We tried dialing some numbers on the lone (all sounds extremely realistic) and got everything from a busy !gnal, to “this number is no longer in service.” We even tried calling e operator...she came on the line and put us on hold, leaving us to >ten to music on hold! We then headed for a very strange planet deed where we visited the home of a pretty hilarious character. We itered through a door and entered a time warp, ending up in a kitchen it of the 1950’s where e checked out the refrig- ator. We won’t give vay the pretty silly ings going on in there, or e two characters under e sink called Space >uds, but suffice to say, >u can have quite a time, e climbed stairs to the anet’s surface, headed a observatory where we 're invited to look rough the telescope by a endly little alien. 4 Fascinating Adven - re to Share With Your Js Tiis is a fabulous way to t your young kids com- -tely engrossed in the mputcr as the animation d sounds (including ry realistic speech) will Id their attention for hours. It is so easy to move around by “pointing d clicking” and there are all sorts of “sub-worlds” if you start ploring through doors, windows, hidden entrances, etc. as you move out the many planets. You can even take a trip on a boat to an island which ho Ids a mysterious key to ?? The “aliens” are a whimsical group of very funny shape and characteristics. Frankly, we had a hard time pulling away as every turn you make turns up some other delightful surprise. You can make flowers grow, feed a pretty silly looking dog a bone...the choices are quite extensive. The only drawback in this program, as in The Manhole, is the system requirements to make it run (see below). One advantage to this program is that Activision has kindly included the required HyperCard program (which, of course, can then be used for other programs requiring HyperCard which is a plus). If you’ve got the system to run it and you have kids (and, maybe even if you don’t have kids!), you should definitely add this to your library, (requires Macintosh Plus, SE, SE30, II, or Ilx with 1 MB RAM and hard disk drive) Recommended (MSR $69.95 Gamestcir Releases Two New Sports Simulations for MS-DOS Systems TAKE DOWN (MSR $34.95), a wrestling simulation, and MOTO- CROSS ($39.95), a simulation of 250cc motocross racing, were recently released by Gamestar for MS-DOS systems. TAKE DOWN features a full complement of outrageous characters and plenty of tag- team action with moves such as pile drivers, body slams, airplane spins, atomic drops, suplexes and off-the-rope action. MOTOCROSS puts players on the seat of a Suzuki RM 250 dirt bike in a chase for the U.S. Motocross Circuit Championship. The action includes plenty of wild moves, four skill levels, and the ability to customize suspension, tire inflation and fork angle. THE MAGIC CANDLE Comes to Commodore 64 Miles Computing and Mindcraft have added a C64/128 version of their fantasy role-playing game, THE MAGIC CANDLE (MSR $39.95), to the original versions for Apple II and MS-DOS ($49.95). Distributed by Electronic Arts, the program is set in a medieval period and charges the player with the task of preventing an evil wizard from escaping imprisonment within a magic candle’s flame.The adventurer in the game works with a team of characters, and teams can be split up to pursue separate activities. ...C.E.S. News from Epyx contd. from Page 1 DEFENDER will be available for MS-DOS, Amiga ($39.95 each) and C64/128 ($34.95). More from Epyx In a departure from the action orientation of most of the Epyx introductions at CES, the company showed a computer version of the ancient strategic boardgame of 1SH1DO, with graphic design and production by Brodie Lockard, who designed “Shanghai” for Activ¬ ision. Stones decorated with symbolic designs are placed strategically on a 12x8-square board to triple or quadruple scores and create up to 4-way matches of color or symbol by thinking many moves ahead. ISHIDO will be available for MS-DOS and Apple IIGS ($39.95) and for Amiga and Macintosh/Mac II ($49.95). Epyx also highlighted the re-release of their superb, award-winning WORLD KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP ($19.95 forMS-DOS, Apple II, C64/128 and Atari ST). An injunction which had previously prohibited sale of the game was lifted in May, 1989 after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found no infringement by Epyx in the Data East vs. Epyx “look-and-feel” lawsuit. This was good news for Epyx and equally good news for fans of martial arts games, who can now enjoy one of the best and most realistic of the tournament-style karate games available for computers. mputer Entertainer - July, 1989 CE Visits Accolade On a visit to the Bay Area of northern California in May, we had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of Accolade, Inc. in San Jose. The company occupies two floors of an office building that overlooks one of San Jose's most popular tourist attractions, the Winchester Mystery House. For any of our readers, however, we suspect that a chance to visit Accolade would be more appealing than a visit to the Winchester Allan Epstein, Accolade President, in company's reception area where awards are proudly displayed for visitors to see Mystery House. Not a moment was wasted in taking us to the heart of Accolade’s operations, the large room with rows of computers and a well-stocked library of computer games. (All software developers maintain such libraries to keep abreast of what their competition is up to.) To the average gamer, this would appear to be a play room, but a lot of very serious work goes on here, as ideas for new games are first sketched, then fleshed in, and finally tested and tweaked until judged ready for the market. Game producers spend much of their time here, actively involved in the game development projects which are their responsibility. We were introduced to Mark Wallace, Associate Pro¬ Mark Wallace, Associate Producer, and Shelley Day, Producer, sharing ideas about a new Accolade game in development. ducer, who is pictured in an accompanying photo with Producer Shelley Day. (Shelley was recently named 1988 Producer of the Year by independent game developers at the Game Developers’ Confer- _ 6 ence. She and Accolade are justifiably proud of that honor.) Mark was eager to show us Accolade’s first role-playing games and get our reaction to them, since the games had not yet been shown to anyone outside the company. Accolade's First Role-Playing Games First Mark showed us CONSPIRACY: THE DEADLOCK FILES, a graphic adventure designed by 18-year-old A1 Bamdad which uses over 500 “video stills” of modem-day New York to create a highly realistic setting for a tale of political intrigue, murder and mistaken identity. The digitized photos in this game are not used as mere static illustrations of the story. We liked the creative combinations of multiple images on the screen and rapid sequences of stills that give the impression of nearly live-action footage. Explaining that Accolade has chosen to stay away from the more traditional medieval themes in its first role-playing games, Mark then showed us THE THIRD COU¬ RIER, a modem spy adventure in which the player becomes secret agent Moondancer on a mission to recover stolen NATO defense plans in Berlin. We think that gamers will appreciate the replayability of this one, which is unusual in role-playing games. Because the player creates Moondancer’s character by answering questions about his occupation, background, lifestyle and education level, each game can be different. Still in the present. Accolade has set its third role-playing game, DON’T GO ALONE, in a haunted house where you seek a room that is the center of spirit activity. Find this room, and you can banish the spirit which has driven yourgrandfather insane. Three friends help you in the quest, each with special attributes and weaknesses. We found it interesting that you can’t die in this game, but you and your companions can go crazy as your fear level increases with ghostly encounters. When the team goes over the edge into insanity, it is transported to a different room in the house where everyone can regain their ability to concentrate and start exploring anew. We were also given a preview of EYE OF THE STORM: THE VIETNAM COM¬ BAT HELICOPTER SIMULATION (developed by Aero Animation) and HEAT WAVE: OFFSHORE SUPERBOAT RACING (devel¬ oped by Artech Digital Entertainments), both of which are more typical of what gamers have come to expect from Accolade. But we think that gamers will be pleasantly surprised by the innovations in adventuring that Accolade has in store for them. We definitely liked what we saw. All of the new Accolade games that Mark Wallace demonstrated for us will be available for MS-DOS; THE THIRD COURIER is also planned for Apple IIGS. . No, he's not sleeping on the job! Accolade Technical Support expert, Danny Pisano, is famous for his acrobatic chair maneuvers while answering ques¬ tions from consumers. Computer Entertainer - July, 1989 Growth in MS-DOS format; More Game Players Over Thirty Noting the emphasis on MS-DOS, we asked about Accolade’s typical ustomer. We were told that the average buyer of Accolade products s a 32-year-old male. The “thirty-some thing” trend, particularly .mong computergamers, has been felt by most entertainment software ompanies. And the MS-DOS format now accounts for more than 50% if the market in entertainment software. Like other companies, Acco- ide has noticed a sharp decrease in Commodore 64/128 sales. The .eneral assumption seems to be that a good portion of what used to be [he C64/128 market has defected to videogame systems, especially Nintendo. The growth in the MS-DOS sector with its multiple speci- ications and systems and compatibility problems keeps the Accolade echnical Support team on its toes. We confirmed that for ourselves /hen we toured the rest of the Accolade facilities and overheard some of the Tech Support people on the phone with Accolade customers. Technical Support can be reached at 408-296-8400 if you ever have problem with an Accolade game.) Our thanks to everyone at accolade for their hospitality and for allowing us the first look at the ew games planned for the rest of the year. Gamers have a lot to look Drward to from this aggressive young company that constantly strives ) achieve the goal expressed in its logo, “The best in entertainment aftware.” _ Accolade’s Avantage Label Adds Four New Titles ^vantage, the value-priced software brand from Accolade, will have )ur new titles in its lineup late this summer. Three of the four will be vailable on “flippy” disks with both MS-DOS and Commodore 64/ 28 versions in the same package (MSR $14.95 each). MENTAL LOCKS contains three puzzle games. The first is “Free Fall,” escribed as a cross between Lego blocks, computerized 3-D modeling nd a fast assembly line has play action which has been compared to Tetris” but with a three-dimensional aspect. The second and third ames turn grade school IQ tests into fun challenges. ‘The California .chievement Cubes” offers a rotating cube test in which you must lentify the unfolded version of a cube before your opponent does. What’s Next Pussycat” challenges you to identify the next geometric nape in a logical sequence of four. The other two flippy programs are [ARRIER 7, an arcade-style Harrier flight action game set in the traits of Hormuz, and FR1GHTMARE, an 85-level arcade-style :tion game peopled with nightmare characters such as zombies, erewolves and serpents. The fourth program, SHOOT ‘EM UP ONSTRUCTION KIT, will be available for C64/128 ($14.95), jniga and Atari ST ($19.95 each). This program is designed for nyone who has every thought he or she could create a better shoot- :m-up game than those in the stores. Three complete games are lcluded, and your original creations can be saved to disk and even iven to friends who can play your games without owning the original rogram disk. Master Index and Award Index Available We have a special issue which encompasses a complete index of serything we have reviewed since our inception in 1982 through 288! This listing of over 2500 titles includes the month and year viewed, system reviewed for, and the company who made the ogram! In addition to this valuable listing, we have included a listing important articles (such as comparison charts, interviews, etc.) with e month and year. Also, there is a complete listing of Computer ntertainer’s Awards of Excellence 1982-1988 and a complete listing the Reader’s Hall of Fame! This extremely valuable Master Index available to our subscribers for $4.50. You can order it on Page 15. his will be a valuable addition to any subscriber’s library! " ~ ~ A AMIGA Software I DEATHBRINGER (***l/2/***l/2) is a fantasy role-playing game by Pandora for Cinemaware's new Spotlight Software label. It is a quest for the five gems of Zator, gems which hold the secret of power sought by the evil wizard Azazael, known as the DeathBringer. As the barbarian adventurer, it’s up to you to seek out the gems and find them before they fall into the hands of the wizard, bringing doom to the land of Mezron. Your explorations range far into labyrinthian dun¬ geons, dark forests, open countryside, and even dangerous temples. There are numerous characters everywhere you go. And unlike the typical adventure, the object is most definitely NOT to attack every creature you encounter. Mindless hacking and slashing gets you nothing but an early end to your game. Instead, you must talk to everyone you meet, for many characters have advice and clues which can aid your progress in the quest. Interacting with the game requires no typing at all and uses an easy point-and-click system that allows to to become more thoroughly involved in the story. Your character moves through a three-dimensional world that occupies the upper two- thirds of the screen, while a command panel fills the lower portion of the screen. Everything you need to know, including an overview map of your general location in the game’s world, is either on the screen or a click away. And though the manual gives plenty of information that expands on what you see on the screen, this is not one of those games that requires frequent consultation of the instructions. The experience of the game is primary and immediate, definitely fulfilling the rule of “easy to learn,” even though the game itself is vast and will require many hours to complete. Graphics are detailed and realistic. Digitized sound effects are excellent when they occur, but we would have been happier if there were fewer long stretches of silence in the game. Overall, DEATHBRINGER is a well crafted game that will appeal to adventure gamers for its ability to let you become immediately and totally immersed in the experience of the story. (Solo play; Mouse; Blank disk required for game-saving.) Amiga version reviewed. Coming for MS-DOS, Atari ST; also coming for C64/128 at $29.95. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) ARTHUR: THE QUEST FOR EXCALIBUR (***1/2/***) by Bob Bates for Infocom is a re-telling of the familiar classic. The player takes the role of the young Arthur at the point in his life when he learns of his previously unsuspected destiny as King of England. Freeing the legendary sword Excalibur from the stone in which it is imprisoned is the final deed which will grant Arthur his birthright, but there is much for the player to accomplish as Arthur before that is possible. And there is very little time. The evil King Lot has stolen the sword in the stone, and young Arthur has but three days to prove his worthiness before Lot steals Arthur’s legacy. Within that time, he must win back the sword in the stone by developing his wisdom, chivalry and experience. The core of the game is achieving these goals by learning to use Merlin’s gift of magic. Merlin’s magic, properly used, is an aid to solving the puzzles of the game. The magic allows Arthur to assume the form of many different animals, which in turn lets him do things and go places that would otherwise be impossible. Merlin’s magic, in the form of a crystal ball, also gives the player access to on-screen hints. And on¬ screen mapping is also available, which shows where you’ve been plus available exits. ARTHUR: THE QUEST FOR EXCALIBUR is a typically well written work of Infocom interactive fiction which happens to be illustrated by very lovely, though mostly static, graphic paintings. It’s a “Classics Illustrated” approach to fantasy role-playing rather than an actively interactive graphic adventure. Now that In- ___ J •mputer Entertainer - July, 1989 7 focom has added pictures to its games, we still feel a sense that something is missing because there is no sound. This will not be a serious drawback for at least some adventure gamers who will cer¬ tainly enjoy the good story and its puzzles, but it bothers us sufficiently that we are very aware of the silence now that Infocom has stimulated ourvisual sense. (Solo play; Keyboard & mouse; Blank disk required.) Amiga version reviewed; also available for Macintosh. Planned for Apple II and MS-DOS at $39.95. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) OCEAN RANGER Now Available for MS-DOS Systems Activision’s missile ship battle simulation, OCEAN RANGER, was recently released in an MS-DOS version (MSR $14.95). The program features action in four “hot spots” of the world and includes battles with enemy destroyers, planes, submarines and mines. The program was previously released for Commodore 64/128 at the same price. THE BARD’S TALE Now on Macintosh With its latest release in a new version for Macintosh, the fantasy adventuring classic, THE BARD’S TALE (MSR $49.95), is now available for all computer systems. Designed by Interplay Productions for Electronic Arts, the latest version of the game takes advantage of Macintosh graphic and animation capabilities. The program is not copy protected and can be installed on hard disk. SportTime Is Broderbund’s Newest Affiliate Creator of sports simulation software, SportTime Computer Soft¬ ware, has just been announced as Broderbund’s newest affiliated label publisher. The company’s latestreleases are OMNI-PLAY BASKET¬ BALL for Amiga (MSR $49.95) and Commodore 64/128 ($34.95) and OMNI-PLAY HORSE RACING for MS-DOS ($49.95). OMNI¬ PLAY BASKETBALL lets users manage, coach and play on their own basketball teams. The program maintains stats on 288 league players who age year after year and even suffer injuries. OMNI-PLAY HORSE RACING includes 128 horses at each track, stats on all past races, current track conditions before each race, and complete payoff possibilities. Cool Down the Summer Heat with Games & Tank Top from Electronic Arts Electronic Arts has announced its “Summer Heat” promotion run¬ ning now through September 15,1989. Three hotEA titles are featured at special $29.95 pricing for the promotion: CAVEMAN UGH- LYMPICS (MS-DOS, C64/128), SKATE OR DIE (MS-DOS, Apple IIGS, C64/128) and KINGS OF THE BEACH: PROFESSIONAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL (MS-DOS). Asa bonus, buyers of any of the three games will also receive a free Summer Heat tank top. Attention Collectors Be sure and write in to us (no phone calls, please) and indicate what you’re looking to buy, trade, or sell (rare and discontinued items only) with your name and address. Space permitting, we will print your request with your address so other readers can contact you directly should they be able to help you in your search. This Is the Month: THE NEW PRINT SHOP Due for MS-DOS Systems Broderbund plans the release of THE NEW PRINT SHOP (MSR $59.95) for MS- DOS systems this month. The Apple II version ($49.95) will be ready later this year. Upgrades for owners of the original MS-DOS or Apple II PRINT SHOP are $20. Free upgrades go to those who pur¬ chase the original Apple II PRINT SHOP after May 25, 1989, or to those who order the MS-DOS upgrade within 90 days of purchase of the original MS-DOS program. To order upgrades, call THE NEW PRINT SHOP Hotline at 800-999-3256. MULTI-SYSTEM Software SKY SHARK (***/***) is a World War II action arcade game from Taito which finds one or two players piloting their P-40 fighter jets behind enemy lines over vertically-scrolling landscape. You’ll use bombs as well as wing mounted machine guns in order to defeat air, land, and naval targets. You’ll move over all sorts of landscape as you move over the enemy. There’s wave after wave of tanks, planes, and huge battleships which will take all the firepower you can manage. Straight-Ahead Action There’s a nice point-of-view on this game which, although it’s been used before, it does give a nice viewpoint as you look down on the enemy and the scenery as it scrolls by. The game was big in the arcades . for many months and is fun for the action lovers out there, (one player; joystick required; reviewed on MS-DOS and C64; coming for Amiga and ST) (MSR $29.95 for C64; $34.95 for MS-DOS) New Multi-Function Sound/Game Board from Covox SOUND MASTER PC from Covox is a new music and sound enhancement package for IBM PC/XT/AT/386, PS/2 Models 25 and 30 and compatible computers. SOUND MASTER PC is described as a total music and sound card which supports digital speech and sound through a DMA-driven (direct memory access) 8-bit digitizer. An on¬ board sound chip provides three-voice capability for multipart music and special effects in stereo output. Two digital joystick ports are included, and they accept any of the digital joysticks designed to work with Atari or Commodore systems. The complete SOUND MASTER PC package ($89.95) consists of a half-size circuit board, two Euro¬ style dynamic stereo mini-speakers with connecting cables, user manual and software. Publishers who are expected by Covox to support the SOUND MASTER PC include Electronic Arts, Broder¬ bund, Micro Prose, Computer East International, Lucas film and others. Computer Entertainer - July, 1989 Computer Entertainer Reception at CL.S. Subscribers try out the Sega MegaDrive and NEC PC Engine at Reception in Chicago. (seated is subscriber Chris Cassinelli with Dad, Jim looking on. Also looking on are subscribers Howard Hisel and Warren Endicott). A Few Words from Our Readers We received notes and letters from several of you who were able to attend CES and the Computer Entertainer reception for subscribers in June, and wecan’ tresist sharing some of your comments with all of our readers. Brian Johnson of Hammond, IN wrote a thoughtful and thought-provoking letter in which he commented, “After spending all of Monday roaming through Nintendo’s, Sega’s, and Atari’s booths, I came away with the distinct impression that Nintendo-ism has gotten out of control! Although I don’t believe the bottom will fall out of Nintendo’s glittered kingdom, I do think they are putting themselves in a position to be “sniped at.” Ninety percent of the NES games I saw and played will never enter my household! Many will not even be worth a night’s rental...No matter how good the graphics are (for the system) or how many megabits the cartridge contains, there’s simply too many over-worked variations on a theme.” Brian went on to say, “All of the hoop-la about new games and advanced systems forced me to re-think about purchasing an Amiga 500. Besides being a fantastic gaming machine, I re-realized that it could do other t asks that I have an increasing need for. Apart from the non-available 16-bit Nintendo, there is still nothing that can touch the Amiga in overall excellence. I notice that many of the better games for the NES and Sega systems are due out for the Amiga (and usually cheaper!).” One Reader's Favorites at CES Long-time subscriber Howard Hisel of Park Forest, IL also toured CES (and played every game he could get his hands on). Howard praised the show as “great!” and gave a list of his personal picks. His letter arrived just as our June issue wentto theprinter, and we noted that he had singled out some of the same programs we cited as stand-outs in our June cover article on CES. Howard’s “favorite for all systems” was THUNDER FORCE II on Sega Genesis. His votes for “most innovative” wentto A BOY AND HIS BLOB by Absolute for NES on the game side and Lucasfilm’s LOOM (which he also praised as “best looking”) on the computer side. An avowed strategy and wargame player, Howard also had raves for lnterstel’s DRAGON FORCE and Lucasfilm’s BATTLE OF BRITAIN. The Adult Gamer Our readership is (and always has been) heavily skewed to adult gamers, those over-21,30-something, and even up to grandparent-age , folks who may be a little shy about admitting their passion for such “kid Subscriber Tristan Leeds (pictured with his dad, Alan) celebrates his birthday at the reception. As Jim Cassinelli and Howard Hisel watch the action on the Sega MegaDrive, Chuck DeBow watches as Brian Johnson tries out the NEC PC Eng ine Hope to see you at our reception in January in Las Vegas! stuff’ as computer games and/or video games. Michael Pearson of Chicago, who attended our reception and met fellow subscribers, said “It was very interesting to see other older gamers who owned not only Segas and Nintendos, but computers, too. I guess I’m not the only ‘adult’ sneaking around Toys R Us in search of new game releases.” And Michael is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new NEC Tur- boGrafx-16 and Sega Genesis: “I’m ready for the new systems as soon as I can get my grubby hands on them.” ..LATE FLASH... Nintendo Gets Temporary Injunction Against Tengen’s Tetris We have just learned that Nintendo has been granted an temporary injunction against Tengen's version of the game, Tetris. What this means is that until the two go to court, Tengen cannot ship their version of Tetris. So, at least for the time being, you will not be able to buy Tengen's version. Computer Entertainer-July, 1989 9 ^ Rare Games Collectors Forum Al Backiel, 253 Rock Rd., Ridgewood, NJ 07450: looking for 2600 cartridges Kyphus, Ewok Adventure and Wings. Also looking to purchase Vectrex. Warren Endicott, 4 Seashore Dr., Daly City, CA 94014 is interested in games for ColecoVision. Please send him a list. Ralph Linne , 8385 Findley Dr., Mentor, OH 44060 has a Mattel Aquarius system and C64 Koala Pad with complete line of software for sale. Looking for Intellivision games made by Coleco or Sega. David S Parker, 99-A Birch Rd., Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 has the following for sale: Atari 5200 system; approx. 20games all boxed with instructions, some brand new; Wico joystick never used and in box; “Roller Ball” adaptor. Ricardo Ramirez , 33-13 98 St., Corona, NY 11368 (or call at 718- 424-8987) has Burgertime for Intellivision and would also like to trade or sell old C64 titles such as Dino Eggs, The Heist, Decathlon, and Satan’s Hollow. JeffSilva,4602 109th StS W, Tacoma, WA 98499: has a Vectrex Game he’d like to sell, including about 21 carts, light pen, 2 drawing cartridges, and music cartridge. Please contact him with a stamped self-address envelope. He’s also looking to purchase replacement controllers for a Vectrex. John Vacopoulos, 108 Clarke Rd., Hornsby NSW 2077, Australia looking to complete his 2600 collection...only interested in the follow¬ ing titles (original box, instructions, all in top condition): Steeple Chase, Stellar Track, Sub Commander, Video Cube, Waterworld, Crazy Climber, Gravitar, Quadrun. Justin Turner, 4675 Village Dr., Jackson, MS 39206, looking for Balloon Fight and Ice Climber for Nintendo. Also looking for Swordquest Airworld (with comic book) and Q*Bert’s Cubes for the 2600. Russell Calvert, 1726 N. Honore, Chicago, 1L 60622: looking for Atari 8-bit version (disk) of “Crush, Crumble, Chomp” John Bonavita , PO Box 95, Haesite, NY 11743 looking for Vectrex games and Mattel Aquarius. Has old Atari ST, Nintendo, Sega & 2600 games for trade. He also has a list of ADAM software for sale. Rodney Risbrook, 2673 W 33rd St, #2E, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Selling 5200 (includes Star Raiders, Defender, Berzcrk, AC adaptor, and joysticks). $62.00 includes postage (money orders only) DonaldTremblay , Box 63, Courval, Sask. Canada S0H-1A0: looking for Vectrex games: Star Castle, Fortress of Narzod, Polar Rescue, and Pole Position. Has World Series Major League Baseball for Intelliv¬ ision computer adaptor. Willing to trade or sell. Bill Sommerwerck , 4257 148th Ave, NE #A-207, Bellevue, WA 98007: “Complete” 2600 collection for sale: 420+ carts, plus many accessoris, memorabilia. Also have rare 2600 and ColecoVisoin carts. Also looking for Bandai’s “Stadium Events” for Nintendo. Martin Herzog has told us they offer a mail order catalog for Canada only for 2600, 5200, 7800, and even have the new 2080 Atari STs. Write to Mr. Herzog at Atari Canada, 90 Gough Rd., #1, Markham, Ont. L3R 5V5. PaulSteltenpohl , 675 Gicslcr Rd, #212, Jasper, 1N47546: looking for 5200 software. Steven Burrage, 15 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801: Looking for unusual software for virtually every game system. Also has some rare 2600, Vectrex, and Channel F games. Remember, trades, sales, etc. are the responsibility of the two parties individually. Our intention is merely to have a forum where you can find one another! If you haven’t written yet, be sure to do so - we’ll run this column, space permitting, each month. Also, if you’re listed here V_ I___ 19 and the information has changed, please let us know! Happy hunting! Related Information ... For anyone looking for instructions to a game you already have, we may have the answer for that one too! Contact: Norman Castro, 809W 33rd Avenue, Bellevue, NE 68005. He has reduced size game instructions for all sorts of game titles for Cole¬ coVision, Adam, Intellivision, 5200, and Nintendo! For a list, send TWO first class postage stamps. The instructions are $2.00 per set; 10 for $16.00 (plus shipping/handling). Brand new from Norman: Game instructions for the RCA Studio 11 Home TV Programmer Model 18V100. COMMODORE 64/128 Software QIX (**^***) returns to home screens after a long absence in this new version from Taito. creators of the original coin-op game. (The ; last time we reviewed versions of this game was in 1983 when Atari did licensed translations for its 5200 game system and 8-bit comput¬ ers.) QIX is a departure from more typical arcade fare, because it is a puzzle game that demands more of your ability at strategic thinking than it does of your dexterity with a joystick. You start with a blank playing field, and your joystick controls a cursor that can draw lines within the playing field. Initially, your enemy is only the Qix itself— a whirling, multi-colored helix that dips and dances around the screen. In the 1989 version of the game, the Qix is described as a “deadly computer virus,” a new identity for a new version of the classic game. • Your object is to contain the virus, neutralizing it by drawing lines to capture blocks of the blank field. The unpredictable Qix can thwart your efforts by zapping any line that is not yet complete. And the Qix doesn’t work alone for long. It is soon joined by Sparx and Spritz, little sizzlers that can also eliminate you. And if you hesitate for even a : moment while drawing a line, a fuse begins burning its way toward your cursor. Each screen has an immunization level, or percentage of the screen that you must capture to complete the level. As you move on, there are faster Qix, and even two Qix on a screen together for double trouble. In all, there are more than 14 levels with escalating difficulty. Sneaks up on You QIX is one of those games that sneaks up on you. You look at it and think that there is nothing fancy about the graphics (the vector graphics of the original coin-op have been dressed up a bit by adding a variety of colors and patterns to the areas that you fill in and “immunize.”) You . play a little and think that this isn’t a very complicated game—”no big deal,” you think. And then three hours later you’re still sitting there riveted to the screen, wondering ho w this not-so-fancy, uncomplicated little game has gotten you totally in its power. (Solo or two players alternating; Pause.) C64/128 version reviewed. Coming soon for Atari ST, Apple 11; for Apple 11GS and MS-DOS at $34.95 ($37.95 for 3.57 ' 5.25" combo package). Recommended. (MSR $29.95) r Would You Like a Readers ’ Forum? We like hearing from our readers. And we like being able to print some of the comments, suggestions and criticisms you offer. Within our staff, we’ve had some discussion about having an occasional feature which would give you the opportunity to share your opinions with fellow subscribers and with people in the computer and video game industry. Our view of what we’ve been calling the “Readers* Forum” is that it would provide a place for editorials from the people who really count—you who buy and play the games. The Readers’ Forum could be open to any and all opinions about gaming-related topics, or specific themes might be announced with an invitation for anyone interested to respond. For example, the Forum might suggest topics for discussion such as violence in games, copy protection, or your thoughts about what makes a good game really special. Let us know what you think of the idea of a Readers’ Forum, and feel free to give us any suggestions you may have about making it an interesting feature in which you would want to participate. Computer Entertainer - July, 1989 SEGA Software 1 TIME SOLDIERS (***^***) from Sepa is a multi-stage rescue >ame across time for one or two players working cooperatively. The itory behind the game is that Yohan and Ben, Earth Command Iroupers, were spared by an alien space conqueror who hurled their ive friends into the void of time. Their only chance to rescue their fiends is to travel and battle through five past and future worlds primitive, ancient Roman, medieval Japan, World War II and Future Vorld), rescuing one friend in each world. In each world, the scrolling ;cenery is full of attacking enemies which are appropriate to that world cavemen and small dinosaurs in the primitive era, for example). Each vorld has three stages, Middle Bosses and a Big Boss to be defeated, ind a time tunnel with D-Scanner that leads the way to one of your fiends. When you have conquered all five worlds, the final confron- ation occurs with Gylend, the space conqueror. In all stages of battle, /our character fights with a shoulder mounted gun, with special weapons obtainable by defeating enemies. We found the scrolling and -hooting action to be moderately interesting in the single player mode. 3nly as a two-player cooperative game was TIME SOLDIERS any- hing above average among such games. We did enjoy the two-player ;ame, but we think most gamers would soon become bored with the ;olo game, even with its time-travel theme. (Solo or 2-player coopera- ive; Pause; Continue feature.) Available for Sega Master System. VLEX KIDD: HIGH-TECH WORLD (***/***l/2) from Seea s the third in a series of adventurous games about the young Crown Yince, Alex Kidd. The premise of this tale is that Alex’s friend Paul las told him about the new High-Tech World video arcade that has just )pened and is located a little way past a nearby village. Of course, Alex vants to go there and play the newest Sega games, but the map to the ireade has been tom up into eight pieces and hidden in the castle. The irst portion of the game becomes a treasure hunt to find the pieces of he map, as Alex roams the castle, talking to people there, avoiding ricks and traps, and searching everywhere. A map screen helps Alex :eep track of the items he has found, his current location within the -astle, the numberof map pieces found, and the time of day. (The game tarts at 9 a.m., and Alex must get to the arcade before its 5 p.m. closing ime.) Once Alex locates all the map pieces, he moves on to a forest illed with star-thro wing blue Ninjas. This is a test of agility as he runs md jumps, throwing his own stars and grabbing the gold points he will leed to buy items in the village. Once through the forest, Alex has mother quest in the village: finding the Travel Pass he must have to ms the Checkpoint immediately before the High-Tech World arcade. Through all of this action and adventure, Alex has only one life, lowever, if he can get through the castle and find the map pieces, a >assword at the exit of the castle allows the player to resume a game it the beginning of the forest scene. We enjoyed playing this game a ot. It’s more of a true adventure than either of its predecessors, with mly the action-filled forest sequence at all reminiscent of the earlier Uex Kidd games. Strangely, Sega has placed this game in its “Action” ategory when the action portion (the forest) is only about a third of the ;ame. It would make more sense to place this one in the “Adventure” category. Regardless of Sega’s classification of the game, it’s an absorbing one to play. (Solo play; Pause; Password feature.) Available for Sega Master System. Recommended. MONTEZUMA’S REVENGE (***1/2/****) is a classic video game from 1984, which has been brought back b \ Parker Brothers for play on the Sega system. Unlike Parker Brothers’ other two games, this one is not based on a computer game but instead comes from the company’s own library of games designed for the earliergame systems (Atari and Coleco). There are very few video games from that period that could compare favorably to today’s best video games, but MONTEZUMA’S REVENGE is definitely one of them. Starring the daredevilish Panama Joe, an adventurer very much in the tradition of Indiana Jones, the game contains every danger that you could imagine (and some that you couldn’t). Set in the depths of Montezuma’s pyramids in Mexico, this adventure sends Panama Joe on a harrowing journey full of snakes and spiders, bats and bouncing skulls, deadly laser gates and fire pits, disappearing floors and locked doors—and lots more. There are eleven levels of play (the first six accessible by player choice) and 100 of the trickiest, maze-filled rooms you’ve ever encountered in a video game. Why, you ask, would Panama Joe endure all of this torture? For the treasure, of course—an unbelievable fortune in Aztec loot secreted in the Treasure Chamber of the Emperor Montezuma. Thanks, Parker Brothers, for bringing back MONTEZUMA’S REVENGE. It is a game that was well worth reviving, and it looks and plays better than ever on the Sega system. (Solo play; Pause.) Available for Sega Master System. Recommended. KING’S QUEST: QUEST FOR THE CROWN (fc***'****) from Parker Brothers brings one of the great classic computer adven¬ tures to the Sega system. And the original 3-D animated adventure by Roberta Williams of Sierra On-Line has lost none of its charm in this wonderful translation. The player becomes Sir Graham, the most trusted and faithful of King Ed ward’s knights, in a quest to restore three priceless treasures to the kingdom of Daventry: the Magic Mirror, the Shield and the Chest of Gold. If Sir Graham can find these magical treasures and return them to the king, he has been promised a great reward: the throne of Daventry upon the death of King Edward. Sir Graham begins the quest at the castle and then moves out to the countryside of Daventry where adventure awaits. The knight is a fully animated figure who moves within a three-dimensional environ¬ ment—walking behind and around trees, for example. (This graphic treatment in the original Apple II version of the game from Sierra caused quite a stir when it was introduced in 1984.) Sir Graham meets with many wonderful characters, including a fairy godmother, and some not so wonderful, like the nasty troll guarding a bridge. There arc many items to be found that will help in the quest, many puzzles to be solved, and an enchanting world to explore. Lacking a keyboard for input, the designers of the Sega version have provided menus from which to choose a |variety of actions. The system works very well. And J omputer Entertainer - July, 1989 11 r it’s even possible to “save” your game at any point by requesting a password from a menu of choices. We haven’t played the original KING’S QUEST computer game in some time, but it was gratifying to experience the same sense of wonder and delight that we remember feeling over five years ago when we first played the Apple version of KING’S QUEST. If you enjoy adventure games, don’t miss this one— it’s superb! (Solo play; Pause; Password feature.) Available for Sega Master System. Recommended. NINTENDO Software FRIDAY THE 13TH (***/***) from LIN Toys is a fast moving action-adventure based on the movie series of the same name. The action centers around the summer camp at Crystal Lake where the deranged Jason is up to his usual gruesome tricks. You control six teenagers who are counselors at the camp and doing their best to protect the children from Jason’s rampages. You have a lot to keep track of, as you can switch control among the teenagers, trying to keep the quickest of them busy seeking weapons while the slower ones stay close enough to protect the children from Jason’s inevitable attacks. There’s a lot of area to cover, from the cabins and forests to bat-infested caves and the lake itself. The whole area is crawling with danger—not just from the obvious (Jason, of course), but also from man-eating wolves and seemingly endless hordes of mindless zombies that emerge everywhere, even jumping from the lake. Along with the fast-paced action, there is also a certain amount of strategy involved, since you must gather weapons and plan how to rid Crystal Lake of Jason. And if you’ve seen any of the umpteen “Friday the 13th” movies, you know how impossible a task that is. Fans of the movie series are likely to enjoy this game. In all honesty, we are most definitely NOT fans of these movies, but we were pleasantly surprised to find a pretty good game to back up the notorious licensed name on the package. (Solo play) Available for NES. GUERRILLA WAR (***1/2/***) is the newest SNK offering for the NES, and it’s another of the games built around the currently popular military action theme. The story behind this one is that your small island country is suffering under the domination of a cruel dictator. Against overwhelming odds, you (or you and a friend) attempt to rescue prisoners and wipe out the dictator’s military forces. The action scrolls vertically and is quite similar to “Ikari Warriors,” although GUERRILLA WAR is faster. Using machine guns, gre¬ nades, and (later in the game) tanks and power-up items such as flame¬ throwers, your character plows through fusillades of bullets and grenades in screen after screen of breathlessly fast action. There are ten stages of play, with settings including a jungle, the city, a river, a coal mine and others. All but the last (the dictator’s palace) are player selectable at the start of the game, which is a point in the game’s favor. GUERRILLA WAR is a good game with nicely detailed graphics and furious shooting action. In our opinion, however, the commando/ military-action theme is one that is now thoroughly overworked. We already have more than enough games of this type, and we can’t see a pressing need for yet another. (Solo or 2-player cooperative; Pause; Continue feature.) NES version reviewed. Also available from Data East for C64/128 ($29.95) and planned for Atari ST, MS-DOS ($39.95) and Amiga ($44.95) 12 MEGAMAN 2 (***/***l/2) from Capcom brings us the further adventures of the super robot, MegaMan, against the evil Dr. Wily and I his eight new robots who rule eight different empires. The game is playable at either “normal” or “difficult” level. The normal level is definitely not easy, but the designers have tried to help beginning players by providing a step-by-step guide to defeating the most vulnerable of Dr. Wily’s crea¬ tions, Airman. While fighting your way through Airman’s domain in the clouds gives you a general feel for the game, each super robot and his empire is entirely different. For example, Flash Man rules a slippery, maze-like world and Wood Man dwells in a forest-like setting. And you have to defeat all eight of the robots, gathering special weapons from each, before you can approach the evil Dr. Wily himself. We liked the variety of settings and action, the surprises at every turn, and the depth of play in MEGAMAN 2, which we found better than its predecessor. And Capcom has provided a very good instruction booklet for this one that gives you plenty of information. (Solo play; Pause; Continue feature; Password feature.) Available for NES. Recommended. AIRWOLF (***1/2/***) is a helicopter action and rescue game from Acclaim . Based on the TV series of the same name, this realistic game puts you in the role of Stringfellow Hawke and into the cockpit of the sophisticated military helicopter known as Airwolf. Based on your briefing from Michael Coldsmith Briggs III (code name: Archan¬ gel), you head into the first of 20 secret missions to rescue prisoners from enemy POW camps. But these are no milk runs; the enemy soon becomes aware of your presence and sends up its fighter jets as you approach the enemy airfields. You can improve your chances and your score by knocking out their control towers, but your missions are anything but easy under even the best of circumstances. Amid all the air-to-air fire, you must remember that your primary objective is to rescue prisoners, a delicate operation that requires some close maneu¬ vering and tight control of your chopper as you descend into the POW camp. (Landing for refueling and additional supplies of heat-seeking missiles is equally tricky.) Flight and combat action is not something NES players have seen a lot of yet. Best of all, it’s a good game with plenty of challenge and graphics that approach photographic realism in some screens. (Solo play; Pause.) Available for NES. Recommended. Back Issues Available Don’t miss out on all the great back issues! We’ve been covering entertainment software for over five years and we’ve reviewed hun¬ dreds and hundreds of titles. Most issues are still available. Send $2.50 for each back issue you want. (Some rare issues are available only in photocopy form.) Buy six or more, and they’re just $1.75 each. Make certain you have a complete set! You can also purchase the SPECIAL EDITION , published in Spring, 1987 in celebration of our Fifth Anniversary. It covers everything from a look at videogaming to capsule reviews of some of the top games of all time. This Special Edition is $1.50. , Computer Entertainer - July, 1989 FOURTH QUARTER Motorodeo (AT) Sentinel (AT) Shooting Arcade (AT) White Water Madness (AT) ATARI 7800 JULY Rampage (ACT) AUGUST Double Dragon (ACT) Jinks (AT) Xenophobe (AT) SEPTEMBER Commando (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) THIRD QUARTER Dcari Waniors (AT FOURTH QUARTER Barnyard Blaster (AT) Mat Mania Challenge (AT) Ninja Golf (AT) Planet Smashers (AT) Sentinel (AT) While Water Madness (AT) AI.UUXZ AVGUST Deflektor (AT) SEPTEMBER Commando (AT) Midi Maze (AT) Super Football (AT) Tower Toppler (AT) Xenophobe (AT) Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) x-Airwolf (ACM) Athletic World (BAN) Baseball Stars (SNK) x-De fender of Crown (ULT) x-Guardian Legend (BRO) x-Guerrilla War (SNK) x-MegaMan 2 (CAP) Predator (ACT) Strider (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) x-World Games (MB) JULY Adventures of Tom Sawyer (SET) x-Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (BAN) Hollywood Squares (GT) Hoops (JAL) x-Hydlide (FCI) Jeopardy Jr (GT) Nobunaga’s Ambition (KOE) Shadowgate (KS) Street Cop (BAN) Super Dodgeball(CSG) Super Sprint (TEN) Wheel of Fortune Jr (GT) AUGUST Bad Dudes (DE) Bad Street Brawler (MAT) Cobra Triangle (NIN) Dragon Warrior (NIN) Duck Tales (CAP) Faxanadu (NIN) Monster Party (BAN) Power Glove (MAT) Silent Service (ULT) Thundercade (AS) U-Force (BRO) SEPTEMBER Air Fortress (HAL) Fester’s Quest (SUN) NES Satellite (NIN) PO.W. (SNK) Robo-Cop (DE) Rolling Thunder (TEN) Sesame Street ABC (HT) To the Earth (NIN) Vindicators (TEN) THIRD QUARTER Adventures of Lolo (HAL) Baseball Simulator (CB) Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle (KS) Desert Commander (KS) Flying Dragon (CB) Marvel's X-Men (UN) NFL Football (UN) Sky Shark (TAl) Stealth A.T.F. (ACT) Super Password (GT) Three Stooges (ACT) OCTOBER Abyss, The (ACT) Back to the Future (UN) Battle of Olympus (BRO) Card Sharks (GT) Castlequest (NX) Classic Concentration (GT) Code Name: Viper (CAP) Diehard (ACT) Family Feud (GT) Jordan Vs Bird (MB) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (UN) Willow (CAP) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER Barker BiU’s Trick Shooting (NIN) Batman (SUN) Chessmaster (HT) Dig Dug II (BAN) Goal! (JAL) IronSword (ACM) Jack Nicklaus Greatest 18 (KON) Kings of Beach (ULT) NES Hay Action Football (NIN) Romance of Three Kingdoms (KOE) Shooting Range (BAN) Short Order/Eggsplode! (NIN) Spy Vs. Spy II (KS) Top Gun II (KON) Wild Boys (BAN) W in Lose Or Draw (1 IT) World Champshp Wrestling (FCI) DECEMBER Archon (ACT) Ghostbusters II (ACT) Knight Rider (ACM) Super Pitfall II (ACT) Tombs and Treasure (ACT) FOURTH QUARTER Adventure of Dino-Riki (HS) Boy & His Blob(ABS) Cybemoid (ACM) Demon Sword (TAl) Double Dare (GT) Glove Pilot (MAT) Stewart Super Off-Road (TW) Magic Johnson’s Fast Break (TW) Roller Ball (HAL) 720 (MIN) Super Glove Ball (MAT) Target Renegade (TAl) Terror of Tech Town (MAT) Twin Cobra (AS) Unser’s Turbo Racing (DE) Vegas Dream (HAL) MB. ..Milton Bradley MC. ..Mindcraft/Miles Comp MD. ..MicroDeaI/MichTron MED...Medalist Int’l MH. ..Melbourne House MI. ..MicroIllusions MIC...MicroProse MIN...Mind scape MT. ..Matchbox Toys MW...Mindware Inti NIN...Nintendo NWC...New World Computing NX...Nexoft ORI...Origin PAR...Paragon POL.. Polar ware PSY...Psygnosis/Pxyclapse PI..Publishing lnt’I RALJ^a inbird SEG...Sega SET...Seta SIE.. .Sierra SNK...SNK Corp SPE...Spectrum lloloByte SPO.. .Spotlight S/W ST...Software Toolworks SUB..Sublogic SUN...Sunsoft TAI...Taito TAX...Taxan TEC...Tecmo TEN...Tengen TI...Titus S/W TW...TradeWesl ULT... Ultra USG...U.S. Gold VIR...Virgin Games VT... Vic Tokai Jaleco’s HOOPS to Be Featured at Charity Basketball Event Jaleco is one of the sponsors of this year’s Downtown 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in Seattle, Washington. Spectators and tournament participants will have the op¬ portunity to try their hand at HOOPS, Jaleco’s new one-on-one or two-on-two basketball simulation for the Nintendo sys¬ tem. The annual event, to be held July 29- 30 in the Seattle Kingdome parking lot, features current and former NBA super- stars and coaches. Proceeds are given to Seattle children’s charities. SEGA MASTER SYSTEM JUNE x-Alex Kidd HiTech World (SEG) x-Altered Beast (SEG) x-Montezuma’s Revenge (PB) JULY x-King’s Quest (PB) AUGUST Cloud Master (SEG) Wanted! (SEG) Spellcaster (SEG) Wonder Boy HI: Dragon's Trapo (SEG SEPTEMBER Captain Silver (SEG) Casino Games (SEG) Galaxy Force (ACT) Genesis System World Games (SEG) OCTOBER Basketball Nightmare (SEG) Walter Payton Football (SEG) NOVEMBER Dead Angle (SEG) Dynamite Dux (SEG) Scramble Spirit (SEG) Super Golf (SEG) Tennis Ace (SEG) NOTE: Programs noted ”x” have shipped as of press time but may not yet be distributed nation¬ wide. Projected shipping dates are provided by manufacturers and subject to change. Know Your Subscriber Number! It’s the quickest way to identify your subscription when renewing, changing an address, etc. Also, THE ONLY WAY YOU WILL GET SUBSCRIBER PRICING IS TO GIVE US THAT ALL-IMPOR¬ TANT 4-DIGIT NUMBER. Without it, you will be charged regular pricing! 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A tan BAN...Bandai BE...Bullseye S/W BRO...Broderbund BS...Bethesda Softworks CAL...California Dreams CAP...Capcom USA CB...Culture Brain C1N...Cinema ware CSG...CSG ImageSoft DE..Data East DES...Design S/W D IS.Discovery S/W DS...DataSoft DYN...Dynamix EA...Electronic Arte FP... Fisher-Price GAM...Gamestar GT...GameTek HAL...Hal America HS. ..Hudson Soft HT. .J-Ii-Tech Expressions INF...Infocom IP...Interplay IS...ICOM Simulations JAL.. Jaleco KOE...Koei KON...Konami KS...Kemco-Seika KYO...Kyodai LF...Lucasfilm Games MAX...Maxis Address:_ City:_ State:_ Zip:_ -One Year US/CANADA - $25.00 —Check/M.O. Enclosed - One Year FOREIGN - $38.00 _Visa/MC/Amex Bankcard # (all digits):_ Expriation Date:_ Phone #: ( ) _ Cardholder Name (Print):- Cardholder Signature (required):_ Send to: COMPUTER ENTERTAINER 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 (818) 761-1516 (Order your subscription by phone with bankcard - Outside California call 1-800-228-4336) ___ J Tomputer Entertainer - July, 1989 13 JUNE Android Decision (DS) Arkanoid II (TAl) Artura (ARC) x-Battie Chess (IP) Dark Side (SPO) x-Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Gauntlet II (MIN) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Kristal, The (C1N) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) 1943 (CAP) Qix (TAJ) Operation Wolf (TAI) Rambo 111 (TAl) Rocket Ranger (CIN) Side Arms (CAP) Star Command (SSI) Street Fighter (CAP) Total Eclipse (SPO) JULY Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SPO) Forgotten Worlds (CAP1) Pirates (MIC) Red Lightning (SSI) AUGUST AP.B. (TEN) Clue (VIR) Fiendish Freddy's Big Top (MIN) Monopoly (VIR) Shoot’Em Up Const Kit (AGO) TV Sports Football (CIN) SEPTEMBER After Burner (SEG) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Adv (LF) Risk (VIR) Shinobi (SEG) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) THIRD QUARTER Axe of Rage (EPY) Bad Dudes (DE) Bionic Commando (CAP) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Galactic Conqueror (Tl) Guardians of Infinity (PAR) Guerrilla War (DE) Harpoon (TS) Paperboy (MIN) Ratoon (DE) Project Neptune (EPY) RoboCop (DE) Wizard Wars (PAR) OCTOBER Licence to Kill (BRO) Loom (LF) Their Finest Hour (LF) Xybots (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Colony, The (MIN) Double Dragon II (MH) Ghouls & Ghosts (CAP) Rastan(TAI) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Strider (CAP) CDMMQDQKL W12S JUNE Arkanoid II (TAI) Artura (ARC) x-Axe of Rage (EPY) Dark Side (SPO) x-Destroyer Escort (MED) Fire King (SSG) x-Firepowcr (MI) Gauntlet 11 (MIN) Hostage (MIN) Indiana Jones Last CrusaOde/Action (LF) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) x-Magic Candle (MC) 1943 (CAP) Pocket Rockets (CAP) x-Qix (TAI) Rambo III (TAI) Sgt Slaughter Mat Wars (MIN) x-Sky Shark (TAI) Speedball (SPO) Spider-Man & Capt America (PAR) Target Renegade (TAI) Tiger Road (CAP) War in Middle Earth (MH) JULY After Burner (SEG) Android Decision (DS) Curse of Azure Bonds (SSI) Empire (INS) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Heroes of the Lance (SSI) x-J Nicklaus g9 Course Disk (ACO) Might and Magic 11 (NWC) Shinobi (SEG) Storm Across Europe (SSI) AUGUST A.P.B. (TEN) Clue (VIR) Dragon Wars (IP) Dungeon Masters Asst Vol 2 (SSI) Frightmare (ACO) Harrier 7 (ACO) Mental Blocks (ACO) Shoot'Em Up Construe Kit (AGO) SEPrEMBER Battle Chess (IP) Black Tiger (CAP) Cabal (CAP) Deathbringer(SPO) 191R (CAP) Omega (ORI) Orel Hershiser’s Strike Zone (MH) Space Rogue (ORI) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) Windwalker (ORI) THIRD QUARTER Bad Dudes (DE) Cycles, The (ACO) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Falcon (SPE) Ferrari Formula One (EA) Heavy Barrel (DE) Keith Van Eroon Pro Soccer (MED) Kings of the Beach (EA) PT-109 (SPE) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Revenge of Defender (EPY) Sentinel Worlds I: Future Magic (EA) Snow Strike (EPY) Starflight (EA) Super Hang-On (DE) Test Ride (CAP) TV Sports Football (CIN) OCTOBER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) Knights of Legend (ORI) Xybots (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) Castlevania (KON) Double Dragon II (MH) Gho&tbusters II (ACT) Ghouls & Ghosts (CAP) Licence to Kill (BRO) Rick Davish World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Strider (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) AMIGA JUNE Android Decision (DS) x-Arthur: Quest for Excalibur (INF) x-Dark Side (SPO) x-Dcath Bringer (SPO) x-Fast Break (ACO) Gauntlet II (MIN) x-Grand Prix Circuit (AGO) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) Qix (TAI) Populous (EA) Rambo III (TAI) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Side Arms (CAP) x-SpeedbaU (SPO) Street Fighter (CAP) x-Titan (Tl) x-Total Eclipse (SPO) JULY Artura (ARC) Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SPO) Fidelity Chessmaster 2100 (ST) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) J Nicklaus 89 Course Disk (ACO) x-Jack Nicklaus Greatest lg (AGO) Kristal, The (CIN) Magic Johnson Basketball (MH) Neuromancer (IP) Powerdrome (EA) Sky Shark (TAI) AUGUST AP.B. (TEN) Clue (VIR) Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top (MIN) Monopoly (VIR) Pocket Rockets (CAP) Shoot’Em Up Construe Kit (AGO) SEPTEMBER After Burner (SEG) F-19 Stealth Fighter (MIC) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Adv (LF) It Came from the Desert (CIN) Omega (ORI) Risk (VIR) Shinobi (SEG) Spider-Man & Capt America (PAR) Target Renegade (TAI) Windwalker (ORI THIRD QUARTER Arkanoid II (DIS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Bad Dudes (DE) Batman (DE) Guerrilla War (DE) Harpoon (TS) Jackal (KON) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) Metal Gear (KON) 1943 (CAP) Operation Clean Streets (BRO) Project Neptune (EPY) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Revenge of Defender (EPY) RoboCop (DE) Test Ride (CAP) Total Eclipse (SPO) OCTOBER Licence to Kill (BRO) Loom (LF) Their Finest Hour (LF) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER TV Sports Basketball (CIN) FOURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) Castlevania (KON) Colony, The (MIN) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Ghostbusters II (ACT) Ghouls & Ghosts (CAP) HardBall II (ACO) Ishido (EPY) KyBos(BS) Rastan(TAl) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Strider (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) AFFLL Hello. JUNE Journey (INF) Renegade (TAI) Shogun (INF) Zork Zero (INF) JULY Dragon Wars (IP) Earl Weaver Baseball 1.5 (EA) First Over Germany (SSI) Qix (TAl) AUGUST Clue (VIR) Dungeon Masters Asst Vol 2 (SSI) Omega (ORI) SEPTEMBER Space Rogue (ORI) Windwalker (ORI) THIRD QUARTER Arthur: Quest for Excalibur (INF) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) ManhunterrNew York (SIE) RoboCop (DE) Superstar Ice Hockey (MIN) OCTOBER Knights of Legend (ORI) FOURTH QUARTER Curse of Azure Bonds (SSI) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Where in Time/C Sandiego (BRO) AmEUQS, JUNE Arkanoid II (TAI) Cap”lain Blood (MIN) Hostage (MIN) Renegade (TAI) Rocket Ranger (CIN) JULY Ancient Land of Ys (K YO) Battle Chess (IP) x-Duel: Test Drive II (ACO) Halls of Montezuma (SSG) J Nicklaus g9 Course Disk (ACO) x-Jack Nicklaus Greatest 18 (AGO) Life & Death (ST) AUGUST A P.B. (TEN) THIRD QUARTER Downhill Challenge (BRO) Indiana Jones & Temple of Doom (MIN) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) Project Neptune (EPY) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Quarterstaff (INF) Silpheed (SIE) Superstar Ice Hockey (MIN) Third Courier (AGO) Three Smtooges (CIN) Zoom! (DIS) OCTOBER Xybots (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Double Dragon II (MH) Ishido (EPY) Qix (TAI) Rastan(TAl) mCLSTOSU JUNE x-Arthur: Quest for Excalibur (INF) x-Bard'sTale (EA) Captain Blood (MIN) Cosmic Osmo (ACT) Halls of Montezuma (SSG) Hostage (MIN) Puzzle Gallery (MC) JULY Fidelity Chessmaster 2100 (ST) AUG UST Shanghai/Mac II (ACT) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) SEPTEMBER Omega (ORI) THIRD QUARTER Arkanoid Construe Set (DIS) Arkanoid II (DIS) Kamov (DE) Leisure Suit Larry II (SOIE) Manhunter:New York (SIE) Sceptre (DIS) Project Neptune (EPY) Starglider it/Mac II (RAI) Ultima IV (ORI) FOURTH QUARTER F-19 Stealth Fighter (MIC) Harpoon (TS) Ishido (EPY) MS-DOS JUNE Amer Civil War Vol 2 (SSG) Arkanoid II (TAI) Android Decision (DS) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Dark Side (SPO) x-Demon Stalkers (EA) F-l 4 Tomcat (ACT) Gauntlet II (MIN) Gold of the Americas (SSG) Journey (INF) x-Legacy of the Ancients (EA) x-Motocross (GAM) x-Ocean Ranger (ACT) Shogun (INF) x-Sky Shark (TAI) x-Take Down( GAM) Zork Zero (INF) JULY Action Fighter (SEG) Alcon (TAl) Alien Syndrome (SEG) Ancient Land of Ys (KYO) Curse of Azure Bonds (SSI) Indiana Jones & Last Crusade/Adv (LF) Last Duel (CAP) Monopoly (VIR) Murder Club (KYO) Neuromancer (IP) Operation Wolf (TAI) Orel Hershiser’s Strike Zone (MH) Rastan (TAI) Red Lightning (SSI) x-Space Harrier (SEG) AUGUST AP.B. (TEN) After Burner (SEG) Battles of Napoleon (SSI) Clue (VIR) Deathbringer (SPO) Deja Vu II (IS) F-15 Strike Eagle II (MIC) Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top q(MlN) Frightmare (AGO) Harrier 7 (ACO) Ml Tank Platoon (MIC) Manhole, The (ACT) Mental Blocks (ACO) Pocket Rockets (CAP) SimCity (MAX) Sword of Aragon (SSI) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) SEPrEMBER Cabal (CAP) David Wolf: Secret Agent (DYN) Federation (SPO) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Harley-Davidson: Rd to Sturgis (MIN) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Kristal, The (CIN) Loom (LF) 1943 (CAP) Omega (ORI) Qix (TAI) Risk (VIR) Shinobi (SEG) Space Rogue (ORI) Star Trek V: Final Frontier (MIN) Strider (CAP) Sword of the Samurai (MIC) Tank Killer: A-10 Thunderbolt (DYN) Their Finest Hour (LF) Thunder Blade (SEG) Tongue of the FatMan (ACT) THIRD QUARTER Arthur: Quest for Excalibur (INF) Axe of Rage (EPY) Conspiracy: Deadlock Files (ACO) Cycles, The (ACO) Don’t Go Alone (ACO) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Galactic Conqueror (Tl) Eye of the Storm (AGO) Ferrari Formula One (EA) HardBall II (ACO) Harpoon (TS) Heat Wave (ACO) Heavy Barrel (DE) Hybris (DIS) Inti Team Sports (MIN) Jackal (KON) LED Storm (CAP) Metal Gear (KON) Overrun (SSI) Project Neptune (EPY) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Quarterstaff (INF) Revenge of Defender (EPY) RoboCop (DE) Scooby-Doo (MI) Snow Strike (EPY) Starglider II (RAI) Super Hang-On (DE) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) Third Courier (AGO) TV Sports Football (CIN) OCTOBER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) Ghostbusters II (ACT) Knights of Legend (ORI) Licence to Kill (BRO) Rambo III (TAI) Xybots (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) California Games II (EPY) Castlevania (KON) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Die Hard (ACT) Double Dragon II (MH) Dragon Wars (IP) Flyton 500 (EPY) Ishido (EPY) KyBos (BS) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Storm across Europe (SSI) Sandiego (BRO) Where in Time/C i ATARI 2600 JULY Off the Wall (AT) AUGUST Double Dragon (ACT) Road Runner (AT) SEPFEMBER Ikari Warriors (AT) THIRD QUARTER Radar Lock (AT) Street Fight (AT) ...contd. on Page 13 ^ © August, 1989 Volume 8, Number 5 $3.50 j r n This Issue ... \ Special Look Inside Sega WEAK PREVIEWS of Tommy Lasorda Baseball Thunder Force II ....and more for Sega Genesis fennage Mutant Ninja Turtles Jltima Defender of the Crown ...for Nintendo Vanted! ...for Sega Vibarm ...for MS-DOS and several others TOP 15 COMPUTER GAMES . Dungeomaster (FTlVl) . Duel/Test Drive 2 (Aco/I) <. Falcon (Spec/I) . Battlehawks 1942 (LF/I) '. Blood Money (Psy/Am) •. Renegade (Tai/I) Red Storm Rising (Mic/I) . Hillsfar (SSI/I) . Space Quest III (Sie/I) 0. Death Bringer (Cin/I) 1. Battletech (Inf/I) 2. Batman (DE/Co) 3. Ballistix (Psy/Am) 4. Rocket Ranger (Cin/Co) 5. Gunship (Mic/Am) 0? FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMES . Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) . Blaster Master (Sun/NES) I. Ninja Gaiden (Tec/NES) . Operation Wolf (Tai/NES) .Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) . Double Dragon (TW/NES) . Simon’s Quest (Kon/NES) . MegaMan 2 (Cap/NES) . Skate Or Die (Ult/NES) 0. Teenage...Turtles (Ult/NES) 1. Bases Loaded (Jal/NES) 2. California Games (MB/NES) 3. Track & Field II (Kon/NES) 1. Zelda II: Adv of Link (Nin/NES) 5. Legacy of the Wizard (Bro/NES) oming next month: . look at new games coming from ierra, including LEISURE SUIT LARRY III review of NEC TurboGrafx-16 and games ette ..for MS DOS ambo III ocket Ranger J ...for Atari ST CE Visits Sega of America On a recent trip to northern California, we spent a very enjoyable afternoon at the headquarters of Sega of America in South San Francisco. Sega occupies an attractive but unassuming building in a modern industrial park, offering no hint from the outside of the magic and fantasies that come alive inside. We had scheduled a meeting with Steve Hanawa, Scga’s Research and Development Manager, who has been a long-time Computer En¬ tertainer subscriber and the one person at Sega we always see at every Con¬ sumer Electronics Show (CES). Steve ushered us into his office, which is a veritable playroom aside from the requisite busi¬ nesslike desk with its PC. One wall of his office is decorated with the boxes of every Sega Master Sys¬ tem game cartridge. A full-size coin-op arcade machine stands against another wall. Several Sega Mega Drives and a Mark III machine (Japanese predecessors and equivalents of the Sega Genesis and Master systems) sit on shelves, sharing space with an extensive book collection notable for the presence of many science fiction titles. This is the office of a man who lives and enjoys his work! Steve apologized for the disarray—there did seem to be an awful lot of telephones with wires draped casually across the floor behind his desk. We were there just before CES, and Steve explained that he was testing prototypes of the TelcGenesis Modem, a peripheral for the new Genesis system that will allow gamers to compete over phone lines with a friend. (As we go to press with this issue, the modem is very close to appearing in the Japanese market for the Sega MegaDrive. The TelcGenesis Modem for the U.S. market is expected to be available during the first few months of 1990.) MegaDrive Games Coming for Genesis What we were eager to see—and Steve was equally eager to show us—were some of the games planned for U.S. release with the Genesis system. As Steve showed us the impressive graphic and sound capabilities of the Sega MegaDrive with THUNDER FORCE II, LAST BATTLE, and TOMMY LASORDA BASEBALL (all reviewed in this issue), we noticed the use of on-screen comments in English, even though these were Japanese games we were seeing. We had wondered about this before and asked Steve why so many Japanese games feature English on the screen instead of Japanese. Steve said that it’s a matter of case in programming, because the English alphabet has just 26 characters, compared to 50 in Japanese. Since Japanese children learn to read and write in English at a young age, Japanese game players have no problems with the small amount of English used in their video games. Apparently the Japanese method of teaching English is something of a sore point with Steve, though, because he thinks it would be better if students had to learn to listen and repeat. He cited his own difficulties in understanding spoken English when he first came to the U.S. from Sega of Japan. He said that he would often ask people to write what they were saying, and then he had no problem understanding. ...conld. on Page 8 _ \ MULTI-SYSTEM Software APACHE STRIKE (**l/2/**l/2) has been converted for the Commodore 64/128 as well as the MD-DOS machines by A ctivision Entertainment . after an initial release by Silicon Beach Software for the Macintosh. The premise is quite simple. It’s the year 1997 and your mission is to search through forty cities for the Strategic Defense Computers (SDCs) that control hostile nuclear arsenals. You must guide an AH-64 Apache attack chopper through a three-dimensional streetscape, dodging buildings, and enemy fire from tanks and chop¬ pers. In the cockpit, you’ll find a radar layout as well as a distance and bearing indicator. There’s also a message area which prints out valuable information regarding the enemy as well as equipment damage to your chopper. In addition, there’s altitude display, speed¬ ometer, etc. Not A Great Translation Wc really loved the Macintosh version with its’ realistic sounds, whirring blades, an animation of the chopper itself. These versions are, frankly, missing a good amount of what we enjoyed so much in that original version as you don’t see your chopper and do not get the sense of flying and swaying between the buildings in the same manner as the Silicon Beach version. You can change altitudes, but not with as much latitude and we found ourselves quickly bored (unlike the Mac version which we had trouble pulling away from). Granted, the price is right on these versions (the original Macintosh version was $49.95), but we still don’t recommend it. It’s a good game which should have been left alone or developed furthcr with a higher price tag to compensate for the additional programming development (one player; joystick required, reviewed on C64 and MS-DOS) Not Recommended (MSR $14.95) COMMODORE 64/128 Software FIREPOWER (**l/2/**l/2) has been converted for Commodore 64/128 owners by Mierolllusions is an overhead split-screen battle¬ field tank simulation game in which the object is to capture the opponent’s flag hidden in one of the buildings. It’s tough to find the flag as the playfield is filled with mines, guns, and enemy helicopters firing missiles at your tank. You’ve got a radar screen which can help you find the flag; but you also have to rescue comrades being held prisoner. Split-Screen With A Friend The best version of the game is two-player as you pit yourself against a friend on a split-screen display. A version you may enjoy is playing with a friend via modem which works in real-time. The graphics are okay, with your view being from overhead. The gameplay is pretty straight forward offering nothing we haven’t seen many times before. The only real recommendation on this one is if you have a modem and want to play with a friend in that manner (one player; two-player simultaneous; reviewed on C64; joystick required; also available for Amiga) MSR $24.95 HOSTAGE (***1/2/****) is a program we enjoyed immensely when it was released for Amiga earlier this year by Minds cape (designed by Infoerames) and we were quite pleased to see it make its way to the venerable C64. A game set in four stages, it begins with you having to set up strategic positions across from an embassy which has been taken over by terrorists. Maneuver your men to the appropriate spots on the map but avoid the searchlights the terrorists are using. You can duck in an out of buildings, dive through windows, etc., until your men are placed. Then, a helicopter will carry a three-man Direct Intervention Team to the roof of the embassy. Move these men down the side of the building by ropes, and work your way through a window without being detected. Throughout all these maneuvers, you’ll work through the eyes of the marksmen you have in place as they survey the sides of the building through gunsights. Use a mini-map which shows you a layout of the rooms and hallways on the floor you’re on which will give you clues as to where the hostages and terrorists are. Once you find a terrorist, shoot quickly and bring the hostages back to safety. If you complete the mission, you’ll move to the next and more difficult level for another rescue mission. Fascinating Action!Strategy Combination This is a very different program which has a very interesting combi¬ nation of action and strategy with an eye to detail. The fastest move is not necessarily the best! With interesting points-of-view and nice bold graphics, this still rates as one of our favorites! (one player; joystick required; reviewed on C64; also available for Amiga and Atari ST, MS-DOS; coming for Macintosh, Apple IIGS) Recommended (MSR $29.95) FIRE KING (***1/2/****) is an action adventure bv Micro Forte of Australia for Strategic Studies Group . distributed in North America by Electronic Arts . The story begins after the sudden and gruesome death of the Fire King at the hands of a magical beast. The body of the Fire King was entombed in the catacombs beneath the town, and then another horrible beast took up residence in the subterranean passages, occasionally venturing out to ravage the people of the town. Now deathly beasts roam the land, and the town’s Mayor has called on you to solve the mysteries of the King’s death and rid the land of the supernatural beasts. Rewarding to Play You can play any of six characters in this game, each with differenl strengths. You can also play cooperatively with a friend. The game begins in your quarters in the town, where you have a top-down view of your surroundings. As you venture out into the town, you discovei many items which can help you in your quest. You also run into plenty of evil creatures, crazed guards, and others that you must avoid or shoo with your crossbow. Before long, you discover that the great beast o; the catacombs has sealed off all the exits from the town, creating d major obstacle in the way of your quest. Who ever said that grea adventures were easy? And this is a great one. FIRE KING bears f superficial resemblance to “Gauntlet,” mainly because of its top-dowi perspective, locked gates, and monster-spewing sources located in th< most inconvenient spots. However, the designers of FIRE KING havr - given the game a much stronger goal orientation than “Gauntlet” has The sense of purpose you feel as a result of more role-playing ani puzzle elements in the game makes it more rewarding to play that' “Gauntlet.” And the excellence of the game design is well supporter; by strong graphics and very good sound. FIRE KING is a wonderfu game, whether you play alone or with a friend. (Solo or two-playe cooperative; Joystick & keyboard; Pause; Blank disk required fc game-saving; Not copy protected.) Commodore 64/128 version re viewed; also planned for MS-DOS. Recommended. (MSR $29.95) THE RATING SYSTEM: 4 STARS = EXCELLENT 2 STARS = FAIR 3 STARS = GOOD 1 STAR = POOR * = ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1 st set of stars=quality c graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value) NA - Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) Computer Entertainer - August, 1989 California Dreams Shows New Gaines IOT ROD, a nostalgic car racing game and construction set, was the featured new program in California Dreams’ CES showing. The program ves you a choice of 25 different models ranging from a ’32 Ford Roadster to a ’63 Corvette and then lets you customize. You can switch engines, transmissions, tires and carburetors, add your own paint and design schemes—even go with a chopped top. When you’re ready to race, head for Bob’s Diner to check out the competition, and then decide whether you want to race on the road or the dragstrip. HOT ROD is planned initially for MS- DOS (MSR $49.95) and Commodore 64/128 ($34.95), with an Amiga version to follow later in the year. The new company (founded in 1987) also showed BLOCK OUT, a three-dimensional puzzle game in which falling blocks fall into position in a pit. This one reminded us of “Tetris”C and looked to be one of those games that could be very difficult stop playing. Available first for MS-DOS ($39.95), BLOCK OUT is also scheduled for Macintosh and Amiga. California Dreams is also lilding a “Make Out on BLOCK OUT” promotion around the game. Coupons in ads and stores will contain a question to be answered, and .drawing among correctly answered questions will result in prizes of a $5000 “Block” of cash, “Blocks” of time (mini vacations worth in excess '$1000), and colorful “Block” TVs. The promotion runs until the end of this year. More California Dreams Another new title coming from California Dreams is TUNNELS OF ARMAGEDDON for Apple IIGS ($39.95). This one is a futuristic maze cing game through a subterranean network left by an ancient race of superbeings. It’s up to you to find an disarm a doomsday device in the aze as you watch for deadly traps, obstacles and plenty of other dangers. California Dreams also showed its newest version of VEGAS AMBLER on Amiga ($39.95), a program that includes simulations of blackjack, slot machines, roulette and video poker. VEGAS GAMBLER already available for MS-DOS, Apple IIGS ($39.95), Atari ST ($34.95) and C64/128 ($29.95). Sew MS-DOS Conversions from Electronic Arts Electronic Arts recently released MS-DOS versions of LEGACY OF :HE ANCIENTS (MSR $29.95) and DEMON STALKERS ($34.95 or 5.25”, $39.95 for 5.25*73.5" combo). The first is a fantasy role- playing game which was done originally for Commodore 64/128 and hen Apple II. Designed by Quest Software, the game is a quest for a eather scroll with evil powers. There is a vast and varied geography o explore in this game, and everything starts in the Tarmalon Galactic Museum, a place full of clues and your “windows” to the outside worlds of the game. This program requires 384K, runs in CGA mode mly, and is not copy protected. DEMON STALKERS: THE RAID )N DOOMFANE is a maze-style action-adventure that takes place in u 99-level dungeon full of menacing creatures. Also designed origi- lally for C64/128, this game allows cooperative play by two people old includes a complete construction set for building your own lungeon levels or modifying existing ones. DEMON STALKERS equires 512K and CGA or EGA display, and the program supports lard disk. WIZARDRY III Released for Commodore 64/128 by Sir-Tech For all of you C64/128 owners who have been building WIZ¬ ARDRY characters, the third scenario, LEGACY OF LLYLGA- MYN is now available from Sir-Tech (MSR $39.95). The new scenario uses descendants of characters created in WIZARDRY I. 'Your characters can be of any level.) These characters must perfect be balance between good and evil, venturing forth to search for the "abled Orb of Earithian in hopes of restoring peace to the world. WIZARDRY III is also available for Apple II and MS-DOS ($49.95 iach). k _ Crazy Ugh-Lympics for MS-Dos Electronic Arts has shipped Caveman Ugh-Lympics for MS-DOS in which you compete in six of the craziest events you can imagine. There’s the clubbing event, mate toss, sabertooth tiger racing, the dinosaur race, and fire making. It’s tongue-in-cheek sporting at its very best! Suggested retail is $29.95. MS-DOS | DECISIVE BATTLES OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: VOLUME II, GAINES MILL TO CHATTANOOGA (***/ 'k'k'k) is now available for MS-DOS and is the second in a series from Strategic Studies Group of Australia distributed bv Electronic Arts . In this strategy game, you can choose from five battles from the middle years of the Civil War: Gaines Mill, Stones Rover, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, and Chattanooga. You must command the armies which fought these battles as you control a computer battlefield. There’s an easy-to-follow tutorial to get you into the action quickly and easily which is a major plus over many other strategic games, espe¬ cially if you’re a novice. You can play against the computer or a friend as you command your unit to hopeful victory. The program also includes Warplan™ and Warpaint™ which is a combination construc¬ tion kit as well as graphics editor. With Warplan™ you can design your own battles or restructure other historical battles. Warpaint™ allows you to customize the icon and terrain symbols in both color and shape to create your own effects. It’s a fascinating overview of the period depicted and anyone who enjoys wargaming should enjoy the diversity offered here with both the battles which are included as well as the possible battles you can design yourself, (reviewed on MS-DOS; package includes both 5.25” and 3.5” disks; also available on C64 and Apple II) Recommended (MSR $39.95) •mputer Entertainer - August, 1989 3 r AMIGA Software THE KRISTAL (***^****) is another absolutely fascinating “interactive movie” from the folks at Cine maw are with depth of play as well as superb animation. The year is sometime in the distant future in a strange galaxy in which you are Dancis Frake, a swashbuckling space pirate in search of the fabled Kristal of Konos which you want to return to its rightful resting place. This is a really in-depth adventure with the ability to interact with various characters you meet along the way. Listen to what they have to say as there are many hints in their dialogue. They will understand most of what you say to them via your communications window as they will give you many clues. There’s a fine amount of arcade-type action too. For instance, as you navigate your spaceship to another planet, you must shoot down enemy crea¬ tures (a good hit will find Dancis turning his head to you with an impish smile letting you know you’ve made a good hit). You’ll also find yourself in many situations where a swordfight is called for as this is the form of dueling used in this galaxy. There are many, many places to walk, finding useful objects which you should pick up for later use. You’ll have the opportunity to woo a beautiful princess, deal with very strange and alien lifeforms, all while moving through traps, puzzles, dozens of doorways on the many planets which must be fully explored in order to make those important discoveries! Another Winner Cinemaware has made quite a name for itself in the genre of “interactive movies” as they continue to come up with imaginative and richly detailed games. Based on an original play, The Kristal is filled with a multitude of adventure layering as well as many arcade-type sequences. Nothing has been slighted here as the backgrounds are rich in color and animation, and Dancishimself in close-up and background situations, his hair moving behind him as he walks. The graphics are extremely crisp with flowing animation. The gameplay is superb, as well. Any adventurer will enjoy the challenge of “cracking” the clues given by various people met along the way, as well as the interesting “conversation” you can have with these various characters. You’ll have to use all your adventuring skill as you find door after door, a multitude of paths, planets, and more in search of the Kristal. This is a definite addition for anyone’s library! By the way, it will be much easier to deal with if you have two disk drives as the program includes four disks! (one player;joystick required; reviewed on Amiga; coming for Atari ST) Recommended (MSR $49.95) Strategic Simulations Announces Clue Books, New Programs New clue books are now available from Strategic Simulations, Inc. for two of their Advanced Dungeons & Dragons computer games, HILLSFAR and HEROES OF THE LANCE. SSI also recently an¬ nounced two new programs in development which are planned for release in late summer. DUNGEON MASTERS ASSISTANT, VOLUME II: CHARACTERS AND TREASURES (MSR $29.95 for Commodore 64/128 and Apple II) is not a game but a time-saving utility program for Dungeon Masters playing the TSR, Inc. game of AD&D. SWORD OF ARAGON ($39.95 for MS-DOS) is a fantasy role-playing and strategy game in which the player, as heir of the late Duke of Aladda, plots and plans to extend the duke’s dominion and unite the entire Aragonian Empire. Magic and fighting arc combined with politics and planning in this game of conquest. Infocom Releases Apple II Versions ofNew Games Apple II versions of JOURNEY, JAMES CLAVELL’s SHOGUN and ZORK ZERO are now available for the Apple II (MSR $49.95 each). JOURNEY by Marc Blank is the first role-play chronicle for Apple II, a graphically illustrated game in the tradition of Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.” SHOGUN is a graphic adventure adapted by Dave Lebling from Clavell’s best-selling novel of feudal Japan. In the game, the player must learn to think and make decisions as Blackthome, the English sea pilot, would. ZORK ZERO by Steve Meretkzy is the prequel to the well-known “Zork Trilogy.” This interactive adventure gives the player a look at the collapse of the Great Underground Empire and explains the source of many items, characters and locations in the ^“Zork Trilogy.” 4 Giant Ants Threaten California Town of Lizard Breath! i Here’s an advance look at scenes from IT CAME FROM THI DESERT, Cinemaware’s newest interactive movie which is current!;- in development for Amiga (MSR $49.95). Activision’s TONGUE OF THE FATMAN due next month In what sounds like a rather bizarre new action game, TONGUE 0 THE FATMAN by Activision for MS-DOS (MSR $39.95) will featui an intergalactic lineup of strange characters and weird weapons i fights that take place in a variety of arenas, culminating in matches l the famous Fight Palace of Mondu-the-Fat. Some of the feature contenders include Colonoid, a grotesquely huge beast made up d thousands of creatures that work together to protect the whole andc?, re-form into any shape at will, and Edwina, the galactic Amazon wi. a hairdo that can kill. And then there’s Mondu himself, the masfo* warrior who overpowers with his deadly and unusual weapon—h long-range tongue. Fighters in the game will be able to purchai- devastating weapons, such as Zan Zan Needles which cause bleedin and weakness in the opponent, and Grasfur Slug Eggs which paraly? the opponent. Commodore Version of DR. DOOM’S REVENGE Now Available C64/128 owners can now join the fun of controlling the comic boc adventures of the Amazing Spider-Man and Captain America in D1 DOOM’S REVENGE (MSR $39.95) from Paragon Software. Alte nating between the roles of the two super-heroes, the player has tl opportunity to foil the nefarious plot of Dr. Doom and the powerfi super-villains in league with him. The game is also available for M‘ DOS and planned for Amiga ($44.95 each). J « Computer Entertainer - August, 1989 “ ~~ _ o ” " to reviewed. Also available for Commodore 64/128 (MSR $29.95) and MACINTOSH Software J coming soon for Apple II ($34.95) Recommended. (MSR $39.95) 4 Fit* tUftlNmt itrtw □BBHaHBSD ■graHBBNM “(ANGHAI 2.0 (****/****) is a game originally release for the 'tcintosh at the beginning of 1986 and is now “new and improved.” sed on a centuries-old oriental game of Mag-Jongg, the game from tivision is deceptively simple as you work with 144 tiles consisting seven visually different suits stacked in a five-level dragon-shaped pyramid. There are several differ¬ ent game options including soli¬ taire, head-to- head matches against the clock, and multi-player tournaments. Within the menus, youcangethelpon moves available to you, “look for moves,” “peck” to see a tile under other tile, as well as special background screens (Mac II only). raphically Superior lis new version is graphically superior to its predecessor as the tiles i much more 3-dimensional in looks and they are 20% larger than in f original program. The Macintosh II version supports up to 256 . ors and enhanced artwork. If you own the original version, you can * 2 ive an upgrade for $13.00 by calling 1-800-227-6900. If you don’t i :ady own this addictive game, it’s time to add it to the library! (one >yer; two-player; requires 800K disk; Macintosh SE, Plus, or II. Commended (MSR $29.95) MS-DOS ] ■ AVY BARREL (***l/2/***l/2) is a home conversion of Data \Ps own coin-op hit. This is another of the currently popular, imando-style military action games. Fortunately for gamers who i / have reached the point of near overdose on run-shoot-kill games, ivever, Data East offers something extra in the form of a strong tegic element that makes the game more interesting to play. The * lario is a terrorist takeover of a crucial underground complex that i ses controls for a nuclear missile site. Hidden within the six defense > meters of the complex are storage lockers containing weapons, i nunition, and parts of the super weapon known as Heavy Barrel. As r (or you and a friend) fight your way through everything the t wrists can throw at you, it’s important to pick up the keys to open \ lockers, for it is impossible to defeat the terrorists without the «lents of those lockers. In particular, it is critical that you find and ► mble the six parts of the Heavy Barrel before you attempt to face I terrorist leader. The game has plenty of fast and furious action, a r ' wide variety of weapons and terrorist tactics, and enough strategic lenge to give the game more of a sense of purpose than many other r , tary action games we’ve played. Graphics are detailed and well it nated. Sound effects are good for an unenhanced PC, although you j the option of turning them off if you prefer. HEAVY BARREL ^finitely a cut above the typical military action game. (Solo or >erative play; Joystick &/or keyboard; Pause; CG A/EG A/Tandy/ :ules; 512K; 5.25" & 3.5" disks included.) MS-DOS version WIBARM (***1/2/***1/2) is an action adventure developed in J apan by A rsxs Software for Broderbund . Its graphic and playing style will be immediately familiar to any gamers who have become accus¬ tomed to the Japanese style of combining lots of fast action with the puzzle-solving elements of tradi¬ tional role-playing games. The story be¬ hind the game’s ac¬ tion involves the take¬ over of Government City’s orbiting power plant by hordes of intergalactic mon¬ sters. The Minister of Power has disappeared under ominous circumstances, and the crea¬ tures have sabotaged the plant’s controller. If the plant cannot be stabilized—and soon—it will explode and destroy the Earth. One expedition sent from the International Magic Corporation (1MC) to recapture the power plant has already disappeared without a trace. Now it’s up to Eizel Cloud, IMC’s most famous member, to save the Earth. Action Combined with Puzzles As Eizel Cloud, you take charge of the investigation and the versatile weapon known as Wibarm, the complex robotransformer that can take alternate forms as a giant armored robot, a land cruiser or star jet. Using the three modes of travel and associated weaponry, you move through a landscape that scrolls in all directions as you explore cities and space. Many buildings can be entered, and you can explore the 3D mazes within. Auto-mapping keeps track of your progress within the buildings. Wherever you go, there are important tools and supplies to be found, messages from the earlier expedition which can give you hints and warnings, and, of course, many encounters with the horrible monsters that have seized the power plant. There is more than enough action to suit gamers who enjoy testing their reflexes, but it’s action with a purpose and the added challenge of many puzzles to be solved. The 360-degree scrolling graphics create a large and open environment to explore, and excite¬ ment is reinforced with a good, original musical soundtrack and sound effects. (Although sounds are not enhanced through sound board support, they are amazingly good.) WIBARM is a very good example of the type of game at which the best of the Japanese designers excel: non-stop action that engages the mind as well as the hand and eye. (Solo play; Keyboard or joystick; CGA/EG A/Tandy/Hercules; 256K; 5.25" & 3.5" disks included; Not copy protected; Blankdisk required.) Available for MS-DOS systems only. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE: THE GRAPHIC ADVENTURE (****/****) marks the first-ever creation of a game based on a movie by a team of designers with unprecedented access to the inner workings of the movie-making process itself. A productof Lucasfilm Games, INDY: THE GRAPHIC ADVENTURE draws on elements from the movie script, set designs, special effects sequences, movie stills, sound effects and music. The designers also had the input of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, who participated in both the basic game design and creative “fine tuning.” While all of this special access gave the designers very great advantages, it also added the considerable risk of higher expectations: the Lucasfilm designers simply HAD to create the very best Indy game imaginable, because anything less would be rejected by both gamers and reviewers. The game is an unqualified success on all levels. It succeeds as a challenging adventure suitable for beginning to ad¬ vanced players. It succeeds graphically, with evocative settings and realistically animated characters. It succeeds in conveying the wonder¬ ful music and supporting sound effects that we expect from anything iputer Entertainer - August, 1989 5 J with the “Indiana Jones” name attached to it. And it succeeds in the most important aspect of all, the special feeling that we associate with the Indiana Jones stories, a feeling that comes from the swagger, wit and human vulnerability of the character of Indy himself. Follows the Plot of the Movie The basic outline of the game follows the plot of the movie very closely, allowing a beginner to experience success in a role-playing adventure by simply doing what Indy and his father did in the movie. However, more experienced players will have a great time exploring alternative actions, including scenes cut from the original screenplay and sub-plots that were discussed by Lucas and Spielberg but not used in the movie. The interface will be familiar to anyone who has played either “Maniac Mansion” or “Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindben- ders.” No typing is required as you simply “click” on combinations of verbs, objects and locations to move around, pick up objects or use them, talk to other characters, or even initiate a fight. Dialogue sequences let you choose from a variety of Indy remarks that may get him out of trouble—or dump him squarely in the middle of it. The fighting action sequences are typical of Indy’s character, but they can be avoided by the player who prefers thinking or talking a way around trouble. There are some times in the game when you control Indy’s father, Henry, too. Before playing the game, it pays to read the copy of Henry’s Grail Diary which is included in the package. It contains many hints which can help you guide Indy and his father in their quest for the Holy Grail. As a measure of your success in the role of Indiana Jones, the game keeps track of your “Indy Quotient” (IQ) for both the current episode (game) and the series of games you have saved. Cinematic Heritage Throughout INDY: THE GRAPHIC ADVENTURE, the cinematic heritage of both the game’s subject and the Lucasfilm Games design team itself shows in the use of supporting cut scenes, various “camera angles” and other movie-based techniques. The designers’ fanatic attention to realism and detail results in an Indy character on the screen that actually looks and moves like Harrison Ford’s realization of the character in the films. And the sound effects are some of the best we’ve ever heard in acomputergame.Thegame is full of alternative paths to adventure and many challenges to the player’s skills. No fan of Indiana Jones should miss this wonderful computer tribute to the spirit of one of the greatest movie adventure characters ever created. (Solo play; Joystick, mouse &/or keyboard; CGA/EGA/VGA/MCGA/Tandy; Supports AdLib sound card; 384K; Blank disk required for game¬ saving; Not copy protected.) MS-DOS version reviewed. Coming soon for Amiga, Atari ST. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) MULTI-SYSTEM Software MENTAL BLOCKS (***'***) is a series of four puzzle games from A vantag e. A ccolade y s line of value-priced entertainment soft¬ ware. “Mental Detector” is based on the California Achievement Cubes test, in which you try to determine which of four “unfolded” cubes at the bottom of the screen matches the cube at the top of the screen. This one has a 30-second time limit, and you get just one chance to come up with the correct answer. “Fits and Pieces (2D)” is much like. the popular Soviet puzzle game, “Tetris,” in which you manipulate falling shapes so that they fill horizontal rows without gaps. Filled rows at the bottom disappear, causing the falling shapes to drop ever more quickly. “Fits and Pieces 3D” has the same object as the prior game, but it has three-dimensional shapes that fall into a three- dimensional area. “Shapes Happen” presents a sequence of three: shapes and a missing fourth shape, which you must supply by choosing one of the four shapes at the bottom of the screen within the 30-second time limit. Like “Mental Detector,” this one is borrowed from intelli¬ gence tests. M ENTAL B LOCKS is an engaging package for those who enjoy puzzle games. We liked the 2D and 3D versions of “Fits and Pieces” best of all the puzzles. (One or two players; Joystick C64/128, keyboard MS-DOS.) Commodore 64/128 and MS-DOS flippy (both versions in one package). MSR $14.95 HARRIER 7 (★★* / *rt*) from A vantage . A ccolade ’ s line of value- priced entertainment software, is a flight and combat game set in the Straits of Hormuz. Flying a Harrier fighter jet, it’s up to you to locate and destroy seven enemy rocket bases. Plenty of low-flying MiGs create an obstacle course for you to fly through, and you have to be watchful for enemy Exocets (anti-ship missiles) aimed at your carrier. You have a variety of weapons, from cannons, missiles and bombs to your own Exocets and anti-missile flares. The screen shows your cockpit instrumentation at the bottom, with the top portion devoted to a side-on view of your Harrier once it’s in flight. HARRIER 7 should not be mistaken for a complex flight simulation game. Such matters as taking off from your carrier and landing on it are quite easy, and there are no complicated instruments to master and control. Even engaging the enemy is easy, as we found the MiGs almost impossible to miss in the early stages of the game. While HARRIER 7 is not sufficiently challenging to hold the interest of an experienced simulator fan, it’s ideal for the beginner. Players who like the idea of flight combat games but find many simulations too intimidating should appreciate the ease of getting a plane in the air in this game. For inexperienced players, HARRIER 7 is a good value for the money. (Solo play; Joystick C64/ 128, keyboard MS-DOS; Pause.) Commodore 64/128 and MS-DOS flippy (both versions in one package). MSR S 14.95 GAUNTLET IT (***l/2/***l/2) from Mindscape is a majoi improvement over the same company’s computer versions of the original GAUNTLET. Based on the Atari Games Corp./Tengen coin¬ op, GAUNTLET 11 is a dungeon maze adventure with a widely varied cast of relentless enemies in 100 levels of action. The three familial heroes and a heroine are back for another run at treasure collecting anc monster bashing in the dungeon mazes: Thor the Warrior, Thyra the Valkyrie, Merlin the Wizard and Questor the Elf, each with differen levels of armor, shot power, hand-to-hand fighting skill and magic power. You can play the game by yourself or cooperatively with i friend in the Commodore 64/128 version. If you’re playing any of th< other versions, a second and third friend can join the fun as well. In al versions, the extra players have the option of joining a game ii progress. The top-down perspective will be familiar to players of th( first GAUNTLET, but graphics have been improved greatly. Charac ters are more sharply defined and move with better animation, and tb colors are much better than in Mindscape’s earlier GAUNTLET. Pla; action is very similar to the original GAUNTLET, although a few nev things have been added, such as stun tiles in the dungeon floor an< force fields. One of the major pluses in GAUNTLET II is the ability t< play the game with up to four people (except up to two on C64/128) The seemingly impossible odds stacked up against you by the relent less hordes of monsters seem a little easier to deal with when you hav a little help! Fans of the coin-op game will definitely want to ad GAUNTLET II to their collection. (One to four players except C6^ one or two; Joystick required on C64, optional on others; Pause; 5121 MS-DOS supports CGA/EGA/VGA/MCGA/Tandy; Not copy pre tected.) Versions reviewed: Atari ST, Amiga ($49.95); MS-DO ($39.95); C64/128 ($29.95). Recommended. APPLE II Software BUBBLE BOBBLE (**^***1/2) by Taito is as delightful as eve in its newest version for the Apple 11 family. The game stars a pairc bubble-blowing brontosauruses, Bub and Bob, who bounce and flo; their way through 100 levels of action. Bub and Bob are beset t bothersome beasties. Their solution? Blow a bubble to trap a monste then burst the bubble and get a bonus. Clear one screen of beasties, ar it’s on to the next. BUBBLE BOBBLE is undeniably silly, but it’s ab irresistibly good fun. Graphics are simple but cute (the wagging tale* the brontosaurus is a nice touch), and the music quite good. We’ve ht a lot of fun with every version of this game that has been released, ar this new Apple version is no exception. (Solo or two-player altema ing; Joystick; Pause; Continue feature.) Apple II version reviewe also available for Atari ST; C64/128 ($14.95); Amiga, MS-DC ($34.95); NES ($39.95). Recommended. (MSR $29.95) Computer Entertainer - Augsut, 1989 NINTENDO Software IYDLIDE (**1/2/**) from FCI is based on a popular Japanese )le-playing game for computers. Set in Fairyland, the game casts the layer in the role of a young knight charged with the task of recovering tree stolen magic jewels and restoring order to the kingdom. The evil oralis has taken over the kingdom and set loose hordes of monsters latroam freely in the wilderness. The knight explores the wilderness, Hacking monsters and defending himself from their attacks, finding seful treasures and clues, and gradually acquiring the ability to use lagic. The view of the world in this game is from overhead. The loving characters are quite small in this world, and we didn’t find the raphic treatment very interesting. Even worse, we found the experi¬ ence of trying to play HYDLIDE very frustrating. The young knight .arts the game with so little in the way of life and strength that he is ery easily and quickly defeated by even the lowliest of monsters, the ime. Even though we are experienced at role-playing adventures on lis and many other systems, HYDLIDE managed to make us feel like :>mplete beginners. HYDLIDE would be much better with a some- hat more forgiving early stage, giving the player a bit of a chance to st used to the game before being killed within less than a minute’s me. As it is, we found the game too frustrating to enjoy. We finally mnaged to stay alive long enough to cam some experience and find )me treasures, but we found that we had lost interest in the game by lat point. (Solo play; Password feature.) ot recommended. LTIMA (***/***l/2) from FCI is based on the very successful Jltima III: Exodus” forcomputers by Lord British (Richard Garriott) f Origin Systems. It is a complex role-playing adventure that takes a mr-member adventuring party into the vast Kingdom of Britannia here a new crisis faces the land: the evil power of Exodus. Your first sk in playing the game is creating your characters (choose their race, ‘ofession and ability points) or selecting from ready-made ones to >rm your adventuring party. Then it’s off to the countryside for the winnings of adventure. There are great numbers of other characters encounter, many opportunities for combat (necessary for building (perience and acquiring gold), and even towns, oceans and dungeons explore. In the towns, your party can buy and sell various items and lk with other characters. Some of your characters will even be able P> use a variety of magic spells. ULTIMA is a very large game in its :ope, and it’s a very complex one to play. It requires a great deal of source management, puzzle solving, and the willingness to endure tany, many battles with groups of monsters you will encounter peatedly throughout the game. It is not like the types of adventures at are more typical for the NES, those containing large amounts of cade-style action. Although ULTIMA offers quite a bit of graphic limation, there is very little true action in the game. What ULTIMA )cs offer is a great intellectual challenge that will keep you involved solving its puzzles for many hours. (Solo play; Battery-backed .emory saves up to 3 games in progress.) NES version reviewed, omputer versions available from Origin Systems, ecommended. EFENDER OF THE CROWN (*******1/2) is a strategy ime with action sequences. Set in medieval England, this game from ttra Software is based on the best-selling computer game by Cine- aware in which the player is a Saxon knight battling against the ormans in the time after the murder of King Richard. It is the time of the legendary Robin Hood, who appears occasionally as a character in the game. DEFENDER OF THE CROWN is a game of territorial conquest. You and your fellow Saxon knights aim to rid the land of the invading Normans, who have already established three castles on British soil. Of course, the Normans have no interest in giving up the territory they’ve already claimed, and they’re greedy enough to want control of the entire island. The game passes in turns, with activities including the buying and building of armies, the conquest of unclaimed territories, battles between opposing armies, and arcade-style action sequences such as catapult sieges (attack the enemy castle with boulders, Greek fire or disease bombs), sword-fighting your way into an enemy castle on a raid, tournaments of jousting and Morning Star bouts for fame or land, and defending your castle or garrison with crossbows. Players familiar with the computer versions of this game will find the NES version quite similar, although some action se¬ quences (Morning Star bouts and crossbow) are new for this version of DEFENDER OF THE CROWN. Ultra has done a great job of maintaining the graphic beauty and excellent sound of theCinemaware original. And the game works well on the NES, offering players a good blend of strategic and action gaming. We think that players will also appreciate the ability to replay the game with Saxon knights of differing abilities. And in this day of a few too many similar NES games, DEFENDER OF THE CROWN is an original and unlike anything else available for the system. (Solo play.) NES version reviewed. Computer versions available from Cinemaware. Recommended. Nintendo Announces Formation of “NES Network” According to a recent announcement by Nintendo of America Inc. President Minoru Arakawa, an interactive entertainment and informa¬ tion network based on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) will be a reality in 1990. The company has established a new “NES Network” division, which will be headed by Jerry Ruttenbur, whose formerpositions include vice presidencies at Home Box Office’s video division, Microsoft Corporation’s retail division, and KoalaTechnolo- gics Corporation’s sales division. Plans for the network are in the developmental stage, but it is known that the NES Control Deck will act as the terminal for the network. A modem and proprietary software will provide such services as stock purchase and trading as well as home banking. Game fans will also be able to compete one-on-one with players around the country by using the NES Network. Nintendo has plenty of experience with the network concept, because the NES equivalent in Japan, the Famicom, is already used this way in many Japanese households. Adult Nintendo Fan Is Big Winner In Jaleco Sweepstakes Jaleco USA recently announced the grand prize winner in their “We’ll Make You a Pro” Sweepstakes. Larry Dean of Hersey, Michi¬ gan won a Wilson tennis package including Pro Staff rackets, tennis gear and a dozen lessons with a Wilson teaching pro. And for those of you who persist in thinking that most, if not all, video gamers are kids—Larry Dean is a 54-year-old, avid N intendo fan with a collection of 91 games for his system. ►mputer Entertainer - August, 1989 7 The lips and Do wns of Sega ...contdfrom Page l Steve has been with Sega for 12 years, first with Sega of Japan and then in the U.S. After graduating from a university in Tokyo, he began as a production engineer working on Sega coin-op games and was involved in the programming of the arcade hit, ‘Turbo.” Steve was sent to the U.S. for training as a game programmer (his background was in coin-op hardware), and he has been with Sega in the U.S. through many ups and downs on both the coin-op and consumer sides of the business. When Gulf & Western sold Sega of Japan in 1984 to a group of Japanese investors, the less profitable U.S. coin-op and consumer divisions were closed. A Sega coin-op sales office was established by Sega of Japan in San Jose in early 1985, with Steve acting as engineering coordinator between the U.S. and Japan. With news of Nintendo’s success in the New York launch of the NES for Christmas, 1985, Sega of Japan made a quick decision in March, 1986 to adapt its Mark III system for the U.S. market and re-open a U.S. Consumer Division of the company. Steve described the wild race to get the Sega Master System ready for a first showing at CES in June, 1986—perhaps one of the fastest product launches on record—and a September, 1986 introduction to the U.S. market. Steve was Product Manager of the new division, and he recounted the story of the day before CES, when there was no product to put in the Sega booth because it was being air-shipped from Japan. He and a few others from Sega waited nervously at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport for several hours after the expected arrival time of the plane. Worse yet, no one seemed to know where the plane was. It turned out that it had been too foggy for the plane to land, so it went on to New York. Many tense hours later, the samples of the new Sega Master System finally made it to Chicago and the CES booth with very little time to spare before the opening of the show. After that experience, Sega has put lots of planning into the introduction of the new Genesis system! Coin-Op and Home Games Since Steve started in coin-op games and is now thoroughly involved in home games, we asked him which he prefers working with. “I stil believe, as an engineer, that coin-op is more exciting from the development side,” he said. He went on to explain that because the machine! themselves continuously generate revenue, more money can be devoted to development, and the newest technologies can be used right away He went on, “from a programmer’s standpoint, if a programmer need; A giant papier-mache model of 0pa-0pa (from Fantasy Zone) watches over the custotner service dept, at Sega Judy Jette, the face behind one of the friendly customer service voices at 1-800-USA-SEGA more sprites to make games, you just ask the hardware people to changf the hardware. You can’t do that with the consumer side.” But he like; the consumer side of the business, too, which he attributes at least parti] to an early involvement with the Sega Customer Service phone lines. “ was very happy to talk to kids,” he said, adding that he learned a lot fron them. “Right now, Sega and Nintendo have forced kids to adapt t« Japanese games. My goal is to create the best games for the U.S. marke by both Japanese and U.S. game designers.” A Visit to Customer Service Steve’s mention of Customer Service reminded us of one very impoi tant part of our visit: we insisted on meeting Judy Jette, the lady with th smiling voice. Judy is every bit as delightful in person as she is on th phone, and we know that many of our subscribers have talked to her.Th walls of her small office are covered with letters, drawings, photograph and memorabilia sent to her by Sega customers everywhere. And Judy’ fellow Customer Service representatives also have happily cluttere walls. The benevolent overseer of Customer Service is a gigantic pape; mache model of Opa-Opa, handmade by Steve Hanawa, who seems t smile down on the activities below. We came away from our visit: Sega with the overwhelming feeling that the people there really care about what they’re doing, and that they care about the people who play the games. SNEAK PREVIEW GENESIS Software Please note that all reviews, other than Altered Beast, are done from preliminary test copies loaned to us by Sega and, therefore, no instructions are include^ We have done our best to report on all the options and nuances; however, we may miss some items due to the fact that we do not have instructions to refer U We wish to thank Sega for their tremendous cooperation is allowing us a true Sneak Preview on so much of the first product on the Genesis System! Our readei truly appreciate this very early look. i ALTERED BEAST (*★**/****) is packaged with the Genesis in a move which we applaud as the purchaser of the unit really gets one < the best games anywhere. In this incredible game men turn to warriors and Gods ruled the world. You’ve been summoned by Zeus to reset Athena and you must enter the Underworld with the power to transform into all sorts of mythical creatures with supernatural strengths. In ti first level, you become a savage Werewolf and your brute strength is used to kill the enemy. Once you capture three of the Spirit Balls, you’ transformed into a fireball throwing Werewolf. In the next levels, you take flight as the Weredragon and fly through spooky caverns as you beg ___ w 8 Computer Entertainer - August, 1989 )iir descent into the underworld. In this level, you’ll encounter cteyes, an incredible creature which spawns poisonous spores in the lape of eyeballs. You then transform into the Werebear as you move further and further into this strange world. Then move on to a weretiger and werewolf where you must fight the fero¬ cious Neff who has Athena. Amazing Multi- Layered Graphics You really have to see this one to believe it. There is tremen- ous depth as you have scrolling of varying speeds on different parts the background! Add to that the extremely large characters with dra- atically detailed features and you’ll know you’ve entered a world of •aphics likes you’ve never seen at home before! Anyone who was at jrreception at the Chicago CES can attest to the wonder of this game ; we couldn’t tear people away from it. As this was packaged with our lit, this game did include an instruction booklet. If this booklet is any dication of what will be in the otherGenesis games, you’ll be thrilled know that there is more information, pictures, and descriptions here at we’ve seen in the past from any Sega game. Anyone who sees this ime demonstrated in a store will lose any doubt they might have had hen walking in as to whether the Genesis was “worth the money.” ist go ahead and take that checkbook or chargecard with you - you’ 11 :ed it! (one player; two-player) ecommended RNOLD PALMER TOURNAMENT GOLF (****/***l/2) kes you out to the links for several rounds of golf. You can choose play rounds of golf, match play, one or two-player versions. There also a password option allowing you to work your way through the nks in the tournament. Before leading the clubhouse, you can choose put the clubs of choice in your bag. Once you step up to the tee, you ive a large graphic inset which shows you the various clubs to choose om, the position of your feet, what type of lie your ball has, and a eather vane which may be twirling at any rate depending on how luch the wind is blowing. Once you’re ready to tee off, there’s a gauge ith which to time your swing (frankly, we had a good deal of trouble Hting the rhythm down as we had the feeling a little help from the struction book would have cleared up what we were doing wrong), nee you make contact with the ball, there’s an extremely realistic hwack” as the club meets the ball. Along the way, a message window ts you know how much further to the green. When you sink your put, ie gallery gives you a nice round of applause. With the directional itton, you can move the spotter in the background to affect which way iur ball heads. By the way, there are four choices in background )und - from rather traditional videogame music to “new wave.” ftiile you have a close-up view from behind your golfer, there is also 1 overhead shot of the entire hole with the location of your ball noted n that shot. Great Graphics , Sound , Gameplay We decided to hook up our Walkman headphones (we ended up laying all the games this way) in order to get the affect of the stereo at Sega is touting. The music and sound effects are simply awesome, he sounds of the club hitting the ball are amazingly realistic. Once on ie green, the message window keeps up with your shots telling you ich things as “you hit that a little too hard,” “too bad, you just missed,” etc. Because we didn’t have the instructions, we aren’t able to tell you if there’s more than 18 holes for the tournament; however, it’s one hcck of a golf game regardless! You definitely get the sense of where you are on the course as the graphics change each time you move the ball, even if you miss a shot and only move 10 or 20 feet. After all, your view changes in the real game as you move closer to trees, or the like. This does the same. A great start in the sports arena, (one player; two-player; password) Recommended TOMMY LASORDA BASEBALL (* ***/****) is another great game for the sports lover as it brings you right into the ballpark in a realistic game featuring the ability to play in any of the leagues, or you can create your own team from available players. Set your line-up and it’s time to head down to the playing field. The initial screen is from behind the catcher (who is, in a creative approach, only an outline so you can see the ball coming over the plate!). As the batter, you can move into any position you wish in the batter’s box and either swing away (your bat will give out a definitive “whoosh” when you miss the ball) or bunt. As the pitcher, you can move around on and off the rubber and have tremendous control over location and type of pitch. We found ourselves able to pitch some pretty amazing pitches as we played around with the com¬ bination of the direc¬ tional pad and the but¬ ton. That screen also gives you the typical player stats as well as the speed of the pitch. There’s voice throughout the game who announces strikes, balls, outs, and tells you where the ball is going when hit (“first base,” “left field,” etc.) in very clear tones. Once the ball is hit, the screen switches to a high birdseye view of the entire field with a small inset giving locations of all the fielders and the ball’s location - very useful especially in a flyball situation. If there should be runners on all bases, the program shows all bases with the runners leaning off the bases...more movement at the same time in large figures than we’ve ever seen in a videogame! The program allows for substitution in offense and defense. All That’s Needed Is Peanuts and a Hotdog! We spent a good deal of time playing this game at the show in the two- player mode and found it to be a great deal of fun and challenging. Now having it in our own testing facility, we still find this to be a truly wonderful baseball game with great voice, terrific sound effects, and strong gameplay. When there’s a flyball, it comes zooming up at you to where you can even see the stitching. In a grounder, the ball kicks up “dust” as it bounces along the infield. Field the ball and throw it to any base or run it to the base. The choice is yours. The roar of the crowd will sound as though you really are in Dodger Stadium along with Lasorda. This is a very satisfying game of baseball with some really nice extras. It’s another definite for that new Genesis library! (one player; two player; password option) Recommended SUPER THUNDER BLADE (***rt/****) should be a familiar title to many as the original Thunder Blade for Sega has been a very popular title. This is really more of the same but with the incredible Genesis graphics and sound effects. Once again you’re at the controls of an advanced attack helicopter going against rebel forces in ci- Jmputer Entertainer - August, 1989 9 tyscapes, the ocean, desert, and many more. The enemy arsenal is full of everything from huge tanks to jet fighters, torpedo cruisers and more. The size of some of these enemy tanks, etc. are pretty amazing as they can fill the screen sending heat-seeking lasers after you. Fast action and lightening quick responses are the only things which will keep you alive as you duck around buildings, dodge the enemy, while trying to shoot them down. Beautiful Colors Your copter is a richly detailed blue machine with whirling blades to add to the realism. There are plenty of great sound effects depicting all the artillery which, of course, sound simply awesome when you listen on stereo speakers. The sounds are very reminiscent of programs we’ve heard on the Amiga computer. This is a terrific action game for those who like the ‘ numb thumb” approach to gaming. We found the oversize control pad highly comfortable for this time of fast action game as we could get a good grip on it and let those rockets fly! (one player) Recommended LAST BATTLE {'k'k'kj'k'k A) by Sega for the new Genesis system is a martial arts action adventure with plenty of kicking, punching and jumping. It concerns the legend of Aarzak, the Last Hero, as he seeks out his longtime enemy, Garokk. In a previous series of battles against the three most evil men in the land, Aarzak was victorious. Now he has learned the secret martial art of Jet-Kwon-Do which will allow him to defeat his most powerful enemy. But first, he must make his way through a number of settings guarded by Garokk’s henchmen. Wield¬ ing some very nasty looking swords, axes and other weapons, Garokk’s warriors do their best to stop Aarzak. Some settings involve one-on-one battles with some of Garokk’s chief warriors, and they’re all very tough to defeat. (The first one we encountered looked like the Incredible Hulk!) Special Graphic Capabilities in 16-Bit System LAST BATTLE exhibits several of the Genesis graphic capabilities that seem to be possible only with a 16-bit system. The fighting characters are very large (about one-third screen tall), graphically detailed, and well animated without a trace of flicker. Two levels of background scenery scroll independently at different rates of speed, giving the impression of three-dimensional depth and realism. The game itself is a pretty straightforward matter of kicking, punching and jumping your way through a variety of enemies which your character meets in different settings. There is nothing especially original about the game, and it is likely destined to be overshadowed by a future martial arts game for the system which is more interesting to play repeatedly and over a long period of time. In the meantime, however, LAST BATTLE will suffice as the requisite game of the type because it does offer the gamer plenty of Fighting action. (Solo play) THUNDER FORCE II (****/****) is a classically styled scroll¬ ing and shooting space game by Tech no Soft for Se g a which shows off many features of the Genesis system to excellent advantage. It has elements that reminded us of several favorite arcade games, such as “Xcvious” and “Defender.” You control a highly agile little ship that begins over variegated green and gold lands interspersed with bodies of water. Enemies fly at you in the air, and ground-based installations shoot at you as well. We didn’t need instructions to tell us that we should shoot at everything in sight! (Automatic rapid-fire is pro¬ grammed into the game, which saves a lot of wear and tear on the trigger finger!) Aside from force-field barriers that cannot be breached without shooting them away, it’s possible to fly anywhere over the landscape, including back in the same direction you just came from. There are enemy bases on the ground in the different sectors, and destroying enough of them lets you move to subterranean passages that scroll horizontally. There are some magnificently ugly enemy crea- — _ 10 tures down there, and we also saw some scenes that looked like great underground cities. (We have been told that there are 160 screens of action in this game.) Throughout the great variety of scenes in THUNDER FORCE II, the ship maneuvers with ease and has the ability to pick up many different and fantastic types of “power-up” weapons. (Each weapon earned is announced by a synthesized voice.) This game is loaded with easy-to-control action, beautifully detailed graphics (including independently scrolling levels of backgrounds in several scenes), and the best stereo sound effects and music we’ve heard yet in a game for Genesis. If you enjoy this type of game, x THUNDER FORCE II is a must. (Solo play; Continue feature.) Recommended. More Reader Response to CES In last month’s issue, wc shared some reactions to CES from a fewof your fellow subscribers. Since then, we heard from Tristan Leeds, the “birthday boy” pictured in the July issue. Tristan had spent the day (his. 15th birthday) eagerly playing games in the Nintendo and Sega booths, and he sent us mini-reviews of some of his favorites. He wrote that A BOY AND HIS BLOB (Absolute for NES) “has good graphics and music. Especially the animation of the Blob and his friend, the Boy. The goal of the game is you have to help the boy to feed the Blob to do good deeds and do special tricks. The Boy will feed the Blob some candy, then it will transform into a bowling ball or ray gun or whatever item you want him to change into.” In his next review, Tristan said that “Acclaim has definitely done an excellent job on the N intendo version of DOUBLE DRAGON II. It is a great follow-up to the original game. The graphics are great and the music is cool.” Tristan went into great detail about SNK’s P.O.W.: “You control a character of the prisoner who breaks out of his holding cell by lighting a pack of dynamite. While the door explodes, you have to hack through the horde ol oncoming guerrilla and contra fighters that are armed with weapons. Along the way to the [leader’s] hide-out, you have to pick up whatevei the enemy has left on the ground. The weapons the prisoner can use arc guns, grenades, knives, his bare knuckles, and feet.” Of BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT (SunSoft for NES), he said, “When I played it the graphics and sound blew me away. I don’t know how many stage* it had because really it was incomplete and only had two stages. Th( game has good animation and the night scenes made it look spooky.’ ( i The Arcades Bally has recently shipped Arch Rivals , a sports video game which presents a “basketbrawl” challenge. The referee is a bit near-sighted so when the players push, kick, punch, etc., there are no penalties. You control the actions of one team member j using a 49-way joystick (!). Konami has shipped Crime Fighters , a four-player interactive game in which the players take on sleazy underground characters in order to rescue several lovely ladies who are being held captive. The punks you must go up against include ones with knives, steel pipes, and guns. Use your fighting skills or pick up their weapons in eight different areas of a city. Sega has a new driving game, Super Monaco GP , which takes you through the streets of Monte Carlo behind the wheel of a Formula 1. In the preliminary race you must test your ability as you attempt to qualify for your position. There’s a 4-speed or 7- [, speed manual version as well as automatic and the deluxe version includes an air drive suspension system which whips drivers through turns. V - - - 't Computer Entertainer - August, 1989 NINTENDO Software ) IEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (***1/2/****) is a jame from Ultra which many have been anxiously awaiting following he huge success of the comic bookherocsby the samename. You team up with four the four turtles as you battle carnivorous robots and brutal Ninjitsu Warriors who are destroying New York. On top of that, the Turtles’ trusted friend, April, has been kidnapped. Of course, you must rescue her from the terrorist bully Shredder. But you must also do battle through the streets ind sewers of New York as you attempt to reach and score a victory at he Technodrome, home of the evil Shredder and his Life Transformer bun. Before you can reach the Technodrome, you mustmake your way hrough five levels which all have several stages where you fight all iorts of enemies. As you go through these stages, you must keep an eye )utfor ropes, weapons, and pizza which is your life-sustaining food, nitially, you’ll have an Information Screen which includes turtle data you can choose which turtle to use as you are playing), messages from your loyal friends, as well as an area map which displays a diagram of .he level you’re working on. You then move to the screens depicting .he streets of New York, sewers, and Hudson River. Throughout, you :an go back and forth to the information screen in order to switch turtles ,br specific situations. At the end of most levels you must fight off the iKarate Boss who’s there to try to turn you into turtle soup. You’ve got i life line at the bottom of the screen which will continue to run out as you are attacked by the various enemies. Loads of Fun The turtle characters are loads of fun, with very nice animation. When the turtle “jumps,” he tucks in and spins up, landing on a higher shelf. He then stretches out and walks about with his weapon. There are several different scenes which contain all sorts of challenges in order to make it through secret passages, above and below ground. It’s a terrific action game with lots of fun animation, (one player; continuous feature) Recommended SUPER SPRINT (**1/2/***) takes you to the race track where it’s a race against computer-controlled cars or a friend in this latest from Tenpen . The heats are five laps on one of seven different tracks, all of which are viewed from high above with a birdseye view of the entire track. There’s everything from gates which open and close, oil spills, tornadoes, exploding traffic cones, over¬ passes and underpasses and more. Meanwhile, you attempt to pick up wrenches which appear along the track which enable you to customize your car with higher top speed, turbo acceleration, and super traction. At the end of each race, there’s a “Winner’s Circle” display which shows each driver’s rank, best lap time, and average lap time. Steering is the Real Challenge! The true challenge here is to steer correctly with the control pad. We found ourselves spinning, bumping, and generally having an ex¬ tremely tough time making our way around the track. It was very frustrating and we found ourselves feeling almost helpless at times. With a great deal of practice, you ’ll get better but the control pad is not the best of controllers for this particular game. There’s good racing action, though with plenty of tight turns and interesting race patterns. You may want to experiment with some of the other joystick control¬ lers for Nintendo to optimize your scoring abilities, (one player; two- player simultaneous; continue feature) Recommended THUNDERCADE (*l/2/**) is one of those games that you wonder how it got through Nintendo “quality control” as there is an embarrass¬ ing amount of blinking and disappearing portions of tanks, etc., behind background that mysteriously blocks out portions of the vehicles. From American Sammy . the premise finds a terrorist organization having build their own nuclear power plant. Your job is to make it to the fortress in time to save the world in your high-performance combat motorcycle which is outfitted with sidecar cannons and backed with a B-7 bomber. You battle enemy soldiers, tanks, helicopters, etc., as you move through city streets, forests, and various enemy strongholds heading for the fortress and the ultimate battle. Don't Bother Not only is the gameplay remarkably repetitive and the same as so many other games out there, the blinking graphics problem along with sparse graphics to begin with, make this a definite “don’t bother.” It may have the Nintendo Seal of Quality on the box but this is one of those cases where we wonder why Nintendo bothers to look at a game and approve it for manufacture, (one player; two-player simultaneous; continue feature) Not Recommended ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER (***^***) is a fairly cute game geared to young kids from Seta . Here you join Tom on his adventure as he daydreams in school....first aboard an abandoned ship where he must avoid rolling barrels, seagulls, rats, and pirates, while reaching the giantoctopus Naruklus, who he must defeat before rafting down a dangerous river where he must confront a monstrous alligator. Then it’s on to the forest,haunted house, a journey on a balloon through the sky, and deep down in a cave where Injun Joe is the ultimate enemy. Cute for Kids This is definitely geared towards the younger set with whimsical characters and such. There are some cute graphic touches such as Tom’s straw hat. There’s enough different action adventures in the game to hold a young person’s attention (not too young, though, because it’s not all that easy!) The schoolhouse screen is a cute touch as Tom awakens from his daydream. Overall, it’s a cute game which should hold a child’s interest for a good period of time as there are plenty of differcntscrcens for adventuring with different enemies, etc. (one player; two-player; continue feature) Recommended BAD DUDES (***/***) is a martial arts game from Data East in which you must rescue the President from deadly Ninja kidnappers. You assume the role of two tough streetfighters who fight their way through throngs of ninjas, dogs, and enemies on city streets, alleys, the sewer, and moving semi-trucks and freight trains. The enemies use everything from knives to shurikens and numchucks. And, they all Computer Entertainer - August, 1989 11 — fight differently so you have to use all sorts of moves to kill them. It’s a very fast-paced game with wave after wave of enemies out to get you. Pretty Good Street Fighting There’s plenty of action for any fans of the genre as there are constantly several enemies coming at you at all times. You’ll find yourself using all the control pad as you duck, kick, punch, etc., trying to kill the enemies as well as getting to where the President is held. The graphics are nice and the characters are pretty good-sized. There is slight blinking when several characters are on-screen atone time, but it’s not enough to be a problem. Overall, it’s a good martial arts game which has been quite a hit in the arcades, (one player; two-player; continue feature) Recommended (MSR $44.95) BASEBALL STARS (***1/2/****) is the newest in the baseball games for Nintendo, this one from SNK . Here, you are the player, manager, and owner as you do it all. At first, select the number of teams in your league and how many games they will play. You have your choice of up to six teams, up to twenty-five games. Then, upon selecting the teams to play, you choose whether they will e controlled by a player or the computer. When creating your team, you’ll choose among eight diff erent categories to cover the strong points of the team. Characteristics will include such things as power hitters, good defense, strong pitchers, balanced team, etc. You ’ll name your team and choose a team logo. As mentioned, you can have up to six teams. If you tire of one, or want to make room for a new one, you can erase a team. Once you have your various original teams, you can trade players among the teams (you can’t use this function within the pre-programmed teams). You can also buy a new player once you’ve fired one - that is, if you’ve accumulated enough money. On To The Field Once it’s time to play ball, you can change your starting line-up as well as batting order. If you’re on the field, your pitcher has the choice of fast-ball, slow ball, and left and right curve-balls. You can also move him around on the mound. If the batter hits the ball and it’s a fly, you can see the shadow in order to move under it. Line drives can be caught by the infield by making a diving catch. Does the ball look like a home run? Run your outfielder to the wall and, with some practice, have him climb the wall. If the timing is just right, he might snag the ball as it goes over the fence. When you need to get the ball into one of the bases, you can either throw it in or have your man run it to the base if he’s close. If the runner is leaning the wrong way off a base, you can pull up the “Pickoff” screen so you can attempt to catch him off the base. As the hitter, you can move around in the batter’s box, swing away (either upwards or downwards), or bunt. Your player will automatically run to first base but will only keep going if you maneuver with the control pad. You can stop your runner between bases and attempt to steal bases (watch out for the pitcher if he tries to pick you off!). If there’s a homerun by either team, there is a brief interlude as the action moves up to the scoreboard with the runner triumphantly running the bases while the pitcher kneels down and pounds the ground. Lots To It There is a nice balance of strategic simulation and straight-ahead action on the field to make this a strong contender in the Nintendo baseball wars. You have plenty of opportunity to strategize and work on statistics as you build stronger and stronger teams while using your skills in trading, firing, and hiring. The game itself is quite good with lots of control and action. You must do all the work in running down the ball, as well as getting around the bases. Your view during the game is from behind homeplate from about the tenth row. You have a small inset with the diamond and relative positions of the runners. Upon contact with the ball, the screen changes to the area of the field where the fielder is. Of course, the screen also gives you strikes, balls, who’s up, etc. There’s very nice animation with the umpire along the first and third base lines calling fouls and the nice touch of the outfielder being able to reach over the fence to pull in the ball. SNK has done a very nice job with this game with snappy play as well as good graphics and plenty of good ballpark music to enhance it. (one player; two player simultaneous) Recommended _ 12 ST RIDER (***1/2/***) is an interesting action game in which you receive your orders from your commander and then dropped into the heart of Russia where you must infiltrate the Red Army and return secret weapons to your bosses. From Capcom . the game quickly shifts to other locales as you fight off KGB attacks and the clues lead you elsewhere as you attempt to rescue your friend Kain who has been caught by the en¬ emy. Your superi¬ ors have told you to kill him. You dis¬ cover there is a ter¬ rible plan hatched by your bosses who comprise “Strider,” the strongest secret maneuvers group in the world. So, it’s off to many parts of the world as you choose to transfer to different locations as you collect the «3MM' • -?ir Y* . h • C, Xt .. • v \p ' ■£ '■; =/ ■s-s&Gm I H data you need by analyzing message disks. Those disks are found as you kill certain enemies along the way. Action With Analyzing Skills Needed While the game relies, on the most part, on action as you attempt to kill all enemies as encountered, you must find the message disks as I I well and then analyze them in order to complete your mission. The graphics are very good with the character depiction quite realistic. There’s plenty of action and good movement for fans of the genre, (one player; password option in order to remember past accomplishments so you can continue with the items you acquired the last time you played) Recommended (MSR approx. $54.95) SEGA Software ALTERED BEAST (***^****) is an anxiously awaited title from Sega and they’ve done a remarkably good job packing it into the 8-bit, considering how much there is to this game. The premise has you called by Zeus to rescue his daughter, Athena, from the evil hands of Neff, Lord of the Under¬ world. You have been given the power to transform into magical beasts from everything from a werewolf, weredragon, were- tiger and more as you move from one gripping scene to another. Along the way, you encounter some pretty amazing enemy beasts which must be overpowered, or avoided. Loads of Fascinating Gameplay This is a fascinating premise and this version is quite good. After all, we had the opportunity to play the Genesis version the same day (review in this issue) which, of course, boasts 16-bit and is a truly awesome version of the game. Not only does the gameplay hold up , Computer Entertainer - August, 1989 f. SEGA Software J Availability Update ...contd. from Page 14 juite well, but the graphics are very good also. While there is some lickering when _ here are multiple I ? here are multiple haracters on the ;creen, the charac- ers are quite large ind the detailing is juite nice. Obvi¬ ously, if you're planning to pur- hase the Sega •Genesis, you'll vant to pass on his; however, if you don’t plan on that upgrade, you will be quite iappy with this version for your venerable Sega 8-bit. (one player) Recommended WANTED (***^**1/2) is the latest in the shooting games from Sega, requiring the Light Phaser. You enter the world of the Wild West as the Sheriff where you must gun down the outlaws in the middle of town, in the saloon, the desert, the lobby of the hotel, and more. They'll pop out from behind windows, doors, and more as they try to shoot you before you get them. Between the rounds there are challenge screens where you can work on your shooting skills. One screen has you shooting bottles while another has you trying to shoot moving coins. Nothing Special This is justan excuse to use the light phaser as the game itself is pretty boring and re¬ petitive. The scenes may change, but you just point and shoot at the bad guys. We found ourselves quickly tiring of it. If you just love game for the gun, it’s okay and the setting is sort of fun. After all, the wild west is the one place you can get away with gunning down folks without morale objection from anyone. We just didn't find enough variation in it for our taste, vone player) Not Recommended 'LOUD MASTER (***l/2/**l/2) by Seva (from Hot-B and li- ensed by Taitd) is a cute but improbable story about Michael Chen, mysterious hermit who rides around the sky on a cloud, shooting Ki )rce from his fingertips. His aim in life is to become the Cloud Master, /izard of the skies. To do so, he must fly through five different worlds, liminating the strange evil forces that are out to prevent him from caching his goal. The game scrolls horizontally, with Michael floating n his cloud and shooting at such strange enemies as flying soup bowls, ird men, and pigs with guns. CLOUD MASTER is a basic avoid-and- noot contest with power-up weapons and a zany array of enemies, dthough it’s undeniably cute and features very crisp graphics, we on't think this one has much staying power. (Solo or two-player ltemating; Continue feature.) ^ lot recommended. Super Pitfall II (ACT) Tomb» and Treasure (ACT) FOURTH QUARTER Adventure of Dinc^Riki (IIS) Boy A. Hi* Blob (ABS) Cyberaoid (ACM) Demon Sword (TAI) Double Dare (GT) Glove Pilot (MAT) I Stewart Super Off Road (TW) Magic Johnson's Fast Break (TW) Roller Ball (HAL) 720 (MIN) Super Glove Ball (MAT) Target Renegade (TAI) Terror of Tech Town (MAT) Twin Cobra (AS) Unser's Turbo Racing (DE) Vegas Dream (HAL) SEGAmSTERSrSIZM JULY x King’s Quest (PB) AUGUST x-Cloud Master (SEG) x Wanted! (SEG) Spellcaster (SEG) Wonder Boy HI: Dragon's Trap (SEG) SEPTEMBER Captain Silver (SEG) Casino Games (SEG) Galaxy Force (ACT) World Games (SEG) OCTOBER B askeiball Nightmare (SEG) Walter Payton Football (SEG) NOVEMBER Dead Angle (SEG) Dynamite Dux (SEG) Scramble Spinl (SEG) Super Golf (SEG) Tennis Acc (SEG) SEPTEMBER Genesis System Ghouls'N Ghosts (SEG) Last Battle (SEG) Spaa Hamer II (SEG) Super Thunder Blade (SEG) Thunder Force II (SEG) Tommy Lasonla Baseball (SEG) World Championship Soccer (SEG) October Arnold Palmer Golf (SEG) NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Alex Kidd Enchanted Castle (SEG) Basketball (SEG) Forgotten World (SEG) Rambo III (SEG) Super Hang On (SEG) NOTE: Programs noted "x* have shipped as of press time but may not yet be distributed nation wide Projected shipping dates are provided by manufacturers and subject to change C£M£AHL£QVL1 ABS .Absolute Entertainment ACC. Access ACM -Acclaim Entertainment ACO.. Accolaile ACT Activision/Mcdiagenic AX..A*mik Corp ARC Arcadia AS .-American Sammy BAN . Bandai BRO iJrodeibund CAL. California Dreami CAP Capcom USA CB...Culture Brain C1N. Cinemaware DE. Data East DS DataSoft DYN.Dynamix E A Electronic Arts FP. Eisher-Price GAM ..Gamesiar GT.GameTek HAL. Hal America HJC.. HJC S/W HS .Hudson Soft HT..Hi Tech Expressions INS Jnteniel IP...Interplay IS JCOM Simulations JAL Jaleco XOEKoei KON. Xon ami KS Kemco Seiki KYO. Xyodai LF. Lucasfilm Games UN..UN Toys MAX Maxis MB. Milton Bradley MC. Mindcraft/Miles Comp M D M »c roDeal/ M ichTron MED.. Medalist/Microplay MH Melbourne House MI. MicroIUusion* MIC. MicroProse MIN Muidscapc MT . Matchbox Toys MW Mindware Inti NX. Nexoft ORI. Ongm PAR Paragon PB Parker Dro* POL Polarware PSY PsygnosiVPsycIapsc PI. Jhibhshing Int'I SET.. Seta SIE. Sierra SIR. SiiTech SNX...SNX Corp SPE Spectrum HoloByte SPO Spotlight S/W SUN. Sunsoft TAl.Tailo TAX. Tax an TEC. Tecmo TEN Tengen TI Titus S/W TS Three Sixty Pacific TW. Trade Weil ULT .Ultra VIR...Virgin Games Does this copy belong to a friend? Why not get your own subscrip¬ tion and save each issue for future reference. Send this coupon in with a check, money order, or bankcard information and we'll get you started right away so you can get all the news, previews, and reviews before you can get them anywhere else! Name:_ Address: City:_ State: Zip: One Year US/CANADA - $25.00 One Year FOREIGN - $38.00 Bankcard # (all digits): Expriation Date:_ Phone #: _ _Check/M.O. Enclosed _Visa/MC/Amex Cardholder Name (Print): Cardholder Signature (required):_ Send to: COMPUTER ENTERTAINER 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 (818) 761-1516 (Order your subscription by phone with bankcard - Outside California call 1-800-228-4336) )mputer Entertainer - August, 1989 13 ATARI ST JULY X-Artura (ARC) X Dark Side (SPO) Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SPO) Forgotten World* (CAP) Pirate* (MIC) x-Rambo III (TAi) x-Red Lightning (SSI) x Rocket Ranger (CIN) AUGUST APB.(TEN) Arkanoid II (TAI) Blood Money (PSY) Clue (VIR) x Gauntlet II (MIN) Monopoly (VIR) Operation Wolf (TAI) Qlx (TAI) TV Sporn Football (C1N) Weird Dream* (MED) SEPTEMBER After Burner (SEG) Bad Dude* (DE) Indiana Jcme* Lail Ciu*ade/Adv (LF) Omega (ORJ) Risk (VIR) Shinobi (SEG) Shoot'Em Up Construe Kit (ACO) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) THIRD QUARTER Android Decision (DS) Axe of Rage (EPY) Bionic Commando (CAP) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Ftendish Freddy'* Big Top (MIN) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Guardian* of Infinity (PAR) Guerrilla War (DE) Harpoon (TS) Indiana lone* Last CrusadeMction (LF) KnslaL The (CIN) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) 1943 (CAP) Paperboy (MIN) Platoon (DE) Project Neptune (EPY) RoboCop (DE) Side Arm* (CAP) Star Command (SSI) Street Fighter (CAP) Total Eclipse (SPO) Wizard Wan (PAR) OCTOBER Licence to Kill (BRO) Loom (LF) Their Finest Hour (LF) Xybots (TEN) POURTII QUARTER Colony, The (MIN) Double Dragon II (Mil) Ghouls A Ghost* (CAP) R as I an (TAI) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MU) Shark Attack. G Norman UU Golf (MH) Sender (CAP) Motorodeo (AT) Sentinel (AT) Shooting Arcade (AT) White Water Madnes* (AT) COMMODORE H!128 JULY Android Decision (DS) x Baal (PS Y) x-Curse of Azure Bonds (SSI) x Dark Side (SPO) x Dr. Doom’* Revenge (PAR) Empire (INS) x Fire King (SSG) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) x lie rocs of the Lanoe (SSI) x J Nicklaus 89 Course Disk (ACO) Might and Mage II (NWC) Shinobi (SEG) x Spccdball (SPO) Storm Aero** Europe (SSI) x Wizardry III (SIR) AUGUST APB (TEN) After Burner (SEG) Arkanoid II (TAI) Aussie Games (MIN) Clue (VIR) Dragon Wan (IP) Dungeon Master* As*t Vol2 (SSI) Frightmare (ACO) x Gauntlet II (MIN) x Hamer 7 (ACO) x Hostage (MIN) x Mental Blocks (ACO) RamboIII (TAI) Sgt Slaughter Mat Wan (MIN) x Shoot'Em Up Construe Kit (ACO) Weird Dreams (MED) SEPTEViBIH Battle Chess (IP) Black Tiger (CAP) Cabal (CAP) Deadibringer(SPO) 1918 (CAP) Omega (ORI) Orel Henhiscr's Strike Zone (MH) Space Rogue (ORJ) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) Wmdwalker (ORJ) THIRD QUARTER Android Decision (DS) Bad Dudes (DE) Cycles, The (ACO) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Falcon (SPE) Ferrari Formula One (EA) Heavy Barrel (DE) Indiana Jones Last Crus*Je/Action (LF) Kings of the Beach (EA) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) 1943 (CAP) Pocket Rockets (CAP) PT 109 (SPE) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Revenge of Defender (EPY) Sentinel Worlds I: Future Magic (EA) Snow Strike (EPY) Slarflight (EA) Super Hang On £>E) Target Renegade (TAI) Test Ride (CAP) Tiger Road (CAP) TV Sport* Football (CIN) War in Middkt Earth (MH) OCTOBER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) Knighu of Legend (ORI) Xybots (TEN) POURTH QUARTER Adventure* of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) Casilevama (KON) Double Dragon II (MH) Ghostbusicn 11 (ACT) Ghouls A Ghosts (CAP) Licence to Kill (BRO) Rick Divi* World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman UU Golf (MH) Strider (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) AAflGA JULY Anura (ARC) x-Baiman (DE) Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SPO) Fidelity Chessmaster 2100 (ST) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) J Nicklau* 89 Course Duk (ACO) x Jack Ncklaus Greateat 18 (ACO) x Keith Van Eron Pro Soccer (MED) x Kristal, The (CIN) Magic Johnson Basketball (MH) Neuromincer (IP) x-Populoua (EA) Powerdromc (EA) x-Project Neptune (EPY) AUGUST APB (TEN) Clue (VIR) Fiendish Freddy's Big Top (MIN) x Gauntlet II (MIN) Monopoly (VIR) Qix (TAI) Pocket Rockets (CAP) x RamboIII (TAI) Weird Dreams (MED) SEPTEMBER After Burner (SEG) Bad Dudes (DE) Dr. Doom’s Revenge (PAR) P 19 Stealth Fighter (MIC) Indiana Jones Last Crutade/Adv (LF) It Came from the Desert (CIN) Omega (ORI) Risk (VIR) Shinobi (SEG) Shoot'Em Up Construe Kit (ACO) Sky Shark (TAI) Target Renegade (TAI) Wmdwalker (ORJ) THIRD QUARTER Android Decision (DS) Arkanoid II (DIS) Axe of Rage (EPY) GuemUi War (DE) Harpoon (TS) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Jackal (KON) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) Leisure Suit Larey II (SIE) Metal Gear (KON) 1943 (CAP) Operation Clean Street* (BRO) Pipcrboy (MIN) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Revenge of Defender (EPY) Rick Davit World Trophy Soccer (MH) RoboCop (DE) Side Arm* (CAP) Street Fighter (CAP) Test Ride (CAP) Total Echpte (SPO) OCTOBER Licence to Kill (BRO) Loom (LF) Their Finest Hour (LF) Xybot* (TEN) NOVEMBER TV Sport* Basketball (CIN) FOURTH QUARTER Adventure* of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blade* of Steel (KON) Castlevania (KON) Colony. The (MIN) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Ghostbustcrs II (ACT) Ghoul* A Ghosts (CAP) HardBall II (ACO) I*hido(EPY) KyBo* (BS) Rastan (TAJ) Red Lightning (SSI) Shark Attack G Norman UU Golf (MH) Sender (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) APPLE lltlllc JULY x Arthur Quest for Excalibur (INF) x Bubble Bobble (TAJ) Dragon Wan (IP) Earl Weaver Baseball 1.5 (EA) Firsl Over Germany (SSI) x Journey (INF) x Shogun (INF) x Zork Zero (INF) AUGUST Clue (VIR) Dungeon Master* Asst Vol 2 (SSI) Indiana Jone* A Temple of Doom (MIN) Omegt(ORJ) Qix (TAJ) Renegade (TAI) SEPTEMBER Space Rogue (ORI) Wmdwalker (ORJ) THIRD QUARTER Heavy Barrel (DE) leisure Suil Larry II (SIE) ManhunterNew York (SIE) RoboCop (DE) Supenur Ice Hockey (MIN) OCTOBER Knight* of legend (ORI) POURTH QUARTER Curse of A 2 ure Bonds (SSI) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Where in Time/C Sandrgo (BRO) APPLE IIGS JULY Ancient Land of Y* (KYO) Battle Che** (IP) x Duel Te*l Dnve II (ACO) Hall* of Montezuma (SSG) J Nicklau* 89 Counc Di*k (ACO) x Jack Nicklau* Greatest 18 (ACO) Life A Death (ST) x Rocket Ranger (CIN) x Si!priced (SIE) AUGUST APB (TEN) Arkanoid II (TAI) Captain Blood (MIN) Renegade (TAI) THIRD QUARTER Downhill Challenge (BRO) Hostsge (MIN) Indiana Jone* A Temple of Doom (MIN) Leisure Suit Larry 11 (SIE) Project Neptune (EPY) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Quarters!iff (1ST) Supenur Ice Hockey (MIN) Thud Courier (ACO) Three Stooge* (CIN) Zooml (DIS) OCTOBER Xybot* (TEN) POURTH QUARTER Double Dragon II (MH) Iihrdo (EPY) Qix (TAI) Rastan (TAI) MACINTOSH JULY x Co*mic 0*mo(ACT) Fidelity Che**masier 2100 (ST) x Shanghai/Mae II (ACT) AUGUST Capum Blood (MIN) Carrier Command (MED) Surgjiderll (MED) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) SEPTEMBER Omega (ORI) Tin HI) QUARTER Arkanoid Construe Set (DIS) Arkanoid II (DIS) Hall* of Montezuma (SSG) HosUge (MIN) Kamov (DE) Leiture Suit Larry II (SIE) ManhunterNew York (SJE) Puzzle Gallery (MC) Sceptre (DIS) Project Neptune (EPY) Ultima IV (ORJ) POURTH QUARTER F-19 Stealth Fighier (MIC) Harpoon (TS) l»hido(EPY) MS DOS JULY Action Fighter (SEG) Alton (TAJ) Alien Syndrome (SEG) x Amer Civil War Vol 2 (SSG) Ancient Land of Y*(KYO) x Apache Strike (ACT) x-Arkanoid II (TAI) x-Caveman Ugh-Lympic* (EA) x Cune of Azure Bonds (SSI) Last Duel (CAP) Might A Magic II (NWC) Monopoly (VIR) Murder Club (KYO) Neuromancer (IP) Orel Henhiier'i Strike Zone (MH) x Red Lightning (SSI) x Space Harrier (SEG) AUGUST APB (TEN) After Burner (SEG) Battle* of Ntpoleon (SSI) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Carrier Command (MED) Clue (VIR) Death bringer (SPO) Deja Vu II(1S) F-ISStnke Eagle II (MIC) Fiendish Freddy'* Big Top (MIN) Frightmare (ACO) x Gauntlet II (MIN) x Harrier 7 (ACO) x Heavy Barrel (DE) Hoyle'* Book of Game* (SIE) x-lndiana Jone* A Last Crusade/Adv (LF) Journey (INF) Ml Tank Platoon (MIC) Manhole, The (ACT) Manhunter San Francisco (SIE) x Mental Blocks (ACO) Operation Wolf (TAI) Pocket Rocket* (CAP) Sim City (MAX) Sorcerian (SIE) Surglider II (MED) Sword of Aragon (SSI) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) Weird Dreams (MED) x-Wibarm (BRO) SEPTEMBER Cabal (CAP) Colonel's Bequest (SIE) David Wolf: Secret Agent (DYN) Federation (SPO) Forgotten World* (CAP) Harley-Davidson: Rd to Sturgis (MIN) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Kristal, The (CIN) Loom (LF) 1943 (CAP) Omega (ORI) Qix (TAI) Rastan (TAI) Risk (VIR) Shinobi (SEG) Space Rogue (ORI) Star Trek V: Final Frontier (MIN) Stndcr (CAP) Sword of the Samurai (MIC) Tank Killer A 10 Thunderbolt (DYN) Their Finest Hour (IP) Thunder Blade (SEG) Tongue of the FalMan (ACT) THIRD QUARTER Android Decision (DS) Arthur Quest for Excalibur (INF) Axe of Rage (EPY) Conspiracy: Deadlock File* (ACO) Cycle*. The (ACO) Dark Side (SPO) Don't Go Alone (ACO) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Eye of the Storm (ACO) F-I4 Tomcat (ACT) Ferrari Formula One (EA) Galactic Conqueror (Tl) Gold of the Americas (SSG) HardBall II (ACO) Harpoon (TS) Heal W*ve (ACO) Hybn* (DIS) Inti Team Sports (MIN) Jackal (KON) LED Storm (CAP) Leisure Suit Larey III (SIE) Metal Gear (KON) Overrun (SSI) Project Neptune (EPY) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Quanerxtaff (INF) Revenge of Defender (EPY) RoboCop (DE) Scooby-Doo (MI) Shogun (INF) Snow Strike (EPY) Super Hang On (DE) Teenage Mutant Ninja Tunic* (ULT) Third Courier (ACO) TVS poiu Football (CIN) Zork Zero (INF) OCTOBER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) Conquest* of Camelot (SIE) Ghostbuster* II (ACT) Hero's Quest (SIE) Knights of Legend (ORI) Licence to Kill (BRO) RamboIII (TAI) Xybot* (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blade* of Steel (KON) California Games II (EPY) Casilevania (KON) Code Name. Ice Man (SIE) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Die Hard (ACT) Double Dragon II (MH) Dragon War* (IP) Flyton 500 (EPY) I»hido(EPY) KyBo* (BS) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Storm acroct Europe (SSI) Where in Time/C Sandjego (BRO) ATARI Zm JULY Off the Wall (AT) AUGUST Double Dragon (ACT) Road Runner (AT) SEPTEMBER Ikari Warrior* (AT) THIRD QUARTER Radar Lock (AT) Street Fight (AT) POURTH QUARTER ATARI 7800 JULY Rampage (ACT) AUGUST Double Dragon (ACT) Jink* (AT) Xenophobe (AT SEPTEMBER Commando (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) THIRD QUARTER Ikari Warrior* (AT) POURTH QUARTER Barnyard Busier (AT) Mat Mania Challenge (AT) Ninja Golf (AT) PUncl Smasher* (AT) Sentinel (AT) While Water Madness (AT) AUGUST Deflektor (AT) SEPTEMBER Commando (AT) Midi Maze (AT) Super Football (AT) Tower Toppfcr (AT) Xenophobe (AT) NINTENDO JULY x Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) x Athletic World (BAN) x Baseball Stan (SNK) x-Deiert Commander (KS) x-Dt. Jckyll A Mr Hyde (BAN) x Faxanadu (N1N) x Guardian legend (BRO) x Hoops (JAL) x Hydhde (FCJ) x Nobunagi’s Ambition (KOE) x Predator (ACT) Shadowgale (KS) x Street Cop (BAN) X Slnder(CAP) x-Super Dodgeball (CSG) x Super Spnnt (TEN) x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle* (ULT) AUGUST x Adventure* of Tom Sawyer (SET) x Bad Dude* (DE) Bad Street Brawler (MAT) x Bugs Buimy Crazy Castle (KS) x Cobra Tnangle(NIN) x Dragon Warrior (NIN) Duck Tale* (CAP) x Mon tier Party (BAN) Power Glove (MAT) Silent Service (ULT) x-Thundercade (AS) U Force (BRO) SFPTEMBKR Au Forties* (HAL) Fester'* Quest (SUN) Hollywood Squares (GT) Jeopardy Jr (GT) P O W (SNK) Rolling Thunder (TEN) Sesame Street ABC (HT) Tetri* (NIN) Vindicaion (TEN) Wheel of Fortune Jr (GT) THIRD QUARTER Adventure* of Lolo (HAL) Baseball Simulator (CB) Flying Dragon (CB) Marvel'* X Men (IJN) NFL Football (UN) Sky Shirk (TAI) Stealth ATP. (ACT) Super Pa*swend (GT) Three Stooge* (ACT) OCTOBER Abyss, The (ACT) Back to the Future (UN) Battle of Olympus (BRO) Card Shark* (GT) Castlequcst (NX) Classic Concentration (GT) Code Name Viper (CAP) Diehard (ACT) Family Feud (GT) Joidan Vs Bird (MB) NES Play Action Football (NIN) NES Satellite (NIN) RoboCop (DE) Short OrderiEggspIode! (NIN) To the Earth (NIN) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (UN) Willow (CAP) Xybot* (TEN) NOVEMBER Barker Bill'* Tnck Shooting (NIN) Batman (SUN) Chessmaster (HT) Dig Dug D (BAN) Goal! (JAL) Iron Sword (ACM) Jack Nicklau* Greatest 18 (KON) King* of Beach (ULT) Romance of Three Kingdom* (KOE) Shooung Range (BAN) Spy V*. Spy II (KS) Top Gun II (KON) Wild Boy* (BAN) Wm Lone Or Draw (HT) World Chsmpshp Wrestling (FCI) decemhf;r Arch on (ACT) Ghotlbusierx II (ACT) Knight Rider (ACM) ...contd. on Page L ©1989 Computer Entertainer and VideoGame Update. $25.00 annually in U.S. funds for 12 issues, published monthly. Foreign$33.00in U.S Funds. Send payment to: Computer Entertainer, 5916Lemona Avenu, Van Nuys, CA 91411. (818) 761-1516. Computer Entertainer accepts no advertising from any software manufacturer. The philosophy of this newsletter is to provide the reader with honest evaluations of produc on the market. It is our intention to act as an independent watchdog, providing critical commentary and analysis. The opinions are solely those of Computer Entertainer and are not influenced by the manufacture To describe a program, we may use existing literature from the manufacturer, but that will have no bearing on the rating system. Any reproduction, duplication, or re-publication of this copyrighted work withe written consent of Computer Entertainer is strictly prohibited. Any violation of applicable copyright laws will be vigorously prosecuted and subject to civil and criminal penalties. This work may not be changed altered in any way. 14 Computer Entertainer - August, 1989 Sys/Format Quantity Total Program Adventures of Tom Sawyer (NES) Altered Beast (Sega) American Civil War Vol 2 (MS) Apache Strike (Co;MS) Bad Dudes (NES) Baseball Stars (NES) Bubble Bobble (Co=l 1.20;Am,MS=26.10;Ap,ST=22.30) Cloud Master (Sega) Defender of the Crown (NES) Dr Doom’s Revenge (MS;Am*=32.90;Co-28.80) Firepower (Co) Gauntlet II (MS=28.80; Co=22.30;Am,ST=38.90) Harrier 7 (Co,MS) Heavy Barrel (MS=28.80;Ap*=26.10;Co=22.30) Hostage (Co=22.30;MS,GS*=28.80;Am,Mac*=32.90) Indiana Jones Graphic Adv (MS,Am*,ST*) Kristal (Am;ST*) Shanghai 2.0 (Mac) Shogun (Ap=38.90;Mac,Am=43.60) Strider (NES) Super Sprint (NES) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES) Thundercade (NES) Ugh-Lympics (MS;Co) Ultima (NES) Wanted (Sega) Wibarm (MS) Cost 36.10 45.70 28.80 11.80 38.90 42.75 45.70 41.50 32.90 18.70 11.20 38.90 36.40 22.30 42.70 42.30 36.60 40.50 22.30 51.70 34.10 28.80 Wizardry III (Co=28.80;Ap,MS=36.40) . Zork Zero (Ap=38.90;Am,Mac=43.60) ******************* **************** *******************************v*"+*'fiFif^******************* We are taking pre-orders for Sega Genesis and games (Filled on First-come, First served basis): Sega Genesis System (10 lb) 188.00 _ Sega Genesis Special Stereo Pkg (20 lb) 293.00** __ _ **reduced price applies through 9/15/89 ONLY. Package includes Genesis System and pair of Recoton amplified stereo speakers. Speakers are 9”x6” square, feature 12-watt RMS output, external volume control, & all necessary connectors (MSR $189.95 per pair) Arnold Palmer Tournament Golf (Gen*) 45.80 _ Last Battle (Gen*) 44.50 _ Super Thunder Blade (Gen*) 44.50 Thunder Force II (Gen*) 47.90 _ Tommy Lasorda Baseball (Gen*) 53.80 ********************************************************************************************** We are taking pre-orders for NEC TurboGrafx-16 and games, (filled on first come-First serviced basis - no dealer orders due to extremely limited supply) NEC TurboGrafx-16 System (10 lb) 209.00 Alien Crush* 43.30 Dungeon Explorer* 56.00 Legendary Axe* 43.30 Victory Run* 40.30 _ (call for pricing on accessories, additional games) ********************************************************************************************** SALE ITEM(S) (circle item(s) wanted for convenience ) _ All subject to prior sale _ RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! One Year Renewal 21.00 Two Year Renewal 38.00 One Year Overseas Renewal 33.00 NAME: ADDRESS* city - STATE ZTP Phon e CHeck/MO Card #: Subscriber # _Bankcard....Expiration Date_ Sub-Total 61/2% Tax (CA only)_ Shipping: S ignature: _ KEY: *=preorder;AM=Amiga;Ap= Apple II;Co=Commodore 64/128; MS=MS DOS & IBM PC/compatibles;Mac=Macintosh;GS=Apple GS; ST=Atari ST; NES=Nintendo; SEGA=Sega;GEN=Genesis Calif, Nevada,Arizona TOTAL ENCLOSED: Shipping Chart: VPS ... Calif, Nevada, Arizona Continental US Canada Postal (P.O. Boxes & APOIFPO) 1st 2 lb ea add . lb Save time and PHONE your order in at 1-800-228-4336 (outside Calif.) FAX YOUR ORDER! - 818-904-3682 Continental US (& APO/FPO) Canada FOREIGN: Please Contact Us for Rates 2.50 .25 3.25 .50 8.00 1.05 4.25 .30 4.75 .90 6.75 1.30 ega Sale..contd 4.1S (normally $30.90) loplifter ack Belt :tion Fighter eat Soccer imbo i rostbusters eat Basketball ingsterTown Uion obal Defense :scue Mission ^ ntasy Zone the Maze $26.50 (normally $34.10) Shanghai Alf Alex Kidd-High Tech $33.65 (normally $42.70) Double Dragon Penguin Land Rastan Vigilante Time Soldiers $32.50 (normally $41.40) California Gaines Golvellius Maze Hunter 3D Space Hanier 3D Poseiden Wars 3D Missile Defense 3D $28.90 (normally $36.90) Rocky Space Hamer Alex Kidd-Lost Stars Fantasy Zone 11 Alien Syndrome $37.20 (normally $47.30) After Burner $40.80 (normally $51.90) R-Type $51.50 (normally $65.00) Phantasy Star MNTF.NPO Friday ihe 13mputer Entertainer - August, 1989 15 BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 Self Mailing folder. Fold Here MS-DOS 4th & Inches Const Disk9.00 4 th & Inches 15.00 Abrams Battletank 17.00 Adventure Const. 9.00 Airball 10.00 Airborne Ranger 13.00 Airplane Factory 11.00 Arctic Antics 111 16.00 Bad Dudes 18.00 Balance of Power:199025.00 Battlehawks 1942 21.00 Candyland 11.00 Championship Golf 16.00 C Yeager Simul 2.0 26.00 Chutes & Ladders 11.00 Combat Course 24.00 Dive Bomber 21.00 Double Dare 17.00 Dr Doom’s Revenge 26.00 Dr Dumont’s Wild Pty 24.00 E Weaver Comm Disk 15.00 E Weaver Baseball 1.5 27.00 Earl Weaver MLB PA Player Statistics Disk 15.00 Filenote 8.00 First Over Germany 14.00 Games, The 13.00 Games, Winter Edition 14.00 GFL Champ Football 20.00 Golf Rush 22.00 Guardians of Infinity 23.00 Halls of Montezuma 23.00 Hidden Agenda 26.00 Hollywood Squares 16.00 Hometown USA 15.00 Hostage 28.00 Indoor Sports 23.00 Kings of Beach 28.00 Lancelot 20.00 Legacy of Ancients 16.00 Last Ninja 19.00 Magic Candle 18.00 Modem Software 10.00 Moses 7.00. Motocross 15.00 Ocean Ranger 16.00 Omnicron Conspiracy 13.00 Outrun 10.00 Phantasie 111 11.00 Pinball Wizard 13.00 Platoon 14.00 Pole Position II 17.00 Police Quest 2 21.00 PreForm 11.00 Prime Time 10.00 PS1 Trading Co 8.00 PT109 10.00 Prophecy 16.00 Rack Em 16.00 Reach for the Stars 15.00 Renegade 17.00 Reel N Fishin 13.00 Red Storm Rising 29.00 Road runner 17.00 Serve & Volley 17.00 Sky Shark 21.00 Slipheed 19.00 Slots & Cards 11.00 Speedball 27.00 Spiderbot 12.00 Sporting News 15.00 Star Command 16.00 Star Empire 12.00 Star Wars 11.00 Steel Thunder 12.00 V _ 16 SUPER SALE - BUY NOW FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS (this offer will not be repeated before the Holidays) All Brand New and Sealed . All subject to prior sale and are non-returnable Street Football 10.00 Games, Winter Edition 16.00 Magic Candle 23.00 Street Sports Baseball 10.00 Grand Prix Circuit 18.00 Marble Madness 19.00 Street Sports Basketball 10.00 Gunship 20.00 Mind Roll 17.00 Street Sports Soccer 10.00 Hostage 29.00 Ole 2.00 Strike Fleet 11.00 Indiana Jones:Temple 21.00 Overrun 10.00 T.K.O. 11.00 Jack Nicklaus Grt 18 23.00 Pastfinder 5.00 Techno Cop 8.00 Journey 21.00 Phantasie III 9.00 Test Drive II 26.00 Kristal, The 27.00 Pool of Radiance 10.00 Test Drive 11 Scenery 17.00 Master Ninja 19.00 Power Play Hockey 14.00 Test Drive II Supercars 17.00 Min droll 17.00 Pro Soccer 14.00 Tower Toppler 9.00 Operation Wolf 15.00 Project Firestart 16.00 Twilight Zone 13.00 Outrun 15.00 Q-Bert 11.00 Twilight’s Ransom 15.00 Phantasie III 12.00 Rack Em 12.00 VideoGammon 8.00 Q-Ball 14.00 RoboCop 14.00 Wasteland 11.00 Renegade 18.00 Serve & Volley 11.00 Western Scenery Disk 8.00 Rampage 24.00 SimCity 27.00 World Karate Champ 11.00 Roadraider 21.00 Sky Shark 24.00 Zany Golf 9.00 Rocket Ranger 27.00 Soko Ban 21.00 Shogun 26.00 Space Station Oblivion 12.00 MACINTOSH SimCity 29.00 Spy Vs Spy 111 10.00 4 th &, Inches 18.00 Space Harrier 16.00 Star Empire 9.00 4th & Inches Constr 10.00 Speedball 22.00 Star Wars 13.00 Bard’s Tale 11.00 Star Wars 18.00 Test Drive II 27.00 Business Class/ Thunder Blade 17.00 Test Drive II Scenery 13.00 HyperCard 15.00 Titan 24.00 Test Drive II Supercars 13.00 City to City/Hypercard 16.00 Total Eclipse 25.00 Thunder Blade 11.00 Deja Vu II 25.00 TV Sports Football 25.00 Touchdown Football 14.00 Dr Dumont’s Wild Pty 14.00 Twilight’s Ransom 14.00 Tower Toppler 10.00 Focal Point/Hypercard 15.00 Warlock 16.00 Train, The 9.00 Gauntlet 26.00 Willow 23.00 Uninvited 12.00 Hidden Agenda 28.00 Where in World is Wheel of Fortune 3.00 l^ancelot 20.00 C Sandiego 23.00 Willow 9.00 P51 Flight Simulator 17.00 Zork Zero 25.00 Winter Challenge 6.00 Pirates 17.00 Wizardry 1 6.00 Reports/Hypercard 15.00 COMMODORE 64/128 World Karate Champ 10.00 Shufflepuck Cafe 21.00 720 19.00 Zoids 6.00 SimCity 30.00 Action Fighter 17.00 Thunder 7.00 Axe of Rage 17.00 ATARI ST Thunder 11 11.00 Ballblazer 7.00 Action Fighter 10.00 Time & Magik 13.00 Bard’s Tale 3 10.00 Alcon 14.00 UMS 15.00 Battles of Napoleon 13.00 Alien Syndrome 11.00 UMS Scenario 1 9.00 Battleship 14.00 Bubble Bobble 16.00 UMS Scenario 2 9.00 Beamridcr 7.00 Bubble Ghost 13.00 Warlock 18.00 Beyond Zork Captain Blood 18.00 Where in USA is (Cl 28 only) 13.00 Combat Course 21.00 C Sandiego 23.00 Blackjack Academy 7.00 Crazy Cars 16.00 Xenon 9.00 Boulder Dash Constr 7.00 Devon Aire 29.00 Caveman UghLympics : 17.00 Dive Bomber 19.00 AMIGA Combat Course 20.00 Falcon 24.00 4 th & Inches Constr 16.00 Deathlord 14.00 Final Assault 15.00 Arthur: Decisive Battles Vol 2 14.00 Games, Winter Edition i 9.00 Quest for Excalibur 29.00 Decisive Battles Vol 1 14.00 Hostage 27.00 Action Fighter 12.00 Designer’s Pencil 5.00 Jupiter Probe 13.00 Aunt Arctic Adventure 17.00 Devon Aire 28.00 Manhunter 24.00 Award Maker Spts Lib 8.00 Dive Bomber 21.00 Orbitor 15.00 Baal 27.00 Fl 4 Tomcat 17.00 Prime Time 10.00 Balance of Power: 199026.00 Faery Tale Adventure 17.00 Renegade 14.00 BattleChess 19.00 Final Assault 10.00 Space Station Oblivion 15.00 Battleship 17.00 First Over Germany 11.00 Star Trek 17.00 Bubble Bobble 21.00 Gauntlet 16.00 Test Drive 14.00 Bubble Ghost 20.00 GFL Champion Football 14.00 Tetris 21.00 Carrier Command 16.00 Ouerrilla War 17.00 Thunder Blade 16.00 Charon 5 12.00 Inti Team Sports 20.00 Typhoon Thompson 14.00 Combat Course 21.00 Jack Nicklaus Grt 18 15.00 UMS Scenario 1 17.00 Dark Side 18.00 Jack Nicklaus ‘89 UMS Scenario 2 17.00 Deathbringer 23.00 Course Disk 10.00 Willow 19.00 Dinosaurs are Forever 8.00 Karateka 5.00 World Karate Champ 15.00 Deja Vu 11 27.00 Kid Niki 6.00 Falcon 26.00 Last Ninja 15.00 APPLE 11 Fast Break 24.00 Last Ninja 2 23.00 Arkanoid 10.00 Galactic Conqueror 19.00 Arctic Fox 11.00 Bad Dudes 15.00 Battles of Napoleon 15.00 Champion Baseball 16.00 Death! ord 14.00 Decisive Battles VI 16.00 Decisive Battles V III 18.00 Gamemaker Library: Sports 3.00 Impossible Mission 11 8.00 John Madden Football 23.00 Kid Niki 5.00 L.A. Crackdown 20.00 Magic Candle 18.00 Mindshadow 5.00 Murder on Mississippi 6.00 Neucromancer 3.00 Ovenun 7.00 Pathwords 4.00 Pool of Radiance 11.00 Riddle Magic 7.00 Roadwar 2000 6.00 Ski Crazed 9.00 Sky Travel 10.00 Spiderbot 9.00 Street Sports Football 11.00 Tag Team Wrestling 9.00 Techno Cop 8.00 Where in Europe/ CSandiego 15.00 Wizardry IV 7.00 World Karate Champ 14.00 Zorkquest: Assault 10.00 APPLE I1GS Arkanoid 10.00 Balance of Power: 199021.00 Dust Cover 4.00 DejaVulI 25.00 Jack Nicklaus Grt 18 21.00 Kings Quest III 25.00 Kings Quest IV 27.00 Mad Match 14.00 Paperboy 13.00 Test Drive II 21.00 Test Drive II Scenery 15.00 Test Drive 11 Super cars 15.00 Where in World/ CSandiego 21.00 SEGA SALE Fill in your library at these one-time only Prices!I Subject to slock on Hand Parker Bros $28,90 (normally $36.90) Kings Quest Montezuma’s Revenge Activision $26.80 (normally $34.60) Cyborg Hunter $31.30 (normally $42.50) Bomber Raid Rampage Sega $19.40 (normally $24.90) Ghost House ... contd . on Page 1 Computer Entertainer - August, 1989 Computer Entertainer —V'VCAMINC ' S HEARTBEA in a t 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411 ^ © September, 1989 Volume 8, Number 6 $3.50 n This Issue ... ’omparison Chart of the 8-Bit and 16-Bit Gaming Machines Nintendo 16-Bit Machine Delayed! ji Look at the NEC TurboGrafx-16 REVIEWS Include... NEAK PREVIEW of Pipe Dreams for Macintosh rkanoid II idiana Jones ....for Commodore 64 hoot ‘Em Up Construction )ix ...for Amiga )esert Commander ’obra Triangle ugs Bunny Crazy Castle )ragon Warrior ..for Nintendo 'ette! 40 Pursuit ...for MS-DOS OP 15 COMPUTER GAMES . Dungeomaster (FTL/I) . Duel/Test Drive 2 (Aco/I) . Falcon (Spec/I) . Blood Money (Psy/Am) . Battlehawks 1942 (LF/I) . Renegade (Tai/I) . Red Storm Rising (Mic/I) . Death Bringer (Cin/I) . Battletech (Inf/I) 0. Space Quest III (Sie/I) 1. Hillsfar (SSI/I) 2. Batman (DE/I) 3. Ballistix (Psy/Am) 4. Gauntlet II (Min/I) 5. Indiana Jones/Adv (LF/I) OP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMES . Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) .NinjaGaiden (Tec/NES) . Blaster Master (Sun/NES) . Teenage...Turtles (Ult/NES) . Simon’s Quest (Kon/NES) Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) . Operation Wolf (Tai/NES) . MegaMan 2 (Cap/NES) Double Dragon (TW/NES) 0. Zelda II: Adv of Link (Nin/NES) 1. Skate Or Die (Ult/NES) 2. Track & Field II (Kon/NES) 3. California Games (MB/NES) 4. Bases Loaded (Jal/NES) 5. Legacy of the Wizard (Bro/NES) 'oming... Reviews of... 'imes of Lore for Atari ST word of Aragon for MS-DOS Jack to the Future for Nintendo bonder Boy III and Spellcaster for Sega > ..and much more! — Exciting Fall & Winter Lineup of Games from Sierra Watch for a great-looking lineup of new 3-D animated adventures coming from Sierra this fall and winter. All of the Sierra titles will be available first in MS-DOS format, with versions for Atari St, Amiga, Apple IIGS and Macintosh to follow. First in the group of new games is the further adventures of the alien orbs we first encountered in the chillingly futuristic “Manhunter: New York.” MANHUNTER: SAN FRANCISCO, just released as this issue went to press, promises the same blend of horror, humor and realistic adventure that made the first Manhunter game so engrossing an experience. Due very soon is HOYLE’S BOOK OF GAMES, which includes such family favorites as Cribbage, Gin, Old Maid and Crazy 8s. The twist that makes this one look interesting is that the program comes with a wide selection of computer opponents with their own personalities and skill levels. Many of these opponents are familiar characters from Sierra games. How about a game of Gin with Roger Willco, space sanitation engineer of “Space Quest” fame? Adventure Takes Many Forms Sierra promises a wide variety of adventure themes for gamers over the next few months. The next in their series of Japanese imports is SORCERI AN, a program that includes 15 separate role-playing adven tures with plenty of action. And in HERO’S QUEST, you ’ll have the chance to explore a wide- ranging variety of settings as a thief, warrior or magician. What we’ve seen of this game looks very good, with your hero moving around within some wonderful 3D settings. And Sierra moves from fantasy to reality in the latest adventure from Jim Walls, designer of the “Police Quest” games. CODE NAME: ICE MAN lets you become a member of theelite U.S. Navy SEALS (Sea, Air, Land) commando team on a mission to rescue an American ambassador from a group of terrorists. There’s plenty of high-tech simulation along with the adventure in this one, as you’ll have the chance to operate a nuclear attack submarine among other experiences. The portions we’ve seen of CON¬ QUESTS OF CAMELOT look wonderful, with the classic Arthurian tale of the quest for the Holy Grail in a new 3D animated adventure designed by Christy Marx and Peter Ledger. These two are a husband and wife team whose combined previous experience in TV animation, script writing, film and comic books promises to bring new excitement to a very old story. And there’s good news for Roberta Williams fans. Roberta has taken a new direction with THE COLONEL’S BEQUEST, a real-time murder mystery set in the Roaring Twenties that is full of danger and humor. Roberta pays homage to the classic mystery boardgame, Clue, in the naming of her characters (Colonel Henri Dijon and Ethel Prune, among others), and she has crafted a story of the murderer who came to dinner. And in the sequel that is bound to be a Christmas hit, LEISURE SUIT LARRY III introduces a new character and female counterpart to Larry, promiscuous Passionate Patty. The game promises to be a real gender-bender, because it will allow the player to switch roles between Larry and Patty. This one definitely looks like fun! Preview of New Games Distributed by Mediagenic We recently received a package of information from Mediagenic which included video clips from many of the upcoming releases from the lines they distribute, including Activision Entertainment, Gamestar, Infocom, Interplay and Dynamix. This is a method of promotion we’re beginning to see more of from software developers, and it certainly gives us a better feel for new games than we can get from even the best-written press release. The lead-off title was Activision’s GHOSTB USTERS II (MSR $39.95 for MS-DOS), which promises to follow the plot of one of this summer’shit movies. We know very little about the play mechanics of the game until we have a chance for a hands-on review, but the clips looked very good. Also based on a movie is DIE HARD ($39. 95 MS-DOS). This one features a nearly first-person perspective, with large, very well animated figures in the tale of an off-duty police officer thrust into a terrorist attack in a Los Angeles high-rise. Reminiscent of the movie “Road Warrior” but not actually based on it, DEATHTRACK ($44.95 MS-DOS) features some of the meanest cars and most dangerous-looking characters we’ve seen in a game in some time. The custom cars come with adjustable rearview mirrors to keep an eye out behind you, and there are ten different tracks. And for a different kind of battling, there’s the futuristic MECHWARRIOR ($49.95 MS-DOS), based on FASA’s BattleTech universe. The game will combine strategy and first-person battles between BattleMechs of the 31st century. The video also gave us another look at the new MS-DOS version of THE MANHOLE ($49.95), which has been an enduring favorite among Macintosh owners. This is not a game, but a program of wondrous exploration for children of all ages. And for Amiga we got a peek at BEYOND DARK CASTLE, originally designed for Macintosh by Silicon Beach software and definitely one of the all-time great action adventures. This one looks terrific! There are doses of offbeat humor among Activision’s new ...corad. on Page 3 1 MS-DOS VETTE! (****/****) is a truly remarkable program from Spec¬ trum Holohyte which we first got a peek at in unfinished form at the June CES. Driving simulations have never been like this! You have your choice of four different models of Cor¬ vettes (1989 stock model, ZR1 King of the Hill, Callaway Twin Turbo, or Call¬ away Sledge¬ hammer - the higher the per¬ formance of the vehicle, the more demanding the driving skills) with correspond¬ ing characteristics and features for street racing through San Francisco on four courses. Before choosing which area of San Francisco you wish to race, enter the Performance test garage to check our your car. You also must choose your opponent from among four increasingly pow¬ erful European sports cars: Porsche 928S4, Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari Testarossa, or a Ferrari F40. It’s now time to choose the area of San Francisco you wish to start in. If you’ve ever been to the city by the bay, you ’ll recognize the choices: Zoo to Golden Gate Bridge; Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge; Bay Bridge to Zoo; or the grand tour. One of the first things which will amaze you is the realistic feel of the city with landmarks, main streets (watch out for all those one-ways...go the wrong way and you’ll probably be ticketed), and more. We got a tremendous kick out of crossing the Golden Gate and sought out Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world...it’s all here!!! Incredible views, Incredible 3D Modeling You’ll really enjoy all the viewpoints you can drive from including a helicopter view, two side views with mirrors, and from the driver’s perspective. As you switch around, you discover the amazing detail...other cars which are seen from one view do not mysteriously disappear when you switch views - they simply show up just where they should. And wait until you see the other vehicles with unique 3D sold modeling graphics, not quite like anything we’ve seen. Buses are recognizable, trucks, ambulances, police cars, and more. Overall, the graphics are truly outstanding with landmarks being very recognizable along with the crisp details of your car. There are three difficulty levels. We strongly suggest you start as a rookie as you’ll be driving in automatic and you can’t crash. It’s a good way to get the feel of your car. Keep in mind there are amazing control capabilities from turning down any street you wish, u-tums, cruise control for the freeways, and your instrument panel includes the speed limit for the street you’re on, the name of the upcoming cross street, lap time clock, and all the normal gauges you’d find in any high performance Corvette. As you move up in difficulty, you’ll deal with the shifting of gears, avoiding other cars and trucks, and even pedestrians (if you run over one, you’ll see the flattened fellow in your rear view mirror!). You can also get caught up in one of those dreaded California traffic jams. And If That Isn y t Enough Not content to create a truly incredible one player driving experience, Spectrum Holobyte has added a two-player option where you can race V. 2 against a friend by direct computer link (two of you in a room with a serial cable running between your two computers) or via modem across town or across the country!! We normally do not indicate that a program is in the running for our yearend Computer Entertainer Awards of Excellence as so many Fine games can come out before the end of the year; however, this has got to be a front-runner for a major award. This just entered our personal library of top games to pull down when we want to relax between reviewing! (one player; two-player view cable or modem, 1200 baud or more; joystick optional; reviewed on MS-DOS; CG A version needs 7mHz turbo or faster and 512k with color graphics card or Hercules monochrome graphics card; EGA version requires 640k ; packaged with both 5-1/4” and 3-1/2” disks; coming for Macintosh, Amiga, Atari ST) Recommended (MSR $49.95) F40 PURSUIT SIMULATOR (***1121***112) is a car simulator, for MS-DOS from Titus Software which is a strong entry in the genre It is, of course, nothing like Vette! and the two should not be compared as it would be unfaii to this one (espe¬ cially as this is r <\ straight-ahead rac-l ing game where the other is a driving simulation). Here you’re behind the wheel of a Ferrari F40 somewhere in J four-state area in-I eluding Utah and! Colorado. There is '< detailed highwa) map which yot must consult to Fine out your destination. That map will toggle up whenever you need tc consult where you are and which way you’re heading. You don*! necessarily want to take the shortest route as that could be the mos dangerous. There’s cops all over the play, roadblocks, and cars You’ve got a highly sophisticated radar on board but it’s going to tak* some fancy driving as well. You’d better learn how to do controllec 360° spins, as well as cutting through fields, hills, and more. Of course' you’re timed and your onboard computer will display highway num bers and direction arrows as you near junctions. Watch your rearvieu mirror too for those black and whites! Your goal is simple...reach th( destination you are assigned to in the time allotted. Great Graphics and Driving Graphics are big and bold with great detailing on the cars as well & the landscape, barricades, and various telephone poles, fences, etc.Thr car is responsive to your command (a joystick or mouse will wort better than the keyboard) and will be enjoyed by anyone who gets j kick of of fast driving as you streak across the highways and byway of your route. Just good fun! (one player; joystick or mouse optional EGA, VGA, and CGA compatible; reviewed on MS-DOS; also avail able for Amiga and Atari ST) Recommended (MSR $44.94) Moved??? Don’t forget to tell us so you don *t miss any issues. Send us your nev address, along with your old zip code and subscriber number (the las FOUR digits of your mailing label) and we’ll do the rest. THE RATING SYSTEM: 4 STARS = EXCELLENT 2 STARS = FAIR 3 STARS = GOOD 1 STAR = POOR * = ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1st set of stars=quality o graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value) NA - Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) __/ Computer Entertainer - September, 19 contd from Page 1 ames, too. TONGUE OFTHE FATM AN ($39.95 MS-DOS) features izarre combat between outrageous alien creatures with truly incred- Sle weapons. And in GRAVE YARDAGE ($34.95 MS-DOS), foot- all is taken to a gruesome ultimate in violence as goblins, ogres, ambies and ghouls battle to the death on the gridiron. Mediagenic Affiliated Publishers A hockey game from Gamestar, FACE OFF ($39.95 MS-DOS), matures extra-large player characters, closeups on the goalie at critical loments, and even the fist fights that break out on the ice. And coming om Infocom is a graphic adventure that looks promising. MINES OF JlTAN ($44.95 MS-DOS) takes the player to the icy moon of Saturn here a mystery waits to be solved in the subterranean mine tunnels copied with strange creatures. Altogether, lots of new releases to look jrward to over the next couple of months from Mediagenic. SNEAK PREVIEW MACINTOSH Software IPE DREAM (****/***★) is coming this month from Lucas film Games . and you’d better be prepared to be captivated by this fascinating game! This first-ever Lucasfilm game for the Macintosh was invented by a group of British programmers, and the Lucasfilm people first saw it in an advanced stage of con¬ ceptual development. Since that time, the Lucasfilm design team as participated in the further developmentof the game, which was still ring fine-tuned late last month when we were invited to Lucasfilm’s kywalker Ranch facility in Marin County, California to see PIPE •REAM for the first time. We have since received a Beta copy of a imple disk—not the complete game—but more than enough to know lat we’re already hooked and can’t wait for the full game to arrive in ur offices. Ire at Games Are Often Easy to Learn , Difficult to Master jreat games often have simple premises, and they are typically easy ) learn but difficult to master. PIPE DREAM is no exception. Take oe grid with a bit of pipe on one of its squares, add a dispenser that ifers seven basic pieces of pipe (straights, cross pieces and elbows), irow in a goal and a time limit to reach it, and spice up the mixture with rnsic and appropriate sound effects. Add a slight time delay before an nstoppable ooze begins flowing from the initial bit of pipe into the ipeline that you lay by making split-second placement decisions, and ou have the formula for the most delightfully maddening puzzle game ■e’ve played since “Tetris.” We recommend that you start with the lowTraining Mode at first, which lets you get the feel of using the pipe ieces as they become available. (You are shown four pieces of pipe t a time, but only one can be chosen, and it cannot be rotated.) Then oucan move on to the standard game in which you have a setgoal (the umber of grid squares which must contain a piece of pipe that forms part of a complete pipeline) to reach within a time limit. Reach the goal and you move on to the next grid. (There are 36 in all.) 1'here are also bonus rounds where you can earn passwords that will allow you to start the game at a higher level. Additional bonuses are awarded for pulling off tricky feats such as mak¬ ing the flow cross itself in a loop. As you move to the higher levels, there may be obstacles scat¬ tered on the grid or one¬ way pipe pieces to deal with. And if you get so good that you aren’t challenged at the higher levels, try the Expert Mode in which you have two dispensers of pipe pieces with bonuses for alternating between the stacks. For even more variety, PIPE DREAM can beplayed cooperatively or competitively by two “plumb¬ ers.” More Depth and Variety Than “Tetris” PIPE DREAM will inevitably be compared to the recent classic of the totally addictive school of computer gaming, “Tetris.” Although the two games are not any¬ thing alike, they do share a common puzzle heri¬ tage and a quality of appeal that makes it nearly impossible to stop playing them. As much as we like “Tetris,” we’ve found a new fa¬ vorite in PIPE DREAM because it offers so much more depth and variety. While the difficulty level of “Tetris” is esca¬ lated through the simple device of increasing speed, PIPE DREAM adds obstacles and varied playfields along with increased speed. Like “Tetris,” PIPE DREAM is another game destined to be banned from offices because it is so easy to become completely absorbed in its challenges. We appreciated the opportunity to get an advance look at this wonderful game (and the opportunity to experience the idyllic setting at Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Ranch which fosters such creative efforts). Now that you know about it in advance, don’t miss PIPE DREAM! It will give your pre-visualization and quick thinking skills a real workout. (Solo, 2-player cooperative or competitive; Mouse, keyboard; Pause; Password feature; Color on Mac II; Not copy protected.) Macintosh version reviewed. Also coming soon for MS- DOS, C64/128, Amiga, Atari ST, Apple II. Recommended. A Note About Your Mailing Label... We get a lot of questions about Subscriber numbers, when a subscrip¬ tion is coming due, etc. Here’s a quick read on how to decipher your mailing label, telling you everything you need to know! The label will look something like this - P059010026R947. The four digits following the P tell you when your subscription expires (in this case, May of 1990. The nextfive digits are your zip code. The last four digits (always including a letter, in this case R947) is your subscriber number. )mputer Entertainer - September, 1989 r ATARI ST/AMIGA Software RAMBO III (***1/2/***) from Taito (game design by Ocean Software) puts you squarely into movie-based action in which you play the role of Rambo on a series of missions to free Colonel Trau tman from the Russians holding him in Afghanistan. You view the action from top-down perspective as you sneak into the fortress where your friend is being held. You must search everywhere, try to avoid attracting too much attention from the Soviet guards, and pick up items that will help you to accomplish your objective. Of course, this could hardly be a real Rambo adventure without a lot of violence, and you will have to dispatch many a guard as you seek the Colonel. The second mission involves escaping from the fortress through the heavily guarded vehicle compound, finally commandeering a helicopter to make good your escape. But you and Trautman aren’t in the clear yet, so you hijack an enemy battle tank in a desperate run for the border. Here it becomes a duel between your tank and plenty of enemy men backed up by a helicopter gunship. RAMBO III follows the plot of the movie and offers a good combination of hard-hitting action with strategy and planning. Rambo fans will love it. (Solo play; Joystick and mouse; Pause; Continue feature.) Atari ST and Amiga versions re¬ viewed. Also available for C64/128 ($29.95) and coming soon for MS- DOS ($34.95) Recommended. ATARI ST Software ROCKET RANGER (****^****) brings Cinemaware's cele¬ bration of the movie serial to one more system. And Atari ST owners are likely to be just as crazy about this game as owners of other systems have been. The story is slightly preposterous, which is just right for a game in the style of the old movie serials. Scientists from a future in which history says that the Nazis won World War II decide to change their history. They send a rocket pack and secret decoder to you in the year 1940. As Rocket Ranger, it’s then up to you to save your world— and the future—from the Nazi menace in 1940. You control a network of secret agents, trying to keep the Nazis in check, while trying to find the parts of a rocket and the fuel to run it. Wearing your rocket pack, you go nose-to-nose with Nazi fighter planes and a Zeppelin. There’s a rescue to be accomplished, too—a famous scientist and his beautiful daughter. It’s a wonderful game concept, expertly programmed and lots of fun to play. (Solo play; Joystick; Not copy protected.) Atari ST version reviewed. Also available for Amiga, MS-DOS and Apple IIGS; for Commodore 64/128 at $34.95. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) Cinemaware Products to Be Distributed by Electronic Arts At presstime, we learned that Cinemaware and Spotlight games will be distributed by Electronic Arts under an affiliated label agreement between the companies. According to Cinemaware president Bob Jacob, the arrangement will allow Cinemaware to concentrate on product development while leaving the marketing and distribution of those products in the capable hands of Electronic Arts Distribution. V. 4 MACINTOSH Software THE PUZZLE GALLERY (***/***) is an interesting collection of 180 puzzles in the form of 40 carnival attractions from Miles Computing (distributed bv Electronic Arts) . With varying degrees of difficulty, you’ll find yourself solving puzzles on various “rides,” in the Hall of Mirrors, on the bumper cars, various midway games, etc. The various types of puzzles include word searches, jigsaws, blocks, polygons, crosswords, mazes, jumbles, and more. With the simple point and click of the mouse, you move the various elements of the puzzles around in order to solve them. The Puzzle Gallery disk is a game disk, with “At the Carnival” the puzzle disk included. The publisher promises additional puzzle disks with new themes, chal¬ lenges, and difficulty levels. Good Challenge for Adults While there are several puzzles geared towards children, many of the puzzle types fit adults more easily. There are several which are quite challenging and will be fun for anyone who enjoys word puzzles of varying types. Upon solving a puzzle, we mistakenly expected to get some sort of “reward”...music, a statement on the screen, or something. We were a bit disappointed that there isn’t something which indicates “you solved the puzzle.” Also, we would have liked to see the ability of putting a time limit on solving a puzzle. Instead, you could sit in front of a puzzle for hours which may take some of the challenge away for some gamers. We did like the fact that this is something different which various members of the family can enjoy (reviewed on Macintosh; requires two 800k drives or one 800k drive and hard disk; compatible with Mac Plus, SE, SE/30, II,IIx,IIcx; supports color and multifinder) MSR $39.95 WHERE IN EUROPE IS CARMEN SANDIEGO? (****/ ****) has been around on several computer formats and now finds a home on Macintosh, a computer which allows for enhanced sounds and graphics. Part of a highly successful trilogy from Broderbund, it once again pits you against the notorious Carmen Sandiego and her gang of thugs who are stealing priceless treasures throughout Europe. It’s a fast-paced chase through all 34 European countries as you follow clues, ask questions, as well as using the atlas included (the more knowledge you have, the better your chance to catch up to this band of thieves). You jet from city to city, learning a bit about each location as you move about. There’s an on-screen fact-finder’s database and crimestoppers notebook to help your quest. Fun, Educational, Great Graphics This trilogy has a great sense of humor as you learn about geography, culture, and history, without realizing you’re doing it (perfect for the I kids in the household!). It’s great fun to jet from city to city, with the* find Mac sound effects. There’s fine animation on the screen as well, as you sharpen your thinking skills as you try to get one step ahead ol Carmen. There are schools which use this trilogy, for good reason, but even if you’re not playing to sharpen your knowledge of Europe, you’re in for some rollicking good crime solving! (reviewed on Macintosh; requires 800k disk drive; also available for Amiga, C64, Apple II, Apple IIGS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) Back Issues Available l Don’t miss out on all the great back issues! We’ve been covering entertainment software for over five years and we’ve reviewed hun¬ dreds and hundreds of titles. Most issues are still available. Send $2.5C for each back issue you want. (Some rare issues are available only ir photocopy form.) Buy six or more, and they’re just $1.75 each. Make certain you have a complete set! You can also purchase the SPECIAL EDITION, published in Spring, 1987 in celebration of our Fifth Anniversary. It covers everything from a look at videogaming tc capsule reviews of some of the top games of all time. This Specia Edition is $1.50. Computer Entertainer - September, 1989 AMIGA Software IX (***l/2/***l/2) is a classic arcade title which has come to the miga via Taito. enabling greatly enhanced graphics. A game of strategy and dexterity, you must avoid roving sparks and waves of wandering energy in the form of a whirling multi¬ colored helix, as you attempt to draw a series of grids. As the grids fill in, a multi-col¬ ored design begins as a patch- work on the screen. If you’re able to draw grids, avoiding the sparks, and trap the Qix within the constructed space, you move on to the next (of over 14 levels) and more dif¬ ficult level. Habit-Forming 'his has long been one of our favorite games, dating back to when we ■streviewed it for the Atari 5200 in 1983. The approaches are almost nitless as you doggedly attempt to lock in the Qix. Extremely simple concept, it requires fast thinking and movement if you’re going to ive a chance. As many years as it has been around, it still holds up fell, the mark of a classic (one player; two-player simultaneous; viewed on Amiga; also available for C64; coming for MS-DOS, pple II, Apple I1GS, Atari ST) ^commended (MSR $34.95) the easy-to-use editors. This will be a fun addition to anyone’s library! (reviewed on Amiga; also available for C64) Recommended (MSR $14.95) BATMAN, THE CAPED CRUSADER (****/***) swoops onto the Amiga from Data East as part of the Batmania which has hit every nook and cranny of America this summer. Based on the DC Comics hero, this version includes the evil forces ofThe Joker and The Penguin. The Joker, in his escapade, kidnaps Robin. As Batman, you must move through Gotham City to a fair where you must ride the rollercoaster of fear. Solve the puzzle and save the world. Collect items as you go in order to have the power to hurtle obstacles and find Robin. The Penguin plots to take over the world with an army of robot penguins. Travel through Gotham City and across rooftops to destroy the Penguin’s master computer. Great Graphic Detail The details of Batman are really terrific with flowing cape. Back¬ grounds are richly detailed and your “cursor” on the status screen is that highly recognizable bat emblem in gold and black. The characters are nicely sized and there’s plenty of action and strategy in order to solve both cases, (one player; reviewed on Amiga; also available for C64, Atari ST, Apple II) Recommended (MSR $44.95) IOOT ‘EM UP CONSTRUCTION KIT (***1/2/****) is your isic space shoot- ’em-up from A vantage (a division of A ccolade) with the additional feature of being able to build your own game. Before de¬ signing your own game, you can play one of three games included - all ad¬ aptations of the basic space theme with enemy aliens, etc. The real hook here, however, is the con¬ struction kit. All the basic tools are here including the ability to build back- ounds, creating animation and sound effects, designing various eapons and vehicles including number of hits required to kill, fire te, bullet speed, and uch more. For those :hnically inclined, >u’ve got 127 sprites,58 ejects, 22 levels, 23 mbinations of colored *t, and 24 sounds. Ire at Value f this were just another oot-’em-up, the value )uldn’t be there; how- er, the construction kit pect makes this a great lue. Any arcade lover should have agreat time designing games with Psygnosis Readying Another Beauty! We got a glimpse at a preview disk of the latest Amiga game from Psygnosis, “Shadow of the Beast.” We’ve come to expect something special from Psygnosis and this appears to be no exception! The game boasts 128 colors on the screen at once (the sunsets and varying shades of greens on the trees were gorgeous!); 350 screens of action, great soundtrack music using at least six major pieces; 132 different mon¬ sters which are half screen size; as well as 13 level high speed parallax scrolling which affords some pretty amazing and varied movement in the foreground and background. Written by the same gentlemen who wrote Ballistix, another winner, this features a strange story of a small child stolen from its parents and raised deep below the earth. With secret potions, the Mages of Darkness transforms this boy into a man- monster of great agility and strength. The child is brought up to be evil but eventually leams the horrible truth about his past. Now he’s on a trail of revenge as he fights his way through hostile country to the heart of the enemy’s stronghold. Watch for a full review when we receive the product. SIM CITY Reaches Amiga Amiga owners will be pleased to know that Maxis Software’s SIM CITY has just been released for their machine. Originally reviewed in March for Macintosh, we found this program to be innovative, challenging, and fun. With the additional capability of color on the Amiga, the program has simple gotten a bit better with all the colorful detail now added. This program should grace everyone’s shelf as you’ll Find virtually limitless simulation options in building your own city, or taking charge of one of seven cities included. Suggested retail is $49.95 'mputer Entertainer - September, 1989 5 r COMMODORE 64/128 Software ARKANOID II: REVENGE OF DOH <***l/2/***l/2) is a sequel to the arcade classic from Taito in which there are 67 complex barriers to work your way through. Somewhat reminiscent of the classic Breakout, this is much more sophisticated and complex as there are some pretty ingenious ar¬ rangements of blocks to break trough, all quite musical and colorful. Construction Kit Included There*s added dimension with the Arkanoid Con¬ struction Set included which allows you to build customized force barriers and add any levels of play you wish. Give yourself the ultimate challenge! Anyone who's enjoyed Breakout-style games in the past will undoubtedly enjoy this ncwestincamation with superiorcolorand animation, (one player; reviewed on C64; joystick or mouse required; also available for MS-DOS and Apple IIGS) Recommended (MSR $29.95) STORM ACROSS EUROPE is the latest World War II strategy game from SSI in which the entire war can be recreated. It covers all the conflicts in Europe from 1939 through 1945 with each game turn representing three months of action on the continent. Billed as an intermediate level strategy game, you control all aspects of movement as you move your armies, mount landings and bombing strikes, and drop paratroop forces behind enemy lines. There are multiple scenarios available and you can change the starting levels of play in order to add to the variation of play. Up to three players can join in with the computerplaying as either the Russians or the Allies. You’ll need to balance between production of supplies and advanced research with your limited funds. The program allows for a sweeping approach to the entire European theatre for the duration of the war. Relatively simple use of computer interface via joystick makes this simple to get started and move through, allowing your energies to concentrate on winning the war! (one to three players; reviewed on C64) (MSR $39.95) INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE: THE ACTION GAME (***1/2/****) by US. Gold and Lucas film Games is the second piece of entertainment software based on the hit movie of the same name. This one is for all the fans of action gaming, who will enjoy the chance to control Indy in several key sequences taken from the movie. Indy’s first task is to search through caverns for the Cross of Coronado. He has to dodge flying weapons and falling stalactites, swing from ropes and gather torches to light his way. Once he nabs the Cross from a gang of grave robbers, the getaway sequence takes him across the tops of circus-train cars and through many more obstacles. The next level finds Indy in the catacombs of Venice, w'hich are V_____ overrun with rats, fireballs and crumbling walls. If he survives the ‘ catacombs, he passes to the next level after climbing into Schloss Brunwald. Like the movie, the action in the game is relentless, continuing inside the catwalk maze within the giant Nazi zeppelin. In the final stage of the game, Indy faces the three trials of the Grail Temple in a desperate attempt to save his father’s life. This game gives the player top-notch action gaming with Indiana Jones, one of the great adventure heroes. Not only does the game follow the plot of the movie, but the game looks and sounds like the movie. Even Indy’s swagger has i been programmed into the animation of the character on the screen. This is a game worthy of the Indiana Jones legend, and it’s great fun to play. (Solo play; Joystick.) Commodore 64/128 version reviewed. Coming soon for MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST at $39.95. Recommended. (MSR $29.95) KINGS OFTHE BEACH: PROFESSIONAL BEACH VOLLEY-1 BALL (***^****) from Electronic Arts is a conversion of the original MS-DOS program which first brought the Southern California sport of beach volleyball to the computer screen. This is full-court volleyball with two play- * ers on each side of the net, including computer -1 ized versions of two of the top pros, Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos. The game offers a wealth of options, fast action, humor, and good anima¬ tion. It starts at the regis¬ tration tent, where you] set up the difficulty level and decide to play against the computer or with a friend (either cooperatively on the same side of the net or opposing each other with computer-controlled partners). There are . practice courts where you can polish your bumps, sets and spikes. In the match court, you have the opportunity to try your new skills in a real game. Tournament play is strictly for the pros, unless you really enjoy being beaten badly (and very quickly). But once you ’re ready for the tour¬ nament circuit, you can travel from city to city, playing on the beaches of San Diego, Sydney, Rio and Waikiki. This is a | great sports simulation, ft especially if you play ‘ with a friend. (Solo, 2- player cooperative or competitive; Joystick; Pause.) Commodore 64, 128 version reviewed. Also available for MS-DOS at $39.95. Coming soon from Ultra for Nintendo. Recommended. (MSR $29.95) Computer Entertainer - September, 1989 ATARI ST Software ;LOOD MONEY (****/****) is a virtuoso performance in ar- ade-style game programming by David Jones for PsvpnosLs . No apanese coin-op has more horrific monsters. No shooting game we’ve layed lately kept us quite as engrossed as this one. You’re off on an lien safari and a visit to four hostile worlds (provided you can jxvive). The company that sets up these safaris will provide you with different vehicle for each planet and cash rewards for every alien you ay. They guarantee hostility from every creature you meet—and a uick death if you fail. The blood money you earn can be spent at quipment centers for more death-dealing weaponry, but weapons ren’t enough to survive these dangers. You have to keep your wits as i® CAM! iyj|^[0)afi A Look at the NEC TurboGrafx-16 NEC’s TURBOGRAFX-16 is the second advanced videogame system to hit the U.S. market within a very short timespan. Thanks to NEC, we were able to obtain an advance look at the TurboGrafx-16 and two of the first four TurboChip game cards before their release. The system, which comes with one TurboPad controller and one TurboChip game card, KEITH COURAGE IN ALPHA ZONES, is the U.S. market version of the system sold in Japan under the name “PC Engine.” Al¬ though the larger, black game con¬ sole of the TurboGrafx-16 looks quite different from the diminutive, white PC Engine console, the sys¬ tems are the same internally. As many of our readers know, we also have a PC Engine, and we were curious about the seemingly identi¬ cal-looking game cards that play on both the PC Engine and the Tur¬ boGrafx-16. We can assure you that they just LOOK identical—neither machine will play software made for the other. t h T' The System and Accessories ur o ip The TurboGrafx-16 (MSR ap¬ prox. $200) has a cleverly designed card slot on the front which prevents the player from removing a game while the power to the unit is turned on. Also on the front of the unit is a single controller port. To add a second TurboPad controller (approx. $20), a TurboTap adapter (approx. $20) is needed. The TurboTap actually allows up to five players to participate in those games programmed to permit two or more players (DUNGEON EXPLORER and MOTO ROADER up to 5, WORLD COURT TENNIS 4, for example). The TurboPad con¬ troller is the now familiar design with direc¬ tional pad on the left and two action buttons on the right. The TurboPad also has two TurboSwitches immediately above the action buttons which permit rapid-fire action. (The TurboSwitches are a desirable feature on the basic controller, but we feel that they are positioned too close to the action buttons because they are very easily activated unintentionally during game play.) The back of the Tur- boGrafx-16 is encased in a removable plastic cover which protects a multiple-pin connector. This is where the user connects the optional TurboBooster peripheral (approx. $40), an audio/video enhancer which provides connections for direct video (to a monitor) and stereo audio. Since the TurboGrafx- 16 has no stereo earphone jack or other provision for stereo audio output from the console itself, the TurboBooster will be a necessary purchase for any player who wants to hear the stereo sound the unit is capable of producing. Altogether, bringing the TurboGrafx-16 to a two-player system with stereo sound and monitor connections brings the total cost to about $280. According to an NEC spokesman, the company’s rationale in separating these components is to “allow the system to grow and expand” without requiring the consumer to “pay for everything up front.” Our feeling is that the consumer who wants the advanced capabilities of a “next generation” game system is going to want the stereo, monitor connections, and two or more player capability “up front/* making the initial setof TurboGrafx purchases a serious entertainment investment—before eventhei first additional game is purchased. TurboGrafx-16 Comes with Action and Adventure KEITH COURAGE IN ALPHA ZONES (***l/2/***l/2) is the game that comes with the TurboGrafx-16, and it’s a classic action adventure with plenty of variety and surprises. Keith Courage, the player’s alter ego in the game, is a hero of the future who takes on the invading ; forces of B.A.D. (Beastly Alien Dudes). The invasion of strange creatures coincided with a giant meteor’s collision with Earth, and they have established B.A.D. headquarters by burrowing deep below the surface of Earth. Keith Courage is the son of a nuclear scientist who invented the Nova Suit, a secret force that allows Courage to become a half-man, half-robot creature in his battles against the forces of B.A.D. beneath the Earth in the seven Alpha Zones. Each zone consists of an Ovcrworld and an Underworld where Courage faces the aliens armed with his sword and a variety of special weapons that he can purchase from the Wise Wizard or the Weapons Master. He collects gold coins by defeating certain creatures in the Overworld, and then he buys special weapons to help in the Underworld where the action is faster and he has the help of his Nova Suit. We enjoyed this game a lot, despite the fact that we’re considerably older than the game’s stated 8 to 16-year-old target audience! It combines attractive graphics, plenty of action, and the need for strategic thinking which helps keep the player’s interest through repeated playing sessions. (Solo play; Pause; Continue feature.) For TurboGrafx-16 only. TurboPad Recommended. LEGENDARY AXE (****/ ****) by Victor Musical Industries for NEC is another action adventure for the new TurboGrafx-16 system Set in a mythical past, the game pits Gogan the Mighty Warrior against the forces of an evil cult known as the Jagu. Gogan, recently returnee to his village from warrior training, is greeted with the news that his childhood friend has been taken by the Jagu in order to be offered as thi‘ year’s human sacrifice to the half-man, half-beast creature who leads the Jagu. Armed with the Legendary Axe “Sting,” Gogan sets out to assai the Evil Place, the mountain stronghold of the Jagu. The game is challenging from the outset, forcing the player to think and react quickly tc the many dangers that face Gogan on his quest to save his friend from the sacrifice. It is also full of alternate paths to discover and many hiddei features, which add to the depth of the gaming experience. This one is a must for anyone who enjoys a good adventure of the “hack and slash 1 variety. (Solo play; Pause; Continue feature.) For TurboGrafx-16 only. Computer Entertainer - September, 1989 ICTORY RUN (***/***) by Hudson Soft for NEC is a road lly-style racing game set on the 13,000-kilometer Paris to Dakar >urse, taking the player from the French countryside to the sands of e Sahara Desert. The rally is run in eight different stages through day id night, each of them with a time limit for completion. When the ayer starts the race, twenty replacement parts are provided (player’s loice of distribution among tires, gears, engine, suspension and akes). At the end of each of the eight stages, there is an opportunity replace any worn parts before continuing with the race. And you will ;ed to replace parts! The key to success in this game is learning to use e gears properly, and it takes quite a bit of practice to learn to use the rectional pad as a gear lift. Some of the background scenery in this game is quite pretty, but )U don’t have much time for sightseeing as you try to determine the :st combination of speed and good shifting techniques over a variety “roads while you deal with non-race traffic. Although the premise of ICTORY RUN is familiar because every game system simply must ive at least one auto racing game, this one is different because of its lly-style setup. The integrating of shifting action should make the ime seem more realistic, but we never were able to become com- etcly comfortable with the control pad shifting scheme if VICTORY UN. Background graphics are very good, but the racing car itself was >t as detailed as we would have liked. Overall, we enjoyed the game a point, but the playing experience was not as satisfying as some cing games we’ve played on other systems. (Solo play; Pause.) For urboGrafx-16 only. Questions about TurboGrafx-16 from Our Readers n the course of putting together our initial set of reviews of the NEC urboGrafx-16 and games, we had the opportunity to talk with Ken 'irt, Vice President of the Home Entertainment division at NEC. ecause we’ve had a number of questions relating to the TurboGrafx- i from our readers, we had hoped to be able to answer them in this sue featuring the new system. At the top of the list of questions was e “PC Engine 2,” the fully 16-bit NEC system which has been mored to be nearly ready for introduction to the Japanese market. We ;ked Mr. Wirt about this system, and he said that he, too, has heard the mors. He added that such a system is not available in Japan yet, but i “could not confirm the rumors.” However, based on our conversa- Dns with several very knowledgeable sources in the industry, the 16- t “PC Engine 2” is quite real, as is a second, less expensive version ' the original PC Engine. These new systems would be likely to be mailable in the Japanese market only, at least at first, just as was the ise with the original PC Engine. The issue of First introductions to the panese market is becoming something of a sore point with some of lr readers. Renwick Thompson, Jr. of San Diego expressed the ustration we’re hearing from many of you when he asked about the 5 C Engine 2” and its initial release only in Japan: “Is it just like intendo re the Mario Bros, games: the U.S.A. gets the leftovers while e latest hits are on the shelves in Japan? If the PC Engine 2 is iminent, why should people load up on the ‘first generation’ PC agine 1 in this country just because it is the only system NEC wants sell here at this time? Sure, they have a lot of games available for it jw, but isn’t it yesterday’s news?” Mr. Wirt’s answer to those msumers who don’t know whether to buy now or wait for the next welopment was to say that there is always something newer or more ivanced in development, no matter when the consumerdecidcs to buy particular kind of product. The Videogame Rental Issue We’ve also been asked about the issue of videogame rental, espe- ally after a recent article in Billboard Magazine stated that NEC “is vestigating a means by which both hardware and software for the 'stem can be rented to consumers through video retailers across the )untry,” Mr. Wirt agreed that NEC is “favorably disposed and studying” the rental issue, but he said that “a straight retail product is not necessarily appropriate to the rental channel.” (The TurboGrafx- 16 games that wc were loaned for review, certainly designed to be “straight retail product,” carry the following notice in their instruction booklets: “Any duplication, copying or rental of the software is strictly prohibited.”) According to Mr. Wirt, the key issues in the rental market are the need for multiple instruction booklets for each game and either extra plastic jewel boxes or a different kind of packaging that would stand up under repeated rentals. While stressing that NEC has made “no formal commitment” to supporting rental yet, Mr. Wirt said that if the company does decide to proceed with rental, a decision would be made quickly—likely before Christmas this year. Since we are aware that NEC’s initial distribution of the TurboGrafx-16 is limited primar¬ ily to established NEC audio/video retailers and that quantities are expected to be limited, wc asked Mr. Wirt how NEC would be able to support additional distribution through video rental retailers. Explain¬ ing NEC’s belief that “trial usage is important” because purchasing a TurboGrafx-16 and games is “a significant investment for a kid,” Mr. Wirt said that NEC might consider “diverting some product” into the rental channel to allow kids to “test drive” the TurboGrafx-16 and games before buying. We asked Mr. Wirt how many TurboGrafx-16 units NEC planned to release into the U.S. market in 1989, but he declined to answer with an actual number, stating that the company is “not releasing specific numbers for competitive reasons.” (If NEC continues to keep its numbers to itself, it’s going to be very difficult to assess comparative market shares among Nintendo, Sega and NEC.) Although Mr. Wirt would not reveal specific NEC numbers, he did say that NEC believes “demand for the next generation of machines in 1989 will be one million-plus units,” and NEC feels that their produc¬ tion and Sega’s (for Genesis) will not be able to meet that demand fully. Since Sega has already stated publicly that they will ship 500,000 Genesis units this year, we can assume that NEC will ship that many or fewer of the TurboGrafx-16. Third-Party Game Developers NEC plans a significant release schedule of 20 TurboChip games plus two CD games for the TurboGrafx-16 between now and the end of the year. We asked Mr. Wirt about the third-party developers of games for the NEC system. He explained that NEC doesn’t develop games at all, and that all TurboGrafx-16 games are developed by third parties. Hudson Soft is the primary developer, with many other companies designing games for the system including Namco, Irem, NCS and others whose names would likely be unfamiliar to U.S. consumers.The companies cited by Mr. Wirt were all Japanese, so we asked whether or not any U.S. developers would be doing games for the TurboGrafx- 16. He said that contracts are in the negotiation stage with several U.S. developers at this time, and NEC expects to announce six or more of them in about a month. TurboGrafx-16 Promotions Planned Our conversation with Mr. Wirt closed with his mention of a number of promotions planned by NEC to make consumers aware of the TurboGrafx-16. In the major markets where the NEC system will be available initially, consumers will be able to try out the TurboGrafx- 16 and games in NEC’s TurboVans—trucks emblazoned with graph¬ ics from the Keith Courage game. The trucks are outfitted with five systems and will make the rounds of special weekend events in major cities which can be expected to attract large numbers of people. NEC is also sponsoring special events of its own, such as a world invitational cycling event to be held in Los Angeles October 7th and 8th in the Velodrome which was built for the 1984 Olympics. At this event, NEC will have a large circus-style tent filled with 250 TurboGrafx-16 systems set up for people to try their hand at a variety of games. Video game fans will have a great time! unputer Entertainer - September, 1989 9 — Atari’s Hand-Held Game System Given New Name First introduced at the June Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago as the Atari Portable Color Entertainment System, the new Epyx- developed hand-held system will be known as Atari Lynx (MSR $169.95). Last month Atari and Epyx sponsored a three-day develop¬ ers’ conference centered on the technological capabilities of Lynx. More than 100 software developers and third-party marketers attended the conference. Atari and Epyx expect to announce a number of major development agreements very soon as a result of the conference. According to an Atari spokesman, many developers who attended the conference also expressed renewed interest in Atari’s 7800 videogame system. New Games for Atari 2600 and 7800 Atari announced three new games that are to be released this month. RADAR LOCK (MSR $17.99) for the Atari 2600 puts you at the controls of a supersonic F-22 fighter in an aerial combat game that promises realistic perspectives as you roll and maneuver your aircraft. The newest titles for the Atari 7800 are XENOPHOBE and JINKS ($34.99 each). XENPHOBE is Atari’s version of the coin-op favorite in which you battle a band of hostile aliens who have taken control of nine of your planet’s space stations. JINKS takes you on an exploratory mission to a strange planet full of invisible inhabitants. Early Response to Sega GENESIS At presstime, the earliest shipments of Sega’s new Genesis System and its first five games had hit dealers’ shelves in the New York and Los Angeles areas. Predictably, a number of our readers were among the first to own the new system, and we’ve been hearing from them. The response from these new Genesis owners has been unanimously positive and enthusiastic. The first thing everyone raves about is the graphic quality of the games. Even among CE subscribers accustomed to the graphic excellence of the Amiga computer, the reaction to Genesis’ high-resolution graphics has been one of surprise at the extremely detailed images on a composite monitor. Readers like the stereo sound, too, with many citing the sound effects and music in THUNDER FORCE II. The games most often mentioned as early favorites are ALTERED BEAST and THUNDER FORCE II. Those of you who have purchased a Genesis System should know that Sega’s helpful Customer Service folks have already collected some Genesis game hints which are available for the asking. CE Readers’ Forum: Are You Ready for 16 Bits? A few months ago at the June Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago, Nintendo held a press conference to debut Gamcboy and the NESgames for the second half of this year. Partof thatpress conference was a fairly elaborate filmed production featuring an actor portraying Mario (of the Super Mario Bros, games). The point of that production was to explain why the market is not ready for 16-bit systems because there is still so much to be exploited in the 8-bit world, specifically in the Nintendo Entertainment System. Quoting from the remarks of Peter Main, Vice President of Marketing of Nintendo of America, at that press conference: “If we had allowed an unbridled enthusiasm for ‘new’ technology to get the best of us, we could have introduced 16- bit long ago. But the Nintendo Entertainment System as we know it has plenty of room to grow—there’s a great deal of value left for current NES owners. At the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, you will see samples of 16-bit hardware systems. And they may impress you. But we are here to tell you that they are not what consumers are asking for...or ready for.” OK, CE subscribers, here’s your chance to speak your mind and see your name in print. Are you ready for 16-bit systems or not? Let us know what you think, and we will publish your responses to Mr. Main’s assertion in an upcoming issue. To NINTENDO Software BUGS BUNNY CRAZY CASTLE (**^***) from Kemco-Seika features one of everyone’s favorite cartoon characters in a climbing- style action adventure to rescue his girlfriend. Honey Bunny has been hidden deep within the sixty levels of the Crazy Castle by Bugs’ Looney Tunes nemeses—Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam, Sylvester and Wile E. Coyote. Controlling Bugs Bunny, your object is to collect all the carrots on each level while avoiding the enemy characters who try to keep you from reaching Honey Bunny. Bugs runs across stone ledges, climbs stairs, and passes through doorways and pipes as he races to grab all the carrots. He may also find a boxing glove which can be thrown at one of his enemies or a bottle of magic carrot juice which makes Bugs invisible for a short time. This is a very cute game with , appealingly characters and very good animation. Kids will enjoy the cartoon characters, and the early levels of play are easy enough for even small children to have some degree of success. And Bugs starts the game with five lives, which also makes the game a little easier than the typical NES action adventure. Only one thing really bothered us in this game, and that is a looseness in the control interface that makes maneuvering B ugs less precise than we would have preferred. We tried the game with several different controllers, but the feel of looseness was the same with all of them. Aside from the control complaint, we found the game enjoyable and amusing. (Solo play; Pause; Continue feature; Password feature.) For Nintendo Entertainment System only. , DRAGON WARRIOR (***1/2/****) from Nintendo is a classic j role-playing adventure in the “Ultima” tradition. The player becomes the warrior foretold by the prophecies in the Land of Alefgard, the one | who will attempt to save the land from the ravages of the Dragonlord. The player is the heir to Erdrick, a brave warrior of the past who brought light back to the land by defeating an evil being. Erdrick gave the balls of light to King Lorik, but they were stolen by the Dragonlord. Now the land of Alefgard has fallen upon dark times, and it is up to the player to restore light and peace to the land. Classic Role-Play ing Adventure Those who have played any of the classic role-playing adventures on computers will be quite at home and comfortable with DRAGON WARRIOR. The player’s character searches throughout the castles, towns, caverns and countryside of the game’s vast territory, seeking clues, gaining experience and gold, battling monsters, using magic (in higher levels), and conversing with other characters in the game. Action choices, such as taking or using items, searching areas, and casting spells are made by highlighting menu options. What is very appealing about this type of game appearing on the NES, especially for players accustomed to a lot of disk access time with a slow system such as Commodore 64, is that there is no waiting around during transition periods in the game. For example, when your character enters a town, he does so without delay. Although this is definitely the type of game that players usually associate only with computers, it works extremely > well on the NES. And because there is a battery in the cartridge, you can save your position in the game to come back and fight on for another day. (Up to three “Adventure Logs” can be saved in the cartridge.) DRAGON WARRIOR has all the elements that adventure-. seeking players enjoy: fighting, exploring and magic. The game depends far more on your thinking ability than your agility with a joystick, which should make it more appealing to those players who enjoy adventures but found too much emphasis on eye-hand coordina¬ tion in “The Legend of Zelda.” Nintendo definitely has a winner in DRAGON WARRIOR. (Solo play; Pause; Battery for game-saving.) For Nintendo Entertainment System only. Computer Entertainer - September, 1989 NINTENDO Software OBRA TRIANG LE (***1/2/***1/2) is the latest from Nintendo hich offers speed and challenge on a river of danger. You’re equipped ith a highly sophisticated and modified Cobra Class Speed Boat hich you must race against other boats, whirlpools, battle sea mon- ,ers, shoot targets, jump waterfalls, as well as collect pods which low you to increase your Power-Up items. Also protect the helpless vimmers from speed boats who want to drag them away. You must nk them before they take the swimmers away. You’ll zig and zag ick and forth through the treacherous river against time and enemy re. Challe ngi ng A ctio n : rom the moment your boat hovers above the river, setting down and ady to race, it’s a game of lightening speed and dexterity. As you zig Id zag at angles across the screen, it will take fast reaction time to keep e boat from hitting the banks. U se your control pad for steering, while king the “B” button for acceleration. Meanwhile, your guns and missiles are controlled by the “A” button. Steering correctly will jp 'bably take you a bit of practice, but once you master that, you ’ll find ■ lurself whipping around comers, speeding up ramps, and more. You ally do have the sense of racing in water, with sound effects and the wing of the engine. The graphics are nicely detailed and the layout the “course” reminds us of the perennial favorite of years ago, River ■aid. Racing fans will enjoy taking to the water and action lovers lould enjoy the speed and daring, with lightening-fast reactions >eded (one player) ecommended m P' 1 '-' ESERT COMMANDER (***1/2/***1/2) brings strategy war- tming to Nintendo from Kemco-Seika as you must destroy your )ponent’s units or capture his headquarters. Before beginning to move your forces, you can modify them by trading armored cars for tanks, etc., or you can choose to use the assignments already set¬ up. Each player takes turns commanding their unit by moving them, attacking, or checking a status report on fuel and ammo left, range of weapons, and mobility. You have several units at )ur command including tanks, infantry, supply trucks, bombers, etc. ou must strategize taking into account terrain, fuel left, and much ore - all the typical elements in a strategy wargame. In all, there are ye battle scenarios. Each scenario is more difficult than the last. load Game for War gamers ‘Vargaming fans have long been out there and now Nintendo war- imers have something to bite into. A good intermediate strategy ime, a find job has been done with the graphics, normally something eking in wargames. While the main screens are “typical” to this mre, there are additional screens such as the well-detailed supply pot screen, as well as “pop-down” menus. Strategy lovers should ijoy sitting down with this game for several strategic sessions, either ;ainst the computer or a friend (one player; two-player simultaneous) ecommended mputer Entertainer - September, 1989 THE ADVENTURES OF BAYOU BILLY (***l/2/***l/2) is an original game bv Ko/m/m forthe NES which combines several popular play-action features for an adventure in the swamps of Louisiana. You get to play the role of the swamp superhero, Bayou Billy, whose gorgeous girlfriend, Annabelle, has been kidnapped by Gordon, the gangster king of Bourbon Street. Your mission to rescue her is a scries of wild battles beginning in the swamp and ending at Gordon’s plantation hideout. The game is divided into nine stages, each featuring a different kind of play action. Beginning with fighting action and battles with ‘gators, Bayou Billy has to call on his best street-fighting style with kicks and punches against Gordon’s thugs, occasionally finding a weapon such as a stick, knife or whip to help in the battle. As he crosses log bridges in the bayou, snapping ‘gators do their best to halt his progress, too. Deeper into the swamp, Billy comes up against more of Gordon’s gang, but they’re armed to the teeth with guns, dynamite, and even a few helicopters. This is a shooting stage, which can be controlled with the Zapper for more realism or with the standard controller moving a crosshair target. (We preferred the Zapper in this stage—more ease of movement and higher scores.) Moving towards the gangster kingpin’s headquarters in New Orleans, there are more fighting scenes in the swamps interspersed with wild driving se¬ quences. In the driving scenes, you not only have to keep your car on the road but also shoot at attacking gang cars and strafing planes. When you reach New Orleans, the fighting and another shooting stage are even tougher to survive than the earlier stages in the swamps. Finally, you reach the showdown confrontation with Gordon’s hitmen and then Gordon himself at his palatial hideout. Great Variety of Action The Konami designers have combined a great variety of action styles, all of them popular with gamers, to create an action adventure that calls on a variety of gaming skills. This game is a lot of fun to play, and it’s just about impossible to become bored with the constant changes from fighting to shooting to driving. And we liked the fact that there is a practice mode that allows you to practice the three different types of action in the game. Overall graphics and sound are very good, although there are some “drop-outs” in the fighting figures apparently caused by pushing the Nintendo system a little beyond its limits in handling moving figures on a horizontal line. However, it was not enough to detract seriously from our enjoyment of the game. (Solo play; Zapper optional; Pause; Continue feature.) For Nintendo Entertainment Sys¬ tem only. Recommended. Late Flash Super Famicom Delayed Introduction of Nintendo’s 16-bit Super Famicom in Japan, which was expected this summer, has been delayed. According to a knowledgeable source in the game industry, the unit has gone “back to the drawing board” for what appear to be major design changes. Reports of the Super Famicom in some U.S. game magazines have caused more than a few eager gamers to believe that a U.S. version of the 16-bit Nintendo machine would appear in this country very soon. According to our source, however, U.S. introduction of a 16-bit Nintendo system before 1992 is now very unlikely. 11 r Comparing the Video Game Systems With two brand-new, advanced game systems entering the market this month, we’re already getting the inevitable questions from our readers about the technical specifications of the new systems as compared to the existing ones. And some of you have pointed out the conflicting figures that have been published in some magazines. With the following chart, we hope to clear up some of the confusion and answer your most important questions. Nintendo Sega Master System NEC TurboGrafx-16 Sega Genesis Graphics Processor 8 Bit PPU (Picture Processing Unit) 8 Bit VDP (Video Display Processor) 16 Bit Custom Graphics & Video Color Encoder 16 Bit VDP (Video Display Processor) Central Processor 1.8 MHz 6502 (8 Bit) 1.8 MHz Z80 (8 Bit) 7.2 MHz Custom CPU (modified 6502; 8 Bit) 8MHz 68000 (16 Bit) plus Z80 (8 Bit) Co¬ processor for Sound Program RAM 2K 8K 8K 64K Video RAM 2K 16K 64K (16 Bits wide) 16K Resolution (in pixels) 256 x 192 256 x 192 256x216 320 x 224 Color Palette 53 64 512 512 Sprites per Screen 32 64 64 80 Colors per Sprite 4 16 16 16 Sprite Size (in pixels) 8x8 8x8 16x16 to 32 x 64 (programmable) 8 x 8 or 32x32 Maximum Sprites per Scan Line 4 8 16 20 (8 x 8) 5 (32 x 32) Stereo No No Yes Yes Sound Channels 4 plus Noise 3 plus Noise 6 plus Noise* 10 plus Noise** *NEC TurboGrafx-16 Sound Channels: 6 programmed waveform plus low frequency oscillator (LFO). **Sega Genesis Sound Channels: 3 programmable sound generators, 6 FM sound sources (powered by the same Yamahachip used in coin-ops), 1 PCM (pulse coded modulation) used for voice. Up to Four Players with NES SATELLITE A new accessory from Nintendo, the NES SATELLITE (MSR $49.95), will be available soon. The accessory converts nearly any NES-compatible controller to wireless infrared remote operation and enables up to four players to compete or cooperate on games programmed to take advantage of the NES SATELLITE. Several games had been announced earlier that would take advantage of four-player capability: Nintendo’s PLAY AC¬ TION FOOTBALL, Tradewest’s IVAN STEWART’S SUPER OFF¬ ROAD and Ultra’s KINGS OF THE BEACH (volleyball). Three more games have now been added to the list. They are NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET from UN, MAGIC JOHNSON’S FAST BREAK fromTradew- est and U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP VOLLEYBALL from Nintendo. 12 Computer Entertainer - September, 1989 :ontd from Page 14 Tiyard Blaster (AT) t Mania Challenge (AT) ija Golf (AT) net Smashers (AT) itinel (AT) ute Water Madness (AT) 4 R1 XF GA MF SYSTEM iGusrr ^flektor (AT) .FTEMBER * nmando (AT) Hi Maze (AT) .>er Football (AT) ' ver Toppler (AT) lophobe (AT) ISTENDQ VGUST J dventures of Tom Sawyer (SET) ad Dudes (DE) nl Street Brawler (MAT) ugs Bunny Crazy Castle (KS) 3 obra Triangle (NIN) ; ragon Warrior (NIN) hk Tales (CAP) Monster Party (BAN) lver Glove (MAT) 5 nt Service . nl Service (ULT) jhundercade (AS) Uorce (BRO) I-TEMBER j Fortress (HAL) liter's Quest (SUN) My wood Squares (GT) J jardy Jr (GT) l W.(SNK) I ing Thunder (TEN) i ime Street ABC (HT) idowgate (KS) I is (NIN) ' dicators (TEN) Y;el of Fortune Jr (GT) 1IRD QUARTER / entures of Lolo (HAL) I;ball Simulator (CB) I ng Dragon (CB) ? vel‘s X-Men (UN) f. Football (UN) i Shark (TA1) J 1th A.T.F. (ACT) 1 er Password (GT) lie Stooges (ACT) < TOBER k ss, The (ACT) Ik to the Future (UN) I le of Olympus (BRO) (1 Sharks (GT) (lequest (NX) (sic Concentration (GT) ( e Name: Viper (CAP) 1 lard (ACT) F lily Feud (GT) Jan Vs Bird (MB) f i Play Action Football (NIN) M Satellite (NIN) \ oCop (DE) i rtOrder/Eggsplode! (NIN) 7 he Earth (NIN) > > Framed Roger Rabbit (UN) > ow (CAP) ' ots (TEN) ? VEMBER I ter Bill’s Trick Shooting (Nils I nan (SUN) (ssmaster (HT) I Dug II (BAN) < 1! (JAL) I Sword (ACM) J Nicklaus Greatest 18 (KON) I $s of Beach (ULT) 1 lance of Three Kingdoms (KC i Dting kange (BAN) l Vs. Spy 11 (KS) 1 Gun II (KON) 1 1 Boys (BAN) 'j Lose Or Draw (HT) 1 ''E?BE^ ShP WfeSUing t ion (ACT) 1 tbusters It (ACT) I?ht Rider (ACM) i :r Pitfall II (ACT) ' ibs and Treasure (ACT) I JRTH QUARTER 1 enture of Dino-Rild (HS) & His Blob (ABS) ^emoid (ACM) I ion Sword (TAI) I ble Dare (GT) < 'e Pilot (MAT) 1 wart Super Off-Road (TW) I ic Johnson’s Fast Break (TW] I er Ball (HAL) ; (MIN) • :r Glove Ball (MAT) et Renegade (TAI) or of Tech Town (MAT) i Cobra (AS) I :r’s Turbo Racing (DE) ’ as Dream (HAL) SEGA MASTER SYSTEM AUGUST x-Qoud Master (SEG) x-Wanted! (SEG) SEPTEMBER Captain Silver (SEG) x-Casino Games (SEG) Galaxy Force (ACT) x-Spellcaster (SEG) x-Wonder Boy III: Dragon’s Trap (SEG) World Games (SEG) OCTOBER Basketball Nightmare (SEG) Walter Payton Football (SEG) NOVEMBER Dead Angle (SEG) Dynamite Dux (SEG) Scramble Spirit (SEG) Super Golf (SEG) Tennis Ace (SEG) SEPTEMBER x-Genesis System x-Last Battle (SEG) x-Space Harrier II (SEG) x-Super Thunder Blade (SEG) x-Thunder Force 11 (SEG) x-Tommy Lasorda Baseball (SEG) World Championship Soccer (SEG) OCTOBER Arnold Palmer Golf (SEG) GhouIs’N Ghosts (SEG) NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Alex Kidd Enchanted Castle (SEG) Basketball (SEG) Forgotten World (SEG) Rambo 111 (SEG) Super Hang-On (SEG) NECTVRBQGRAFX-lf SEPTEMBER Alien Crush (NEC) Dungeon Explorer (NEC) Legendary Axe (NEC) TurboGrafx-16 System Victory Run (HS) OCTOBER Blazing Lazers China Warrior Fighting Street/CD Power Golf R-Type TurboGrafx-CD System Vigilante NOVEMBER Deep Blue Dragon Spirit Fantasy Zone Final Lap Twin Galaga 90 Monster Lair/CD Moto Roader Ordyne PacLand World Class Baseball World Court Tennis DECEMBER KS... Kemco-Se ik a KYO...Kyodai LF...Lucasfilm Games UN..JJN Toys MAX...Maxis MB. ..Milton Bradley MC. ..Mindcraft/MiIes Comp MD. ..MicroDeal/MichTron MED ...M edal ist/M icroplay MH. ..Melboume House MI. ..Microlllusions MIC...MicroProse MlN...Mind scape MT...Matchbox Toys MW...Mindware Inti NEC...NEC NIN...Nintendo NWC,..New World Computing NX...Nexoft ORl.,.Origin PAR..Paragon PB..Parker Bros. POL.. Pol arw are PSY...Psygnosis/Psyclapse SEG.. .Sega SET. ..Seta SIE...Sierra SIR...SirTech SNK...SNK Coro SPE...Spectnim HoloByte SPO...Spotlight S/W SSG...Strategic Studies Gp SSI...Strategic Simulations ST..-Software Toolworks SUB...Sublogic SUN...Sunsoft TAI...Taito TAX...Taxan TEC...Tecmo TEN...Tengen TI...Titus SAV TS...Three-Sixty Pacific TW...Trade West ULT...Ultra USO...U.S. Gold VT... Vic Tokai Corrections in Super Sprint Review An eagle-eyed subscriber has called us to task on our review last month of Super Sprint. He was correct in indicating that this version does not have gates which open and close as the coin-op version does and there is no display with rankings in a winner's circle. Due to the fact that we cannot spend hours with every game we review due to time limitations, we often do not get through all levels. We attempt to move through as many levels as possible in order to give a correct report of features. We supplement that with the infor¬ mation in the instruction booklet as well as any other literature which is often provided to us by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, in this case the instruction booklet was misleading, which, in turn, created the confusion in the review. We're sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Taito to Run Rap Sweepstakes on MTV Taito and MTV are joining forces for a “Say Rap, Say Taito, Say Yo" sweepstakes in which you can win a five-day trip to New York, a visit to MTV’s rap show, “Yo MTV Raps” and $1,000 in spending money. Entry forms are available at retail outlets. Watch MTV for details. FREE Master Index 1982-1988 With New Subscription Does this copy belong to a friend? Why not get your own subscrip¬ tion and save each issue for future reference. Send this coupon in with a check, money order, or bankcard information and we’ll get you started right away so you can get all the news, previews, and reviews before you can get them anywhere else! Military Madness NOTE: Programs noted “x” have shipped as of press time but may not yet be distributed nation¬ wide. Projected shipping dates are provided by manufacturers and subject to change. Name: _ Address: COMPANY CODES ABS...Absolute Entertainment ACC ..Access ACM...Acclaim Entertainment AOO...Accolade ACT...Activision/Mediagenic AK...Asmik Corp ARC...Arcadia AS. .. American Sammy AT. ..Atari BAN...Bandai BRO...Broderbund BS...Bethesda Softworks CAL...California Dreams CAP...Capcom USA CB...Culture Brain CIN...Cinema ware CSG...CSG ImageSoft DE..JData East DES..JDesign SAV DYN..T)ynamix EA..-E3ectrooic Arts EPY..Epyx FC1...FC1 FP...Fisher-Price GAM...Gamestar GDW..Game Designer’s Workshop GT...GameTek HAL..dial America HJC..-HJC SAV HS ...Hudson Soft HT.. .Hi-Tech Expressions lNF...Infocom lNS...Interstel IP...Interplay IS...1COM Simulations JAL..Jaleco KOE...Koei KON...Konami City:_ State:_ Zip:_ -One Year US/CANADA - $25.00 —Check/M.O. Enclosed - One Year FOREIGN - $38.00 _Visa/MC/Amex Bankcard # (all digits):_ Expiration Date:_ Phone #: ( ) _ Cardholder Name (Print):- Cardholder Signature (required):_ Send to: COMPUTER ENTERTAINER 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 (818) 761-1516 (Order your subscription by phone with bankcard - Outside California call 1-800-228-4336) __ J \ nputer Entertainer - September, 1989 13 ATARI ST AUGUST AP.B. (TEN) x-Balance of Power 1990 (MIN) Blood Money (PSY) x-Gauntlet II (MIN) x-Operation: Counterstrike (SPE) x-Times of Lore (OR I) x-TV Sports Football (CIN) Weird Dreams (MED) SEPTEMBER After Burner (SEG) Arkanoid 11 (TAl) Bad Dudes (DE) Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top (MIN) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Adv (LF) Never Mind (PSY) Omega (ORI) Operation Wolf (TAI) Paperboy (MIN) Pipe Dream (LF) Qix (TAI) Shinobi (SEG) Shoot'Em Up Construe Kit (AGO) Stryx(PSY) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) THIRD QUARTER Axe of Rage (EPY) Bionic Commando (CAP) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SPO) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Guardians of Infinity (PAR) Guerrilla War (DE) Harpoon (TS) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Kristal, The (CIN) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) 1943 (CAP) Pirates (MIC) Platoon (DE) Project Neptune (EPY) Side Arms (CAP) Star Command (SSI) Street Fighter (CAP) Total Eclipse (SPO) Wizard Wars (PAR) OCTOBER Infestation (PSY) Licence to Kill (BRO) Matrix Marauders (PSY) Their Finest Hour (LF) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER Barbarian 11 (PSY) Carthage (PSY) Rash Dragon (PSY) Killing Game Show (PSY) DECEMBER Aquaventura (PSY) Gore (PSY) Shadow of the Beast (PSY) FOURTH QUARTER Colony, The (MIN) Double Dragon 11 (MU) Ghouls & Ghosts (CAP) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MU) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Strider (CAP) COMMODORE Mttfi AUGUST A.P.B. (TEN) After Burner (SEG) x-Arkanoid II (TAI) Aussie Games (MIN) Captain Fizz (PSY) Dragon Wars (IP) x-Dungeon Masters Asst Vol 2 (SSI) Frightmare (AGO) x-Gauntlet II (MIN) x-Hamer 7 (ACO) x-Hostage (MIN) x-Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) x-Kings of the Beach (EA) x-Mental Blocks (ACO) x-Omega (ORI) x-Rambo 111 (TAl) Sgt Slaughter Mat Wars (MIN) x-Shoot’Em Up Construe Kit (ACO) x-Storm Across Europe (SSI) Weird Dreams (MED) SEPTEMBER Ballistix (PSY) Battle Chess (IP) Black Tiger (CAP) Cabal (CAP) Deathbringer (SPO) X-Might and Magic II (NWC) 1918 (CAP) Orel Hershiser’s Strike Zone (MH) Pipe Dream (LF) Space Rogue (ORI) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) Wind walker (ORI) THIRD QUARTER Bad Dudes (DE) Cycles, The (ACO) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Empire (INS) Falcon (SPE) Ferrari Formula One (EA) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Heavy Barrel (DE) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) 1943 (CAP) Pocket Rockets (CAP) PT-109(SPE) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Revenge of Defender (EPY) Sentinel Worlds 1: Future Magic (EA) Snow Strike (EPY) Starfiight (EA) Super Hang-On (DE) Test Ride (CAP) Tiger Road (CAP) TV Sports Football (CIN) War in Middle Earth (MH) OCTOBER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) Blood Money (PSY) Knights of Legend (ORI) Xybots (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) Castlevania (KON) Double Dragon II (MH) Ghostbusters II (ACT) Ghouls &. Ghosts (CAP) Licence to Kill (BRO) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack. G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Strider (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Revenge of Defender (EPY) Rick Davis World Tropby Soccer (MH) Side Arms (CAP) Street Fighter (CAP) Test Ride (CAP) Total Eclipse (SPO) OCTOBER Barbarian 11 (PSY) Infestation (PSY) Licence to Kill (BRO) Matrix Marauders (PSY) Their Finest Hour (LF) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER Blue Angels (ACO) Carthage (PSY) Rash Dragon (PSY) Killing Game Show (PSY) TV Sports Basketball (CIN) DECEMBER Aquaventura (PSY) Gore (PSY) FOURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) Castlevania (KON) Colony, The (MIN) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Ghostbusters 11 (ACT) Gbouls & Ghosts (CAP) Hard Ball 11 (ACO) Ishido (EPY) KyBos (BS) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Strider (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) AMIGA AUGUST AP.B. (TEN) Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top (MIN) x-Gauntlet U (MIN) x-Opcration: Counterstrike (SFE) Pocket Rockets (CAP) x-Qix (TAI) x-Rambo 111 (TAI) x-Red Lightning (SSI) x-Shoot'Em Up Construe Kit (ACO) x-SimCity (MAX) Weird Dreams (MED) SEPTEMBER After Burner (SEG) Bad Dudes (DE) Dr. Doom’s Revenge (PAR) F-l 9 Stealth Fighter (MIC) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Adv (LF) It Came from the Desert (CIN) Never Mind (PSY) x-Omega (ORI) Paperboy (MIN) Pipe Dream (LF) Shadow of the Beast (PSY) Shinobi (SEG) Sky Shark (TAI) Stryx (PSY) Wind walker (ORI) THIRD QUARTER Arkanoid II (DIS) Artura (ARC) Axe of Rage (EPY) Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SFO) Fidelity Chessmaster 2100 (ST) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Guerrilla War (DE) Harpoon (TS) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Jackal (KON) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) Magic Johnson Basketball (MH) Metal Gear (KON) Neuromancer (IP) 1943 (CAP) Operation Clean Streets (BRO) Powerdrome (EA) Arm iiciiie AUGUST x-Dungeon Masters Asst Vol 2 (SSI) Indiana Jones & Temple of Doom (MIN) x-Omega (ORI) SEPTEMBER x-Earl Weaver Baseball 1.5 (EA) Qix (TAI) Renegade (TAI) x-Space Rogue (ORI) Windwalker (ORI) THIRD QUARTER Batman (DE) Dragon Wars (IP) First Over Germany (SSI) Heavy Barrel (DE) Leisure Suit Liny 11 (SIE) Manhunter:New York (SIE) RoboCop (DE) Superstar Ice Hockey (MIN) OCTOBER Knights of Legend (ORI) NOVEMBER Pipe Dream (LF) FOURTH QUARTER Curse of Azure Bonds (SSI) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Where in Time/C Sandiego (BRO) APPLLUQ .S AUGUST AP.B. (TEN) x-Arkanoid II (TAI) Captain Blood (MIN) Hostage (MIN) Renegade (TAI) THIRD QUARTER Ancient Land of Ys (KYO) Battle Chess (IP) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Halls of Montezuma (SSG) Indiana Jones & Temple of Doom (MIN) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) Life & Death (ST) Project Neptune (EPY) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Quarterstaff (INF) Superstar Ice Hockey (MIN) Third Courier (ACO) Three Stooges (CIN) Zoom! (DIS) OCTOBER Xybots (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Double Dragon 11 (MH) Ishido (EPY) Qix (TAI) Rastan (TAl) MACINTOSH AUGUST Captain Blood (MIN) Carrier Command (MED) x-Fast Break (ACO) Hostage (MIN) x-Puzzle Gallery (EA) Starglider II (MED) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) SEPTEMBER Omega (ORI) Pipe Dream (LF) THIRD QUARTER Arkanoid Construe Set (DIS) Arkanoid 11 (DIS) Fidelity Chessmaster 2100 (ST) Halls of Montezuma (SSG) Kamov (DE) Leisure Suit Larry 11 (SIE) Manhunter.New York (SIE) x-Puzzle Gallery (MC) Sceptre (DIS) Project Neptune (EPY) Ultima IV (ORI) FOURTH QUARTER F-l 9 Stealth Fighter (M1Q Harpoon (TS) Ishido (EPY) MS-DQS AUGUST AP.B. (TEN) Action Fighter (SEG) After Burner (SEG) x-Ancient Land of Ys (KYO) Baal (PSY) Battles of Napoleon (SSI) x-Beyond the Black Hole (ST) x-Blockout(CAL) Carrier Command (MED) x-Cribbage/Qin King (ST) Deathbringer (SPO) Deja Vu II (IS) x-F-15 Strike Eagle 11 (MIC) X-F40 Pursuit (TI) x-Faery Tale Adventure (MI) Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top (MIN) Frightmare (AGO) x-Gauntlet II (MIN) x-HarTier 7 (ACO) x-Heavy Barrel (DE) Hoyle’s Book of Games (SIE) x-lndiana Jones & Last Crusade/Adv (LF) Journey (INF) Ml Tank Ha toon (M1Q Menace (PSY) x-Mental Blocks (ACO) x-Murder Club (KYO) x-Omega (ORI) x-Operation Wolf (TAl) Pocket Rockets (CAP) SimCity (MAX) Sorcerian (SIE) Star Fleet II (INS) Starglider II (MED) x-Sword of Aragon (SSI) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) Weird Dreams (MED) x-Wibarm (BRO) SEPTEMBER Ballistix (PSY) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Cabal (CAP) Colonel’s Bequest (SIE) David Wolf: Secret Agent (DYN) Face Off (GAM) Federation (SPO) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Ghostbusters 11 (ACT) Grave Yardage (ACT) Harley-Davidson; Rd to Sturgis (MIN) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) lntl Team Sports (MIN) Kristal, The (CIN) Manhole, The (ACT) x-Manhunter: San Francisco (SIE) Mines of Titan (INF) Never Mind (PSY) 1943 (CAP) Pipe Dream (LF) Qix (TAl) Shinobi (SEG) Space Rogue (ORI) Star Trek V: Final Frontier (MIN) Strider (CAP) Sword of the Samurai (MIC) Tank Killer: A-10 Thunderbolt (DYN) Their Finest Hour (LF) Thunder Blade (SEG) Tongue of the FatMan (ACT) x-Where in Time/C Sandiego (BRO) THIRD QUARTER Arthur: Quest for Excalibur (INF) Axe of Rage (EPY) Conspiracy; Deadlock Files (ACO) Cycles, The (ACO) Dark Side (SPO) Don’t Go Alone (ACO) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Eye of the Storm (AGO) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Gold of the Americas (SSG) Hard Ball II (ACO) Harpoon (TS) Heat Wave (ACO) Hybris (DIS) Jackal (KON) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) Leisure Suit Larry III (SIE) Metal Gear (KON) Neuromancer (IP) Orel Hershiser’s Strike Zone (MH) Overrun (SSI) Project Neptune (EPY) Purple Saturn Day (EPY) Quarterstaff (INF) Revenge of Defender (EPY) Scooby-Doo (MI) Shogun (INF) Snow Strike (EPY) Super Hang-On (DE) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT Third Courier (ACO) TV Sports Football (CIN) Zork Zero (INF) OCTOBER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) Conquests of Camelot (SIE) Die Hard (ACT) Ferrari Formula One (EA) Hero’s Quest (SIE) John Madden Football (EA) Knights of Legend (ORI) Licence to Kill (BRO) Matrix Marauders (PSY) MechWamor (ACT) Rambo 111 (TAI) Rastan (TAl) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER Blood Money (PSY) Blue Angels (ACO) DECEMBER Gore (PSY) FOURTH QUARTER Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) California Games II (EPY) Castlevania (KON) Code Name: Ice Man (SIE) Devon Aire Diamond Caper (EPY) Double Dragon II (MH) Dragon Wars (IP) Fly ton 500 (EPY) Ishido (EPY) KyBos (BS) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Storm across Europe (SSI) AIAElim AUGUST Double Dragon (ACT) Road Runner (AT) SEPTEMBER Ik an Warriors (AT) Radar Lock (AT) THIRD QUARTER Off the Wall (AT) Street Fight (AT) FOURTH QUARTER Motor odeo (AT) Sentinel (AT) Shooting Arcade (AT) White Water Madness (AT) ATARI 7S00 AUGUST Double Dragon (ACT) SEPTEMBER Commando (AT) Jinks (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) Xenophobe (AT) THIRD QUARTER Dtari Warriors (AT) Rampage (ACT) FOURTH QUARTER ...contd. on Page r 51989 Computer Entertainer and VideoGame Update. $25.00 annually in U.S. funds for 12 issues,published monthly. Foreign$33.00 in UJS. Funds. Send payment to: Computer Entertainer, 5916 Lemona VanNuys, CA 91411. (818)761-1516. Computer Entertainer accepts no advertising from any software manufacturer. The philosophy of this newsletter is to provide the reader with honest evaluations of pre* on the market. It is our intention to act as an independent watchdog, providing critical commentary and analysis. The opinions are solely those of Computer Entertainer and are not influenced by the manufac & To describe a program, we may use existing literature from the manufacturer, but that will have no bearing on the rating system. Any reproduction, duplication, or re-publication of this copyrighted work * ** written consent of Computer Entertainer is strictly prohibited. Any violation of applicable copyright laws will be vigorously prosecuted and subject to civil and criminal penalties. This work may not be eban, ® altered in any way. 14 Computer Entertainer - September, SUBSCRIBER BUYING SERVICE Program Cost Adventures of Bayou Billy (NES) 36.60 Arkanoid II (Co,ST) 22.30 Arkanoid II (MS,GS) 26.10 Batman (Am) 32.90 Batman (Co) 18.70 Batman (ST) 28.80 Batman (Ap) 22.30 Beyond the Black Hole (MS) 36.40 Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle (NES) 37.95 Cobra Triangle (NES) 33.60 Desert Commander (NES) 37.95 Dragon Warrior (NES) 38.90 F40 Pursuit (MS) 32.90 Fast Break (Mac: 36.40; Am: 32.90; MS: 28.80; Co: 22.30) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/action (Co) 22.30 Indiana Jones Last Crusade/action (Am*,ST*,MS*) 28.80 Kings of the Beach (Co) 22.30 Kings of the Beach (MS) 32.90 Kings of the Beach (NES*) 33.60 Legendary Axe (TG) 43.30 NEC TurboGrafx -16 System (10 lbs) 209.00 (call for pricing on accessories) Operation Wolf (Co;ST*) 22.30 Operation Wolf (MS 5.25”; Am) 26.10 Operation Wolf (NES) 37.95 Pipe Dreams (Mac*,MS*,Am*,ST*) 28.80 Pipe Dreams (Co*) 22.30 Puzzle Gallery (Mac) 28.80 Qix (Am;GS*;MS*) 26.10 Qix (ST,Co) 22.30 Rambo III (Co,ST) 22.30 Rambo III (Am,MS*) 26.10 Rocket Ranger (MS,GS,Am) 38.90 Rocket Ranger (Co) 28.80 Shoot ‘Em Up Construction Kit (Am: 14.80; Co: 11.20) SimCity (Am) 32.90 SimCity (Mac,MS*) 36.40 Storm Over Europe (Co) 28.80 Vette! (MS,Mac*,Am*,ST*) 36.40 Victory Run (TG) 40.30 Where in Europe is Carmen Sandiego? (Mac) 36.40 Where in Europe is Carmen Sandiego? (Ap,MS) 32.90 Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego? (MS,Ap*) 32.90 Sys/Format Quantity Total RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! One Year Renewal 21.00 Two Year Renewal 38.00 One Year Overseas Renewal 33.00 NAME: Sub-Total ADDRESS: • 61/2% Tax (CA only) CITY Shipping: STATE ZIP TOTAL ENCLOSED: Phone Subscriber # Shipping Chart: _Check/MO Bankcard....Expiration Date UPS... 1st 2 lb ea add. lb Card #: Calif, Nevada, Arizona 2.50 .25 Signature: Continental US 3.25 .50 KEY: *=preorder;AM=Amiga;Ap=Apple II;Co=Commodore 64/128; Canada 8.00 1.05 MS=MS DOS & IBM PC/compatibles;Mac=Macintosh;GS=Apple GS; Posted (P.O, Boxes & APOIFPO) ST=Atari ST; NES=Nintendo; SEGA=Sega;GEN=Genesis; Calif, Nevada,Arizona 4.25 .30 TG=NEC TurboGrafx-16 Save time and PHONE your order in at 1-800-228-4336 (outside Calif.) FAX YOUR ORDER! - 818-904-9632 Continental US (& APO/FPO) 4.75 Canada 6.75 FOREIGN: Please Contact Us for Rates .90 1.30 J puter Entertainer - September, 1989 15 f From:- BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 Self Mailing folder. Fold Here Record Release Schedule Unveiled by Psygnosis The British software company, Psygnosis, is set to launch 43 new releases worldwide over the next several months—some 18 titles in four formats. The company has gained quite a reputation for excellence in graphics and gameplay among owners of Atari ST and Amiga computers, and they have now added MS-DOS and Commodore 64/128 to the formats they will cover. The existing Psygnosis and Psyclapse titles that are being converted for MS-DOS and C64/128 include MENACE, BAAL, CAPTAIN FIZZ, BLOOD MONEY and BALLISTIX. New games planned for the four systems are STRYX, NEVER MIND, SHADOW OF THE BEAST, BARBARIAN II, INFESTATION, MATRIX MARAUDERS, CARTHAGE, KILLING GAME SHOW, FLASH DRAGON, AQUA VENTURA, GORE and FIRESTONE. No details about the new games are available at this time. Into the Wild Blue Yonder with Accolade’s THE BLUE ANGELS Have you ever been to a Blue Angels show, witnessed their incredible acrobatics in the air and wondered what it would be like to be in the pilot’s seat of one of those planes? Thanks to Accolade, you’re about to find out what it would be like. THE BLUE ANGELS (MSR $40.95 for MS-DOS, $44.95 for Amiga) will allow computer owners to learn over 25 of the same maneuvers performed by the real Blue Angels and then select any one of the four F/A-18 Hornet jets and take off with the squadron. The program will include a progressive training sequence which begins in a wire-frame flight simulator with specific maneuvers and then moves on to practice from cockpit perspective and finally to linked maneuvers with the rest of the Blue Angels. Throughout the training sequences, the program gives you the opportunity to view the action of your flight from perspectives outside the cockpit. And your final triumph is flying in an actual air show in one of the BLUE ANGELS formation jets. Broderbund Announces ANCIENT ART OF WAR Upgrades The MS-DOS versions of Broderbund’s THE ANCIENT ART OF WAR and THE ANCIENT ART OF WAR AT SEA (MSR $44.95 each) have now been upgraded to support VGA and full 16-color EG/ Graphics. The new versions also have no copy protection. Fra upgrades are available for anyone who has purchased the game: within 90 days of ordering upgrades (dated sales receipt required) All others may order upgrades by sending a check or money orde for $7.50 plus sales receipt or proof-of-purchase tab from th< manual’s warranty page or the program disk. Upgrade request should be sent to Broderbund Software-Direct, P.O. Box 12947, Sa: Rafael, CA 94913-2947. New Version ofFokker Triplane Coming Bullseye Software is shipping a new updated version of its fin Macintosh simulation, Fokker Trip lane (Version 2.0). In addition!, making the game compatible with the new Mac hardware, the deve opers have added new features such as digitized sound, improve flight characteristics, more realistic appearing aircraft, control c enemy aircraft for dogfight training, and bombing. Owners of th original disk may update by sending the disk and $15.00 to Bullsey Software, PO Box 7900, Incline Village, NV 89450. The update version will be returned with a new manual. The suggested reta price of the new version is $45.00. fLucasfilm’s BATTLE OF BRITAIN N Due This Month THEIR FINEST HOUR: THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN debuts this month with the official unveiling of the game held September 15th at The Museum of Flying, Santa Monica Airport, California. In the tradition of Lucasfilm’s hit flight combat simulator, “Battlehawks 1942,” B ATTLE OF BRITAIN will allow players to recreate the historic air battles of 1940 while flying any of a variety of British or German aircraft. The initial release is for MS- DOS systems, with versions for Amiga and Atari ST to follow next month (MSR $59.99). In connection with the release of BATTLE OF BRITAIN, Lucasfilm Games is making a very special offer available to Computer Enter¬ tainer subscribers. Watch your mail for your chance to get an extra bonus with your purchase of the program! 1 V. 16 Computer Entertainer - September, 1989 Computer Entertainer -^VACAMING ' S HEARTBEA T*-V* Ym ¥iiPi® PiPP^fii >■ 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, California 91411 ©October, 1989 In This Issue... Information on Atari Lynx Epyx Closes Its Doors New from S.S.I. and Broderbund REVIEWS Include... Moriarty’s Revenge, Gold Rush, Star Wars ...for Macintosh Prince of Persia ...for Apple II Shadow of the Beast, Fiendish Freddy ...for Amiga Who Framed Roger Rabbit, NFL Football ...for Nintendo Lakers Vs. Celtics ...for MS-DOS Walter Payton Football ...for Sega Ghouls ‘N Ghosts ...for Sega Genesis TOP FIFTEEN COMPUTER GAMES 1. Dungeomaster (FTL/I) 2. Duel/Test Drive 2 (Aco/1) 3. Falcon (Spec/I) 4. Blood Money (Psy/Am) 5. Battlehawks 1942 (LF/I) 6. Renegade (Tai/I) 7. Red Storm Rising (Mic/1) 8. Death Bringer (Cin/I) 9. Battletech (Inf/I) 10. Indiana Jones/Adv (LF/I) 11. Batman (DE/I) 12. Ballistix (Psy/Am) 13. Gauntlet II (Min/I) 14. Hillsfar (SSI/I) 15. Space Quest III (Sie/I) TOP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMES 1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) 2. Teenage...Turtles (Ult/NES) 3. Ninja Gaiden (Tec/NES) 4. Simon’s Quest (Kon/NES) 5. Blaster Master (Sun/NES) 6. Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) 7. MegaMan 2 (Cap/NES) 8. Double Dragon (TW/NES) 9. Skate Or Die (Ult/NES) 10. Zelda II: Adv of Link (Nin/NES) 11. Track & Field II (Kon/NES) 12. Operation Wolf (Tai/NES) 13. Strider (Cap/NES) 14. California Games (MB/NES) 15. Baseball Stars (SNK/NES) Coming... Reviews of... Windwalker ...for Apple and C64 Ghostbusters II Tongue of the Fatman ...for MS DOS World Champ Soccer .. for Sega Genesis ..jand much more! |'"w._ Volume 8, Number 7 $3.50 ) Creativity Still Flourishing at Cinemaware We enjoy making periodic visits to Cinemaware In Westlake Village. They’re a short freeway drive away from Computer Entertainer’s offices, and we know that we can always count on seeing exciting new products in development. Our most recent visit found Cinemaware designers at work on a variety of projects, a few of which we can’t tell you about—yet. First we saw the latest version of ROCKET RANGER, an NES version which Cinemaware is doing for Nintendo licensee Kemco-Seika. Programming is nearly completed, and the game looks great. We were especially impressed by the excellent sound effects. NES owners should enjoy this action-ad venture inspired by the movie serials of the 1940s and 50s because it is completely different from anything else currently available for the system. IT CAME FROM THE DESERT Nearly Finished Programming is also nearing completion on Cinemaware’s latest movie-inspired computer epic, IT CAME FROM THE DESERT for Amiga, which has been in development for almost two years. Radiated ants become giant creatures that terrorize the desert town of Lizard’s Breath in this creepy adventure. We saw scenes that literally raised the hairs on the back of our neck and gave us goosebumps. And we think that gamers will love the appropriately atmospheric music, written especially for this game by a professional score writer. (Cinemaware also employed a professional screen writer for the story of IT CAME FROM THE DESERT.) The Amiga version should be available next month, and work is already underway on MS-DOS and ST versions. And it should be exciting news for owners of the new NEC TurboGrafx-16 game system to know that Cinemaware will do a CD-ROM version of IT CAME FROM THE DESERT for their system. We were told that the TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM version will have digitized characters on screen, with even better graphics and sound than the Amiga version. As one of NEC’s first third-party developers, Cinemaware will also do a TurboGrafx-16 version of TV SPORTS FOOTBALL. Design has already begun, and what we saw looked great. TV SPORTS FOOTBALL Coming Soon for IBM and Compatibles We were also impressed by the soon-to-be-released MS-DOS version of TV SPORTS FOOTBALL. Although we saw an EGA version, graphics and animation looked more like VGA or even Amiga. This game will feature Cinemaware’s realistic sound-on-disk programming for MS-DOS known as ReelTalk. This proprietary sound technique sends digitally sampled sound through the standard IBM speaker, allowing incredibly good sound effects and digitized music without need for a separate sound board in the computer. “Seat-of-the-Pants” Flight Simulator Inveterate gamers that we are, we love getting an advance look at future products. And we got a peek at the early stages of one that really looks promising. Tim Hayes, who wrote one of the first flight simulators for Macintosh (“Harrier Strike Mission” for Miles Computing), spent some time showing us the early stages of programming on a new flight simulator for Amiga. We know what you’re thinking: does the gaming world really need another flight simulator? (We know because that’s just what we were thinking.) We’ve been sworn to secrecy on the details of this new program (working title, WINGS), but we can tell you that we were excited by the underlying concept that this is to be “a flight simulator for people who don’t like (or can’t fly) traditional flight simulators.” You will not have to understand the equivalent of a flight school manual to fly the plane in WINGS. You can fly this plane “by the seat of your pants” and experience the romance of flying that is totally missing in so many computer flight simulators. Graphics will include both 3D and 2D imaging with a wonderful sense of immediacy and realism. New Technologies Almost from the beginnings of its existence as a company, Cinemaware has been actively involved in new technologies. For some time, we have been aware that the company has been involved with AIM (American Interactive Media), the Philips/ Polygram joint venture founded to promote the creation of CD-I (Compact Disc- Interactive) applications. On previous visits to Cinemaware we had never been permitted to sec any CD-I work in progress. On this visit, however, the door to the top- secretroom was opened, and we finally had a chance to see some of Cinemaware’s CD- ...contd. on Page 2 J r MACINTOSH Software MANHUNTER: NEW YORK (***^****) is a fascinating 3-D animated adventure fro m S ierra wh ich includes windowing effects, split¬ screens, and close-ups. There’s over 250 scenes including maps of New York, taking place in the year 2004 shortly after an alien invasion and world takeover. The alien Orb Alliance has subjugated all humans, implanted them with tracking devices, or¬ dered that they wear brown robes and not speak to other humans under penalty of death. To maintain this terror-filled dictatorship, the Alliance enlists the aid of select humans to become Manhunters-detectives who spy on their fellow humans, track them with the aid of hand¬ held computers, and report subversive human activities to the Alliance. Become a Manhunter When playing the game, you become one of the Manhunters, facing all sorts of dangers as you track your fellow man in a familiar, but truly different New York City. There are moments of terror and moments of humor as you switch from first-person participant to third-person observer. You can play the game in different ways - either align with the evil aliens or take the chance of joining fellow humans in an underground movement. There’s very little keyboard entry in a role-playing game which will fascinate even those who traditionally don’t take to adventures. Try this one, as you’ll probably have a hard time pulling away! (one player; 3 - 800k disks; supports color on Mac II; also available for Atari ST, Apple I1GS, Amiga, MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) Origin Unveils IBM Version of TANGLED TALES TANGLED TALES: THE MISADVEN¬ TURES OF A WIZARD’S APPRENTICE is now available for MS-DOS systems from Origin. Earlier releases of this title are avail¬ able for Apple II and Commodore 64/128 (MSR $29.95 all versions). In this fantasy role-playing adventure, the player becomes a wizard’s apprentice who is given three progressively more difficult tasks to per¬ form as proof of his or her wizardly worthi¬ ness. The game is full of very odd charac¬ ters, amusing situations, and plenty of fun. Specially-Priced Collections from Mindscape Mindscape is preparing special packages of some of their hit product. First, for MS- DOS, arcade hits Gauntlet, Paperboy, In¬ diana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Road Runner and Blockbuster will sell for $49.95. For Commodore 64/128, the same package will run $39.95. The package for the Apple II will include Gauntlet, Paper¬ boy, Indiana Jones and theTemple of Doom, Into the Eagles Nest, and Xevious at a cost of $44.95. A sports collection for C64/128 will include Superstar Ice llockey, Indoor Sports, Superstar Soccer, and Clubhouse Sports at $34.95. All packages will be available for a short time this Fall. STAR WARS (***/***) comes to Macintosh with vector-type graphics from Broderbund . The player takes the part of Luke Skywalker as you pilot an X-wing fighter against the Empire’s Death Star. Beginning with a dogfight in outer space where you must shoot down Empire TIE Fighters. If you manage through that wave, you’ll have to survive laser fire from towers on the planet’s surface. In the third and final stages, you must travel through the trench, searching for the exhaust port. In order to fully realize your potential challenge, you must learn how to use The Force. Use your mouse to streak through the screens as you face the battle of a lifetime. 3-D Vector Graphics The premise is quite simple as you maneu¬ ver your X-wing fighter, honing in on en¬ emy fighters, laser fire, and carefully ma¬ neuvering through the trenches. The graph¬ ics are wire-frame vector-like and work well. There’s plenty of action for anyone who enjoys the genre with some good sound effects, (one player; 800k disk; works on Macintosh 512E, Plus, SE, SE30, II, IIX, IICX; also available for MS-DOS, Commo¬ dore 64, Amiga) Recommended (MSR $39.95) — GOLD RUSH (fc **^****) is another great 3-D adventure conversion from Sierra, this one depicting the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800’s. In your role as Jerrod Wilson of Brooklyn Heights, New York, a young man with a limited future in the newspaper business, you receive a letter from your long lost brother. After hearing his tale, you head for California and the Gold Rush. Of course, in those times, get¬ ting to California is a major problem and you have three different routes to choose from. The overland route means the rigors of a stagecoach, steamer to Panama and through the treacherous jungles of the isthmus and then ship again to California is loaded with danger; or the entire journey by ship around Cape Horn promises its own peril. Each adventure has its own unique problems and dangerous escapades. Historica lly A ecu rate This game is historically and geographi¬ cally accurate in its depiction of the time frame and, as such, becomes a great educa¬ tional tool as well as great adventuring. There’s over 150 scenes, including on-screen i maps and is easy to use in its approach to adventuring. The graphics are quite excel¬ lent with plenty of animation and movement - as you easily direct your man through his ■ travels, (one player; 3 - 800k disks; also available for MS-DOS; Apple IIGS, Atari ST, Amiga) Recommended (MSR $49.95) ^THE RATING SYSTEM: ^ 4 STARS = Excellent 3 STARS = Good 2 STARS = Fair 1 STAR = Poor 1st Set of Stars = quality of graphics 2nd Set = quality of game play and entertainment value NA = Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) v J ) Computer Entertainer - October, 1989 MACINTOSH Software tlORIARTY’S REVENGE (***/***l/2) is an interesting detective game from Bull Atv Software , a division of HJC Software, and features a premise somewhat reminiscent )f BrodcTbund’sCarmenSandiegoscrics. Not quite as “tongue-in-cheek” as Carmen, there s a nice depth to this game in which you must track a suspect around the world using clues vhich are unearthed in various cities. There are several locations, as well as different people to talk with as you sift through clues, identities, etc. There’s a very interesting clue note page in which you can keep detailed track of the various characteristics as you find useful information. If you think you’ve honed in on one of the criminal’s traits, issue a world-wide bulletin. That can help tre¬ mendously in heading to he right city. Of course, you have to be careful to give details in the way in which the suspect is disguised, if that’s the case. There are over 1,000 clues which promises that you will “never run into the same case twice.” You’re vorking against a time limit, with limited money. Great Sound Effects The game features very good sound, as well as good graphics. Initially, we felt this would )e too close to Carmen Sandiego ; however, it is simply in the same genre, with a very lifferent approach. This game also has the advantage, though, of being a teaching vehicle is well as entertainment as there will be many clues alluding to correctly guessing capital dties, etc. There is a pocket world atlas enclosed. Overall, this is a great game for anyone vho enjoys a thinking man’s game! (one player; 800k disk; compatible with Macintosh 1)12E, Plus, SE, SE/30, II, IIX, IICX) Recommended (MSR $59.95) L*.. J ■ rrf . | ( T«ke Notei ] ! { TtkeTixi ) | TekeSST ) f Offer Bn be ^ 31 Rbidjan DEPAR T URES: ( OmtGemc ) [ Sonto fporl-ou-Princei )AYS LEFT 14 CASE ASSIGNMENT James CHANCE OF SEEING SUSPECT 50% M3NEV LEFT S 694 HUFFLEPUCK CAFE (****tf*rt**) has made its way to two more formats in a game om Broderbund which we found rather hilarious last year in its original format, the lacintosh. Coming to the Amiga and Atari ST simply make a good game better as the color raphics, animation, and sound effects possible bring these hilarious, yet menacing oppo- ents to an even more realistic level of isanity. Once again, enter the Shuf- epuck Cafe, a seedy saloon very iminiscent of the very strange bar in tar Wars. Challenge any of this irange crew of intergalactic misfits ) a rollicking game of air hockey, litially, you can change the size of our paddle, the power, and feel of it. ach opponent (some are easy to beat, ome nearly impossible) has their own ery strange characteristics. For in- tance, Lexan Smythc-Worthington lides up to the table with his glass of te bubbly. Somehow he gets through le game (very well, by the way), and len drinks himself under the table. Vinnie the Dweed will growl ferociously when you win point; the others (nine opponents in all) each have their own “unique” style. This is air ockey like you’ve never played. Great Graphics and Sounds As much as we loved this on the Macintosh, the sound and graphics capabilities on these lachines make the game even more fun. It’s as challenging as you want it, with a major )uch of humor and you ’ll probably have a tough time walking away! (one player; reviewed n Atari ST and Amiga; also available for Macintosh) tecommended (MSR $39.95) DELLJXEPA lNT II ENHANCED Is New Electronic Arts recently released a “significant upgrade” to their graphics and paint program, Deluxe Paint II.” DELUXEPAINT II ENHANCED (MSR $129.95) for MS-DOS features an array f new painting tools and expanded graphic power. An upgrade is available to owners of “DeluxePaint l” for $59.95 plus $7.00 shipping and handling (plus $4.20 sales tax for Calif, residents). Purchasers f the upgrade will also be able to obtain an additional fonts disk for $35.00 instead of the normal price f $69.95. Call Electronic Arts at 800-245-4525 for details on ordering the upgrade. Data East MVP Sports™ Sweepstakes Win a trip to the 1990 Super Bowl for 4 at the New Orleans Superdome in the Data East Sweepstakes. Additional prizes in¬ clude cash, Sony entertainment sets, and ABC Monday Night Football pinball ma¬ chines. Watch for information in computer magazines. In The Arcades Konami introduces S.P.Y. which stands for Special Project Y and involves a top-secret mission to thwart an enemy threat to world peace. You become an agent who must seek out and destroy the enemy missile base where there is a fully armed nuclear warhead. Night Striker , from Taito, takes you into the year 2009. The elite division of the United National Special Service Agency, Night Striker, is attempting to locate a kidnapped authority on laser science. You take the control of an advanced vehicle used for urban com¬ bat as you embark on futuristic cities in a one-player shooting/driving game. From SNK comes Street Smart, a two- player, cooperative/interactive game in which the players fight different ene¬ mies as they travel to eight U.S. cities vying for a championship title. V _ J Cinemaware...contd. from Page 1 I explorations. The first surprise was learn¬ ing that CD-I is now capable of full-screen, full-motion video that is similar to standard VHS quality. (In the January 1987 issue of CD-I NEWS we had encountered a com¬ ment by Bert Gall, U.S. CD-I product man¬ ager for Philips HIS, in which he said, “We have plans to develop full-motion [full¬ screen] video for CD-I, but it will take at least five years to achieve that.”) Best esti¬ mates place probable commercial availabil¬ ity of CD-I in 1990, with a format that will allow interactive applications containing music and sound (CD digital audio, hi-fi and mid-fi), speech, natural still and animated pictures, video, graphics, text retrieval, computer programs and computer data. We were shown an example of a travelog-style video with commentary accessible in three different languages (up to 12 are possible), along with some fascinating applications that we cannot disclose at this time. CD-I appears to have great potential in many areas, including entertainment, education, information and self-help. P51 Mustang Flight Simulator in Smithsonian If you plan a visit to the National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian in Wash¬ ington DC, you’ll find Bullseye Software’s P51 Mustang Flight Simulator being fea¬ tured in a home flight simulator “hands-on” exhibit. The “Beyond the Limits” gallery exhibit is running indefinitely. Jmputer Entertainer - October, 1989 ( MACINTOSH Software AMIGA Software GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT (***1/2/ ★★★1/2) has been converted for Macintosh owners by Distinctive Software for Acco¬ lade . First available last year for Commo¬ dore and MS-DOS, the game allows you to pilot one of three Formula One race cars through any of eight different Grand Prix race courses. Initially, you can choose to try a practice run. Prior to the actual race, however, you’ll have to qualify for position in a 10-car field. There arc five levels of expertise to drive at with the first allowing automatic shifting as well as no damage if you spin off the road. Once you master that, you can move up through the levels for additional control and additional potential problems. You can choose to run anywhere from 1 to 99 laps. The cockpit includes all the expected gauges and indicators as well as rear view mirrors which you have to watch for traffic coming from behind. As you find yourself with too much damage, you’ll have to make a pitstop where by changing the tires, you can take care of the damage. Good Sound Effects , Gameplay The designers have done a nice job of using the sound of the Macintosh where you really feel the rumble of the car beneath you, as well as the screeching tires. There’s very good graphics which are animated in the cockpit, as well as all the action on the track. You can control the steering and gearbox via the numeric keypad or the keyboard. You can also steer with your mouse, but acceler¬ ate, etc., via the keyboard. You’ll find each slight movement will whip that steering wheel around, so you’ll need to really get a feel of the car. It’s still one of the best race car simulators out there, in our opinion with enough tough challenges to keep you in¬ volved for some time to come! (one player; reviewed on Macintosh; 800K disk drive; requires lmb memory; supports Mac Plus, 512K, SE, EE, 512ke; also available for Commodore 64, Amiga, Apple 11GS, MS- DOS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) Three-Sixty Software to Be Distributed by Electronic Arts The newest member of the Electronic Arts affiliated label group is Three-Sixty Pacific, Inc., developers of “Thud Ridge,” “War- lock” and “Dark Castle.” Two new titles coming from Three-Sixty later this year, the World War II tank simulation, SANDS OF FIRE, and HARPOON, a long-awaited naval simulation, will also be distributed by Elec¬ tronic Arts. 4 FIENDISH FREDDY’S BIG TOP O’ FUN (★★★★^★★★) is a rather twisted look at the circus designed by Gray Matter for Minds cape . The thing that’s really striking is the remarkable animation which really makes this a “mini-movie” with six events which you must compete in ...not for fame but to pay off the bank which you ’re into for $10,000. The sinister fellow who runs the bank has sent in Fiendish Freddy to foil your attempts to perform perfectly in order to raise the money. Prior to trying your skills at the actual events, you can practice any or all as many times as you wish, in order to get your timing down. As you enter the arena for real, you ’ 11 find Freddy at every turn. As you attempt the high dive into a small tub of water, Freddy will come along blowing a fan at you, trying to get you off course so you miss the tub. Then there’s the juggling act. ..you’re on a unicycle as items arc thrown in to you which you must juggle. Drop five items and it’s over. Meanwhile, Freddy is waiting for you to juggle the bomb thrown in. Drop it and it’s all over. Next you must swing on the trapeze from bar to bar. Watch out for Freddy. This time he’s armed with scissors and a jetpack. He’ll cut those ropes if you stay on the bar too long. Now it’s time for the the knife throw as your assistant spins on a rotating wheel. Freddy still has some bombs left so watch out for the smoke as he throws them in to try and knock your timing off. Then it’s time to try and balance on the tightrope...as you swing precariously from side to side trying to get your balance to walk across the high wire, Freddy is trying to throw you off by hurling circular saw blades and generally trying to push you off. ■ Finally, there’s the human cannonball in which you must try and reach a target some¬ where across the tent. If you wait too long trying to decide where to position your tar¬ get, Freddy comes along with a giant cork...there’ll be a big bang! Between each event, there’s aroguishcrewof circus judges (including clown-like characters) who poke each other and generally create havoc be¬ fore they award points in the form of money. Remember, it’s money you need! If you don’t reach your goal at the end, there is a very funny scene which we won’ t give away in which you lose your circus. Phenomenal Animation , But Somewhat Violent This is truly a “mini-movie” with a sto¬ ryline and incredible graphic animation throughout the proceedings. However, be¬ cause of the intense amount of graphics and animation, the segues from scene to scene do take time, which can become a bit tire-» some. While the events are certainly chal - 1 lenging and fun, we must point out that many of the tricks Freddy plays and the results border on being very violent - espe¬ cially for young kids. You may want to think twice before your child watches Freddy peeling Tony Tiptoe’s fingers off the tight¬ rope so he will fall to his death (you’ll also watch the fall). This is not just a “fun circus” game, but a dastardly plot to force the circus to close. With that warning, you can make the decision for yourself, but we did find ourselves laughing out loud at some of the ; shenanigans. One thing we feel is that, espe¬ cially because of the amount of time it takes to load the various scenes and the storyline remaining the same, you may tire of the game after a few times, in spite of the gor- . geous graphics and animation, (one player; 3 disks, so 2 drives are recommended but not. required; reviewed on Amiga; coming for MS-DOS and Atari ST) (MSR $49.95) SHADOW OF THE BEAST (★★★★ / ★★★★) is a simply stunning game from Psychos is which, while reminiscent of Al¬ tered Beast (for Sega), also includes scroll¬ ing dialogue in gives it a feel of adventure as well as arcade action. Sharing some of the technical attributes of the game will give you just a slight idea of what you’re in store for. It includes 2Mb of graphics compressed Computer Entertainer - October, 198 n two disks which give you 350 screens and 132 unique monsters. The 13 levels of parallax crolling move at 50 frames per second, giving it a “movie-like” feel. The music is utstanding, with 900K devoted to the soundtrack. The premise finds you a creature of ;arsomc power, strength, and agility after being kidnapped as a child by the evil Bcast- Mages. For years you have faithfully served the Beast as their warrior-messenger. Now that you’ve found out the truth about your past, you enter the hostile country in order to reach your enemy’s stronghold where you meet your ultimate adversary. Throughout your adventure, you must dodge deadly plants, overcome all the monsters and traps in your way, and find and use the long-lost artifacts and weapons. Stunning Graphics With Great Depth of Play i Designers Martin Edmondson and Paul [owarth (only 21 and 20 years old respectively) brought the stunning Ballistic to the Amiga nd have managed to out-do themselves with their newest program. In addition to extremely hallenging gameplay, the graphics, animation and sound effects and music arc truly state- ( f-the-art. Every screen looks like a beautiful painting which comes to life. You’ll be pretty stounded at the wide array of monsters which come in all sizes, including those who fill 3/ of the screen! Psygnosis seems to have an incredible track record of breathtaking games br the Amiga and this one is no different! If you own an Amiga, your collection is not com- lete without this game. By the way, the designers are working on another “breakthrough” roject for the Amiga (and Psygnosis) but warn that it may be their last due to the high rate f software piracy! It would be a true pity if we lost the talents of these young men because f people’s disregard for “stealing” other’s property, (one player; reviewed on Amiga; oming for Atari ST; packaged with a Shadow of the Beast t-shirt) ecommended (MSR S39.95) MS-DOS ERRARI FORMULA ONE (****/ •***), from Electronic Arts, allows you > design your car from engine to suspension deluding gear ratios and fuel mixtures and len race on any of the sixteen Grand Prix acing courses. Initially, you can spend as nuch time as you wish in the garage or wind unncl making any number of adjustments. Choose the items you wish to work on by noving an arrow around the screen to the •art you wish to work on. You can even witch engines. Of course, once you make 'our changes, test the car’s performance in heWindTunncloron the Dynomc ter. There 'ou can adjust the various controls and see iOw your engine will perform at various IPMs. Then, you should head out to the test rack to try out your customized car. If ou’rc entered in the Season Schedule, you nust watch your time testing as you’ve got 3 leave for the first race in Rio by a certain ate in order to make the race. You can race n a specific course or recreate an entire ormula One season schedule. Each race icludcs two practice runs, two qualifying Jns, a warm-up session, and then a race etween 10 and 300 kilometers. The Race \ Once you’re out on the track, it’s a straight- omputcr Entertainer - October, 1989 ahead race for the finish as you maneuver through turns, around the competition, ac¬ celerate, brake, and shift through the five gears. There’s a sophisticated pit area avail¬ able to you which has many of the features of the garage. Speed is the key here whether it’s refueling, fixing damage,oreven adjust¬ ing your car’s wings. Very Detailed While this is a very nice race car simula¬ tion, what makes it stand out is the amount of customization you can accomplish in the months prior to the racing season. The abil¬ ity to make all sorts of adjustments and changes obviously give it almost limitless ways to enter the racing season. As you get better and better, you can turn your car into more and more of an awesome machine which has to be driven just right in order to wipe out the competition. The graphics arc detailed with graphs, charts, and the various parts of the car very crisp. This is a really fine racing car simulation for anyone who enjoys a hard day at the track! (one player; keyboard, mouse, or joystick controlled; high performance CPU recommended; re¬ viewed on MS-DOS; coming for Amiga) Recommended (MSR $39.95) \ News from Strategic Simulations Strategic Simulations has announced the signing of an agreement with FAS A Corpo¬ ration to produce a line of personal com¬ puter products based on their Renegade Legion game product line. The first will be INTERCEPTOR, a computer version of FAS A’s popular ship-to-ship space combat game. Look for this one around the middle of next year. More AD&.D Products Coming from SSI SSI’s group of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons products justkeeps expanding. Due this year arc the second AD&D actiongamc, DRAGONS OF FLAME (MSR $39.95 for MS-DOS, Amiga and Atari ST, $29.95 for Commodore 64/128), and WAR OF THE LANCE ($39.95 for Apple 11 and C64/128), the first AD&D computer wargame. In 1990 SSI plans to release DRAGONSTR1KE, an AD&D dragon fliglWcombat simulator, and CHAMPIONS OF KRYNN, a fantasy role- playing game set in the Dragonlancc game world. Traditional Wargaming from SSI Also just announced is a new program for the advanced wargamcr, SECOND FRONT ($59.95 MS-DOS), which is based on Germany’s invasion of Russia in 1941. SEC¬ OND FRONT will be a division-level stra¬ tegic game on a grand scale, with a map extending from Berlin in the west to Stalin¬ grad in the East and covering the entire Russian front. Players will command over 150 German divisions and over 200 Soviet divisions. Computer Game Developers Announce Awards At their third annual conference, profes¬ sional computergamc developers announced their choices of awards to entertainment software publishers. The “Best Publisher” award was given to Accolade, with the “Best Producer” award shared by Shelly Day (then at Accolade, now atTaito) and Rich Hille- man of Electronic Arts. “Best Quality Con¬ trol” went to Sierra On-Line and “Best Technical Support” to Electronic Arts. The “Most Innovative Publisher” award went to Cinemaware for the second year in a row. Moved??? Don’t forget to tell us so you don’t miss any issues. Send us your new address, along with your old zip code and subscriber num¬ ber (the last FOUR digits of your mailing label) and we’ll do the rest. r LAKERS VERSUS CELTICS ANDTHE NBA PLAYOFFS (****/****) is a five- on-five basketball game from Electronic Arts which includes the Celtics, Bulls, Pis¬ tons, and Knicks from the Eastern Confer¬ ence and the Lakers, Sonics, Suns, and Jazz from the West, all using their actual stats from the 1989 season. You can choose any two teams to play scrimmage games on select on team to enter the playoffs. Stats and jersey numbers are accurate to the real thing, along with physical attributes. For instance, Kareem delivers his skyhook and Jordan has his slam dunk. You can set different quarter lengths - from 2 to 12 minutes, as well as various skill levels. The rules that basketball fans are familiar with are here as well, such as 10second backcourt violation, penalties, traveling, 24 second shot clock violation, etc. Using either the keyboard or a joystick, you have quite a bit of ball control as you can shoot, fake, steal, block, pass, or change to another player on offense and defense. The player you control has a black jersey. As you pass the ball, the new player you control then has a black jersey. Really Fine Basketball Game The approach on this basketball game re¬ ally gives you a realistic approach, with true-to-life stats, rules, and play which show a real concern for detail. We really liked that the rules are realistic and there’s plenty of action on the boards. Your view is from about 20 rows up in the stands with a half court showing at one time. Scrolling from one side to the other is smooth without jerkincss which we sometime find in vari¬ ous sporting events where the entire playing field can’t be shown. With ten active players on the court, you’ll find there’s plenty going on. It makes a great two-player game as you control, player by player, your entire team. Graphics are quite good, especially with the amount of moving objects. The players are pretty good size and, therefore, recogniz¬ able for who they are. This is one of the better sports games we’ve seen in awhile, (one player; two player simultaneous; key¬ board or joystick; 384k) Recommended (MSR $49.95) MS-DOS FACEOFF! (***1/2/****) is a fast-moving ice hockey game created by MindSpan Corp. forGamestar . As you begin, you can choose exhibition (great for practice) or league play, and then choose which team you wish to put out on the ice. The player you control will denoted with a “diamond” and you can command one of your computer-controlled team¬ mates to pass to you. You can design set plays in the “Play Editor” and, if you’ve chosen it as an option, you can select ShotCam - a great one-on-one camera angle of you against the goalie. You ac¬ tivate this option only when you have a clear shot of the opponent’s net and there’s no other skater between you and the goalie. There’s also Fight- Cam which you can choose to allow fights to break out. You can start a fight and go up close for the action as you punch it out with the otherguy.Underthe General Manager Functions you can trade, promote, demote, retire, and even sell a fran¬ chise. Another Solid Sports Game Gamcstar has become the expert with high quality sporting games of all sorts and this is no exception. In addition to having strong graphics with interesting inset screens for shots at the net and fights, the gameplay is quite good. Once you take a look at the instructions and note all the various up, down, and diagonals your men can skate with ease and control, you’ll see you can really play the entire rink in a fast-action game. You’ll really enjoy this with a friend, too. (one player; two player simultaneous; reviewed on MS DOS; requires color monitor; keyboard or joystick) Recommended GRAVE YARDAGE (***1/2/***1/2) is perfectly timed for a Halloween release designed by Incredible Technologies for Activision . as this is “football” as you’ve never seen it! Here it’s the Monster Football League (MFL) and the teams are made up of monsters which include goblins, zombies, ghouls, trolls, and more. On offense and defense there are several plays to choose from including “kill them all” and many others that you’ll just have to try! The field has holes, land mines, and other distracting terrain. The “ball” is a cross between the eye of a cyclops and a flying chicken...making it a very stupid ball which likes to run around on the field like a chicken with its head cut off. The point here is to beat *em up, smash them into the ground, and generally create mayhem... and score a touchdown or two (if you can get ahold of that crazy “ball”). Pretty Hi¬ larious This is, “football” with a terri¬ fic sense of humor as you see these monsters go ______at each other. The resultant “calls” are done completely tongue-in-cheek with some pretty hilarious writing. The graphics arc quite nicely animated and the “ball” is something to behold. You’ll love the “mummy” toss at the beginning too. We have a feeling the designers had several side-splitting sessions when they dreamed this one up (either that or they had something strange to eat before bed and dreamed this!), In any event, it’s the gridiron game like you’ve never seen it but you’ll have loads of fun with these roguish characters! (one player; two player simultaneous; reviewed on MS DOS; requires 512K and color monitor; keyboard or joystick) Recommended Computer Entertainer - October, 198 ( r ~ DOWNHILL CHALLENGE (**:tf***) is a computer ski simulation from Rroder- bund in which you can practice and compete in four different skiing events - slalom, giant slalom, downhill, and jumping. There are three levels of ski runs to choose from. Once you’re on the course, you’ll find vari¬ ous information on your game screen in¬ cluding time, number of poles missed, and your split times. Use your joystick or key¬ board to maneuver down the course, at¬ tempting to make it through all the poles. Quick Reactions Needed As you schuss down the slopes (your view is from behind your skier), fast reactions are necessary in order to make it between the poles. You can easily find yourself off the course if you’re not careful. There’s a nice sound of the skis on the snow and the graph¬ ics are quite realistic with your skier bend¬ ing deep to make his turns, and the sun reflecting off the snow. It’s another ap¬ proach to racing for those who enjoy the fast response needed to make turns and beat the competition, (one player; joystick or key¬ board; reviewed on Amiga; coming for Atari ST, Apple 1IGS, M S-DOS, Commodore 64) MS-DOS LICENCE TO KILL (***l/2/***l/2) by Do mark Ltd, for Broderbund is an ac¬ tion game based on the current James Bond movie, and it uses scenes and situations from the film. The game has six separate sequences in which Bond tries to capture an infamous drug lord, starting with a helicop¬ terchasing an escaping jeep through enemy territory. The action continues on foot as Bond chases Sanchez through a gauntlet of the drug lord’s henchmen. The third scene is quintessential Bond, as the intrepid Agent 007 is lowered by rope from a helicopter to the drug lord’s plane—as it’s flying, of course. The action shifts to an underwater harpoon fight and then to barefoot water skiing behind a seaplane in a high-speed chase. The final scene is Bond’s last-ditch effort to capture Sanchez after the destruc¬ tion of the drug lord’s factory. The action comes to a climax in a crescendo of fleeing 18-wheeler tankers which Bond pursues from a stolen crop-duster. It’s enough to leave you breathless! Action Varied and Relentless If you enjoyed the movie, you definitely won'tbe disappointed in thiscomputergame version w'hich re-creates many of the high points in the film. Graphics are very crisp, clear and reminiscent of the movie scenes on which they are based. The action is both varied and relentless. Be sure to use a joys¬ tick for full enjoyment, though, because the action is often much to fast to respond well to keyboard control. (Solo play; Joystick or keyboard; Pause; EGA/CGA/Tandy/Hercu- les; 512K.) MS-DOS version reviewed. Coming soon for C64/128 ($19.95); for Amiga and Atari ST ($34.95) Recommended. (MSR $29.95) Broderbund Visits CE Recently we had the opportunity to spend some time with Gary Carlston of Broder¬ bund Software when he visited the offices of Computer Entertainer to talk about some of the company’s new products. After Gary took us through a short demonstration of PRINCE OF PERSIA on Apple II , Gary told us about some of Broderbund’s current software work in progress. One of the up¬ coming titles is WOLFPACK (MSR $49.95) for MS-DOS, a naval battle simulation in¬ cluding both submarines and surface ships which is due in December. Gary posed the question of why Broderbund would want to do another naval battle simulation when there are already several of them available— a question that often occurs to reviewers when “yet another” of any well-represented type of game is planned. He said that Brod¬ erbund decided to do WOLFPACK because it is especially easy to learn, something that is not true of other naval battle simulations currently available. Coach Your Own Football Team Broderbund is also close to releasing PL A YM A K ER FOOTB A LL for M acintosh, a simulation that can be played arcade-style as an action game with pre-set teams. However, what it’s designed to do is to allow the player to “coach” a team com¬ pletely for plays under a variety of condi¬ tions. According to Gary, the program’s high level of A1 (artificial intelligence) then allows it to auto-play a game between two pre-coached teams. It will even be possible to send a disk containing your pre-coached team to a friend. Your team can then play his, carrying out the plays you have deter¬ mined in reaction to any conceivable game events. Action and Strategy in the Middle Ages Next month you can expect to see JOAN OF ARC: SIEGE & THE SWORD ($44.95 for MS-DOS, Amiga and Atari ST), an ac¬ tion and strategy game developed in Europe. The game will bring the Middle Ages to life, letting the player become Charles VII of France during the period when he was fight¬ ing to drive the British out of his country. The game includes Joan of Arc’s battles against the British and the Burgundians and continues past the point when she was cap¬ tured by the British and burned at the stake in 1432. The program includes five action sequences, including large-scale battles in open countryside, hand-to-hand struggles with individual British soldiers, and peril¬ ous assaults on fortress walls. New Gomes from Electronic Arts Electronic Arts has just announced the release of several new games for a variety of systems. New for Atari ST are F-16 COM¬ BAT PILOT (MSR $49.95) by Digital Inte¬ gration and POWERDROME ($39.95) by Michael Powell. F-16 COMBAT PILOT, which is also available for MS-DOS sys¬ tems, is a fighter simulation which includes squadron strategy by allowing the player to fly combat missions against MiG fighters and ground targets, all while ordering a squadron of F-16s to destroy key targets. POWERDROME is a futuristic airborne racing simulation in Typhoon-class jet hovercraft. Both F-16 COMBAT PILOT and POWERDROME can be played head- to-head by two gamers on separate comput¬ ers joined by direct datalink. KEEF THE THIEF ($49.95) for the Apple I1GS by Naughty Dog Inc. is a humorous role-play¬ ing game that includes the action of comb at, multi-level spells and puzzles to solve. Young Keef is a juvenile delinquent intent on beating an evil magician to creating the magic necessary to rule the world. Multiple- player fantasy role-playing offers the gamer something new in SWORDS OF TWI¬ LIGHT ($49.95) for Amiga. Up to three players can travel the road to adventure, acting and conversing simultaneously as they explore ruins, temples, castles and keeps. And just released from Electronic Arts affiliate Strategic Studies group of Australia is an MS-DOS version of the award-winning wargame, ROMMEL BATTLES FOR NORTH AFRICA ($39.95). Previously released versions of this World War II game set in the deserts of North Africa are available for Apple II and Commodore 64/128. Computer Gome Pioneer Epyx Closes Its Doors Epyx Software, originally known as Auto¬ mated Simulations in the very early days of computergames, no longerexists as adevel- oper and publisher of computer games. The company, well known to gamers for such hits asTEMPLE OF APSHA1, the “Games” series (SUMMER GAMES, WINTER GAMES, CALIFORNIA GAMES and oth¬ ers), IMPOSSIBLE MISSION and many more, drastically cut its staff by 90% last month. As a result of longstanding financial stresses on the company, Epyx will no longer develop and publish computer games. The remaining ten staff members are all involved with the development of the hand-held color video game system which is now known as Atari Lynx, and these ten will continue to work with Atari on development of games for Atari Lynx. At this pointwedonotknow what will happen to Epyx’s current line and the computergames which were in develop¬ ment, but we will keep you informed as we learn the disposition of these games. Computer Entertainer - October, 1989 MS-DOS j THE CYCLES: INTERNATIONAL GRAND PRIX RACING (★★★1/2/ ★ ★★★) by Distinctive Software for Acco¬ lade is a motorcycle racing game that offers variety, challenge, and great playability. (This is no surprise, considering that the design team is the same one responsible for intrigue and espionage. Designed by Mnnlev A sso dates for A ccolade . the program has a contemporary theme and a story that pro- Accolade’s “Grand Prix Circuit” and “The Duel: Test Drive 11.”) The program includes 15 real tracks, such as Circuit Bugatti and Laguna Seca, three classes of cycles (125cc, 250cc, 500cc), and a first-person perspec¬ tive from behind the windscreen that makes the experience as real as possible without getting onto a cycle and racing on a real track. You can choose a practice run, a single race, or you can race the entire cham¬ pionship circuit for the full challenge. There are five skill levels from Beginner (no shift¬ ing and you can’t blow your engine) all the way to Pro (you shift, engines can blow, and your competition shows you no mercy). In the races, you compete against nine other riders, each with his own style, and their skill levels range from novice to seasoned pro. We had a wonderful time with THE CYCLES, enjoying the exhilaration of sheer speed and the wonderful variety of cycles, courses and scenery. Accolade has another winner. (Solo play; Joystick or keyboard; Pause; Supports Ad Lib sound & EGA/ CG A/Hercules/MG A/Tandy ; Off-disk copy protection.) MS-DOS version reviewed. Coming soon for C64/128 at $29.95. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) gresses in real time. You are agent Moon- dancer—best in the free world. The game actually lets you create your character, an¬ swering questions about his or her lifestyle and background to make a character that is uniquely yours. (This also means that the game can be re-played with different nu¬ ances if you play as a different character.) As Moondancer, your assignment is to re¬ cover stolen NATO non-nuclear defense plans. Three parts of the plans were being carried by three couriers. Two of them are dead, and the third has vanished. Is he alive? Has he made a deal with the Russians? Or is he dead, victim of the same assassin/thief who killed the others? Time is not on your side, as you have just seven days to search East and West Berlin for the Third Courier, unravel the mystery, and locate the three parts of the NATO defense plans before they fall into the wrong hands. The game layout is a re-creation of the real two-sided city of Berlin, complete with many locations that will be crucial to your task. The game is icon and menu-driven, eliminating the necessity for typing, and it includes some features that are especially welcome in a role-playing game. One we liked especially is the ability to go to a specific location that you’ve al¬ ready visited once with the use of a single command. No more laborious re-trac ing your steps with a series of compass-direction commands—and you can even hail a cab to take you there. We like the feel of THE THIRD COURIER—its intrigue and very true-to-life type of story. And we especially like the replayability with different agent characters. We hope that Accolade’s first role-playing game is a portent of more good games to come in this genre. (Solo play; Keyboard, mouse or joystick; EGA/CGA/ MCGA/VG A/Tandy; Off-disk copy protec¬ tion.) MS-DOS version reviewed. Coming soon for Apple 1IGS. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) THE THIRD COURIER (★★★!/!/ ★ ★★★) is a role playing adventure that takes you into the world of international WELLTRIS (★★★★/★★★★) arrived quite unexpectedly, because we were not expect¬ ing another Spectrum Holoftvte game by Soviet mathematician and programmer, Alexey Pajitnov, designer of “Tetris.” We couldn’t wait to get a look at this one, knowing how universally popular “Tetris” has been with game players. All we can say is that Pajitnov has done it again with a game of utter simplicity that soon leads to com¬ plete fascination. Once again, the designer worked with basic geometric shapes. But in WELLTRIS the shapes composed of squares do not fall straight down the screen from top to bottom as in “Tetris.” This time the pieces fall away from you, appearing to drop deeply into the screen as they slide down the walls of a four-sided well. Pieces can be rotated as they slide down, and they can also move from wall to wall as you direct them hori¬ zontally during their vertical drop. When lines of squares fill in across the bottom of the well, either horizontally or vertically, those lines disappear. What becomes inter¬ esting is that as these lines disappear, the remaining pieces slide in ways that are at first unpredictable. However, as you play more, the patterns and characteristics of the squares as they move become more appar¬ ent. As you become even more proficient at the game, you learn to use the comers, which can cause pieces to behave in strange ways. WELLTRIS offers multiple levels of diffi¬ culty, mind-engaging puzzles, and truly elegant simplicity. WELLTRIS is both more interesting and more challenging than “Tetris”—definitely a worthy successor to the hit puzzle game. (Solo play; Keyboard; Pause; CG A/EGA/Tandy/Hercules; 3.5” & 5.25" disks included; Off-disk copy protec¬ tion.) MS-DOS version reviewed. Coming soon for Macintosh and Amiga. Recommended. (MSR $34.95) OPERATION WOLF (★★★★'★★★★) from Taito is now available for MS-DOS systems. Based on Taito’s own coin-op hit, OPERATION WOLF is one of the very best of the popular military action games. The game is full of non-stop action in a commando-style rescue effort to ex¬ tract American Embassy officials from a terrorist encampment. The shooting ac¬ tion takes place in a series of scenes full of stark realism. The first-person perspective puts you in the middle of heart-stopping action as very large terrorist figures jump in front of you and start shooting away. The graphics are superbly animated, and Adlib sound also increases the feeling of realism in the game. If you love action gaming, don’t miss this one. (Solo play; Joystick, mouse or keyboard; CGA/EGA/ VGA/Tandy/Hercules graphics and Adlib sound; Pause; Continuefeature.) MS-DOS version reviewed. Also available for C64/ 128 ($29.95), Amiga ($34.95), Nintendo ($44.95); coming soon for Atari ST ($29.95). Recommended. (MSR $34.95 for 5.25", $37.95 for dual 5.25"/3.5") 8 Computer Entertainer - October, 1989 APPLE II Software PRINCE OF PERSIA (A***/****) is an action-adventure from BroderbundSoft¬ ware by Jordan Mechner, the creator of “Karateka.” Just as Mechner broke new graphic ground on the Apple 11 nearly five years ago with “Karateka,” he has done so again with PRINCE OF PERSIA, another action game with a movie-like storyline. The story of a young adventurer from a foreign land who has fallen in love with a princess takes place in an Arabian Nights setting. The adventurer knows nothing of palace politics. He is perceived as an enemy by the Grand Vizier Jaffar who has usurped the throne in the absence of his master, the Sultan, father of the princess. Jaffar throws the adventurer into the Sultan’s dungeons and gives the Princess an ultimatum. When the sands of the hourglass stop flowing, she must choose to marry Jaffar or die. All her hopes lie in the adventurer’s ability to es¬ cape the dungeons and rescue her. Incredibly Realistic Graphics The adventure takes place in the palace dungeons: 12 levels and over 250 rooms to explore. In the early rooms, the young ad¬ venturer encounters strictly physical chal¬ lenges—chasms to be crossed, spiked floors to avoid, and the like. Once he becomes armed with a sword, he has to fight his way through successively more aggressive and skilled dungeon and palace guards before he can reach the princess. There are shortcuts and secret passages, potions and other items to be found, and puzzles to be solved. And throughout the game, there are periodic non¬ playing interludes that advance the storyline. Even with ordinary graphics, this would be a very good game. However, the graphics in PRINCE OF PERSIA go far beyond ordi¬ nary to incredibly realistic. We were amazed by the quality of the animation in this game, to the point that we can confidently state that we have never seen better graphics in any Apple II game. The adventurer character actually looks human as he runs, jumps, climbs and hangs from ledges. He even has a way of taking “careful steps” that let him move right up to the very edge of dangerous spots in the dungeons. We understand that this high degree of realism came from pains¬ taking work with live models, movie foot¬ age and digitization of images in doing the graphics for the game. You really have to see it to believe it. (Solo play; Joystick or keyboard; Pause.) Apple 11 version reviewed. Also planned for MS-DOS. Recommended. (MSR $34.95) THE DARK HEART OF UUKRUL (**rtl/2/***l/2) is a fantasy role-playing adventure by Ian Boswell and Martin Buis of Di gital Studios. Ltd, for Broderbund Software . An inexperienced party of four adventurers (fighter, paladin, priest and magician) explore the passages and cata¬ combs of the mountain city of Eriosthe, seeking to vanquish the tyrant, Uukrul. The tyrant has detached his soul and hidden his heartof black obsidian deep in the maze-like passages of Eriosthe. The task of the adven¬ turers is to free the city from Uukrul*s tyr¬ anny by finding his dark heart and smashing it. Departs form Traditional Treatments THE DARK HEART OF UUKRUL de¬ parts from traditional treatments of fantasy role-playing games in a number of ways. You can choose a preset party or generate characters of your own, which is not un¬ usual. However, character generation is accomplished by giving the character a name and designating sex, then answering a series of questions about how your character would react in certain situations. Because you’ve done more than simply assign quantities of points to attributes such as strength and intelligence, this method of character gen¬ eration gives you a character that has more meaning to you, the player. The game also includes animated combat scenes, auto¬ mapping, and a large number of spells and prayers to be used by your magician and priest characters. You don’t spend a lot of time referring to the manual while playing, because most of what you need is on the screen at all times or easily accessible in a sub-screen. There is no typing involved due to menu choices and movement keys. THE DARK H EART OF UUKRUL is easy to get into and not at all intimidating, despite its large manual. It turns out to be a very interesting role-playing game that doesn’t throw a lot of barriers in the way of your enjoyment of the story and the game. (Solo play; Keyboard; Off-disk copy protection.) Apple 11 version reviewed. Coming soon for MS-DOS. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) APPLE IIGS Software | THE THREE STOOGES (****^***1/ 2) is the latest version of the slapstick com¬ edy, boardgame-style program from Cine- maware, and the programmers have done a great job of bringing this game to the Apple IIGS. The newest version is nearly identical to the earlier ones, with its arcade sequences tied together by a storyline that has Larry, Moe and Curly hustling for money to save an orphanage from foreclosure by its mean landlord. The arcade sequences (slapping game, pie-throwing, fiddle chase, fighting oysters for crackers in the stew, and hospital chase) come off very well in this version. The slowness of the GS system shows up in disk access time, but it’s nothing that GS owners aren’t already accustomed to. And the GS version has something new that we liked, a map of the town of Stoogeville that lets you know where you are in the game and also gives you more of the sense of the boardgame-like setup of the program. Beau¬ tiful, digitized graphics and plenty of au¬ thentic sounds from the Stooges’ movies add to the fun. (Solo play; Joystick.) Apple IIGS version reviewed. Also available for Amiga; for Commodore 64/128 at $34.95. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) ARKANOID H, THE REVENGE OF DOH (**rtl/2/***l/2) on the Apple IIGS is an outstandingly colorful and musical version of Taito’s sequel to their own arcade hit. It’s the most sophisticated version yet of the classic theme of breaking through barri¬ ers of blocks by deflecting a ball off a moving paddle at the bottom of the screen. And ARKANOID II has 67 new levels and more Power Capsules (items which can have a variety of positive effects on your game and score) than the original “Arkanoid.” In the GS version, the paddle (or “Vaus”) is controlled by the mouse, which we think is much easier to use than a joystick or the keyboard for this type of game. And both the GS and MS-DOS versions also include an easy-to-use construction set which lets you edit existing screens or build new ones to play. (One or two players; Mouse; Pause.) Apple IIGS version reviewed; also avail¬ able for MS-DOS. Available for Commo¬ dore 64/128, Atari ST at $29.95. Recommended. (MSR #34.95) About the Availability Update We occasionally hear from readers who say, “that program shipped ages ago. Why do you still show it as not having shipped?” Obviously, keeping track of the programs is a monumental job and one that cannot be accurate without the help of the manufacturers. Unfortunately, some manufacturers send us original press releases annoucing plans for a particular title and then never follow it up with notice that the game has released. If the game comes in for review, of course we know it’s shipped. We attempt to follow-up with phone calls to manufacturers at least four times a year. However, due to the vast amount of material coming from the various companies, as well as the number of companies, we are not always successful in getting updated information. 'omputer Entertainer - October, 1989 j^^VVgaming's HEARTBEA T-M 1 "* Tlnli VIDEO CiAMI PlPP/^fi Atari Lynx Causes Excitement at Computer Entertainer Not long ago we received a phone call from Atari’s public relations agency asking if we’d like a chance to meet with Ron Stringari, president of Atari’s Entertainment Division, to see and ask questions about Atari Lynx, the company’s handheld color programmable video game system. We answered with an enthusiastic “yes,” both because we’ve had many reader inquiries about Lynx and because we were eager to get another look at the system ourselves. We welcomed Mr. Stringari into our offices and soon learned that he has a keen understand¬ ing of the game market. (He was at Sears during the “Pong” era of gaming, and he was Vice President of Marketing at the “old” Atari.) And he is understandably proud of Atari Lynx, a machine he refers to as “a 90s product that brings something new to the game player.” As he demonstrated a prototype unit and gave us the chance to try a few games (of eourse we had to play), we readily agreed with his assertions that Atari Lynx offers many unique and exciting features to game fans of all ages. Atari Lynx Features Atari Lynx, which will debut at the end of this month in New York and Los Angeles, features a 3.5” color LCD screen, four-channel sound (capable of reproducing realistic digitized speech), comfortable control pad, and a unique, flippable screen image that makes the unitequally comfortable forright-or left-handed players. The unitcan run several hours on six “A A” batteries. The Atari Lynx package (MSR $150) will include the unit itself plus the CALIFORNIA GAMES cartridge (surfing, skateboarding, foot bagging and BMX racing), an AC adaptor and the ComLynx cable which allows up to eight Lynx systems to be linked for multi-player gaming. (Multi-player possibilities are especially intriguing because each Lynx screen will have its own individual point of view and perspective on the game action.) The technical specs are impressive, including screen resolution of 160x102 pixels, internal system RAM of 64K, the ability to display 16 colors from a palette of 4,096, a system clock that operates at 4 MHz, the ability to accept ROM cartridges of up to 8 Megabytes, and no limit to the number of sprites (hardware-generated images) that can be put on the screen. In addition, the hardware has the capability to “zoom” the sprites, making them larger or smaller to create smooth scaling and add to the sense of graphic depth on the screen. The Atari Lynx Games In addition to the CALIFORNIA GAMES cartridge supplied with the unit, there will be four games available initially. BLUE LIGHTNING is a fast-action, fighter jet game that we had a chance to try and liked very much. ELECTROCOP is an action-adventure that sends your character into the Criminal Brain to rescue the kidnapped President’s daughter. GATES OF ZENDOCON is a scrolling game with 50 hostile aliens to challenge your dodging and shooting skills. And RAMPAGE is the arcade favorite that lets you become a rampaging monster and trash cities. Among many games currently in development is the arcade favorite, XENOPHOBE. Lynx games will retail for $34.99 to $39.99 each. We have been promised a Lynx unit for review, so watch for a hands-on evaluation of Lynx and its games in an upcoming issue. The Inevitable Comparison Because both are handheld game systems that accept cartridges, Atari Lynx and Nintendo Game Boy will inevitably be compared to one another. With its much slower screen and monochrome images, Nintendo’s Game Boy definitely suffers in comparison to the flashier Atari Lynx. We liked Ron Stringari’s comment that marketing the Game Boy with its monochrome screen as new technology is “like selling consumers AM radio as the thing to have.” And while we were on the topic of new technology, we asked Mr. Stringari about Atari’s rumored 16-bit game machine, which many have said would be based on Atari ST computer technology. He admitted that a 16-bit machine has been in development at Atari, but he said that it is not based on the ST. He also said that the machine is about a year and a half away. Acclaim & Carolco Pictures Announce TOTAL RECALL The ink is already dry on a licensing agreement covering game software rights for TOTAL RECALL, a futuristic film due to open in J une of next year. The agreement between Acclaim Entertainment and Carolco Pictures gives Acclaim exclusive worldwide rights to create software based on TOTAL RECALL for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, computer floppy disks and hand-held electronic games. The film is an epic adventure thriller set in 2075 A.D., a time which has survived yet another world war. Two opposing government blocs rule the planet, and Earth has finally accomplished its goal of colonizing Mars. The film will star Arnold Schwarzenegger. The script is by Ron Shusset (“Alien”), and the film is directed by Paul Verhoeven (“Robocop”). Acclaim’s software versions of TOTAL RECALL are expected to be released in conjunction with the opening of the film next summer. Sega Announces More Titles for Genesis System The Genesis lineup of game titles has been increased from the initial 13 announced with the system in June of this year. New addi¬ tions to the Genesis library include RE¬ VENGE OF SH1NOBI (slated for Decem¬ ber), which will feature the familiar martial arts character from the Sega Master System game in a new series of fighting situations, plus several new games planned for release early next year. Players yearning for adven¬ ture can look forward to MYSTIC DE¬ FENDER (working title was “Spellcaster 11”) and SUPER HYDL1DE (not the same game as FCI’s “Hydlide” for the Nintendo System). Both of these feature plenty of action along with role-playing adventure elements. And probably the most wanted title on any Sega adventurer’s list will be PHANTASY STAR 11, promised to be big¬ ger and better than the original “Phantasy Star” which is a favorite of many Sega Master System players. Sega is also work¬ ing on a Genesis version of their very popu¬ lar arcade game, GOLDEN AXE. And there’s good news for Genesis owners who yearn for a joystick. Sega plans an Arcade Command Stick for release early next year which will work with both the Genesis and Master Systems. Third Party Developers Announced We recently learned about two software devel¬ opment companies which will be designing games for the Sega Genesis system. Tengen/Atari Games has four to Five games for Genesis in the planning stage at this time for 1990 release. The first will be a conversion of the Tengen/Atari Games ar¬ cade hit, CYBERBALL, a futuristic footbal 1 game that features robot players. Other Tengen titles for Genesis will be announced later. Activision has joined the Genesis parly, too. Their first two titles for Genesis will be TONGUE OF THE FATMAN, a conversion of the company’s slightly bizarre and very entertaining fighting game which was just released forMS-DOSsystemsthis month, and HARD YARDAGE, a football simulation. Both Activision games are expected to be avail¬ able in the early spring of next year. Tengen Announces New Games for NES A promising group of new games for the Nin¬ tendo System was recently announced by Tengen. Four of the games will be very familiar to owners of the Sega Master System, because they have been licensed to Tengen by Sega. The four Sega hits due this year in new versions for the NES are AFTERBURNER, ALIEN SYNDROME, SH1- NOBI and FANTASY ZONE. Rounding out the Tengen schedule of games for the NES this year i are INDIANA JONES & THE TEMPLE OF DOOM, ROADRUNNER (both originally li¬ censed to Mi ndscape but now returned to Tengen/ Atari),ROLLING THUNDER, VINDICATORS and the just-announced TOOB1N’. This last title is based on a Tengen/Atari Games coin-op hit which lets two players take a whimsical float down a river on an inner tube, dodging obstacles and capturing items. The river wanders through different areas such as a jungle and a region of toxic waste (yuk!). TOOB1N’ is said to look simple but offer deep strategic play possibilities. Tengen’s first titles for 1990 will be XYBOTS and POLICE ACADEMY. V 10 _ y Computer Entertainer - October, 1989 Cinemaware to Develop Games for NEC TurboGrafx-16 Design work is already underway at Cine¬ maware on a new version of the company’s computer-game hit, TV SPORTS FOOT¬ BALL, for the NEC TurboGrafx-16. On the NEC system, TV SPORTS FOOTBALL will take advantage of theTurboTap acces¬ sory, allowing up to five players at a time (up to four people on one team). Each gamer will control a single player character on the screen. We saw just a little of the work in progress on this game during a recent visit to Cinemaware, and what we saw looked out¬ standing. Cinemaware will also do a Tur¬ boGrafx-16 version of their upcoming sci-fi computer epic, IT CAME FROM THE DESERT. This tale of giant ants and general ! pandemonium in the town of Lizard’s Breath, California is told in the style of the “big bug” movies of the 1950s. We’ve seen several sequences from the initial Amiga version of this game (soon to be released), and it has some wonderfully scary scenes. The Tur- boGrafx-16 version should be quite a treat, since it will be done on CD-ROM rather than TurboChip Card. Coming Soon from Vic Tokai Vic Tokai plans two new games for the NES which are scheduled to be released before Christmas. CLASH AT DEMON¬ HEAD is promised to be a “unique and well- designed action game,” according to a company spokesman. The game puts Ser¬ geant Billy “Big Bang” Blitz, a fearless commando of the Special Assault Brigade for Real Emergencies (S. A .B .R.E.), in charge of a rescue mission. The brilliant scientist. Professor Plummer, has been captured by an evil gang and taken to the summit of De¬ monhead Mountain. The evildoers plan to force the professor to reconstruct his lethal “Dead End” device, which is capable of annihilating the world. The game has nei¬ ther levels nor stages, but rather a maze of highway and subterranean routes with ob¬ stacles, rewards and dead ends. Vic Tokai’s second pre-Christmas release will be ALL- PRO BASKETBALL, a simulation which will feature five-on-five action and eight teams with twelve players. Each team has distinct characteristics and player personali¬ ties. Play is toumament-style with the abil¬ ity to change players during a game. ALL- PRO BASKETBALL will allow one or two players against the computer, two players against each other, and a demonstration mode. Back Issues Available Don’t miss out on all the great back issues! We’ve been covering entertainment soft¬ ware for over five years and we ’ ve reviewed hundreds and hundreds of titles. Most issues are still available. Send $2.50 for each back issue you want. (Some rare issues are avail¬ able only in photocopy form.) Buy six or more, and they’re just $1.75 cart Vakc Corrections: Video Game System Comparison Chart In last month’s issue, we ran a chart com¬ paring features of four current game sys¬ tems (Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Master System, NEC TurboGrafx-16 and Sega Genesis). A few errors found their way into print, and we would like to correct those for you. (With the tremendous amount of new product to review in this issue, we do not have space to re-print the entire, cor¬ rected chart. However, you may obtain a copy of the corrected chart by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Com¬ puter Entertainer, 5916 Lemona Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91411.) Nintendo and Sega Master System Corrections Graphic resolution of the NES is 256 x 240 pixels (not 256 x 192). Also for the NES, the number of sprites possible per screen is 64 (not32), and the maximum number of sprites per scan line is 8 (not 4). For the Sega Master System, the correct clock speed of the Z80 central processor is 3.6 MHz (not 1.8 MHz), although Sega of ten uses a rounded figure of 4 MHz when referring to the speed of this processor. (The same clock speed applies to the Z80 co-processor used for sound in the Sega Genesis system and for the Power Base Converter which will allow playing Master System games on the Genesis.) We double- checked our figures with the respective manufacturers, and, to thebestof ourknowl- edge, the remaining entries in the chart are correct as printed last month. Financial Services Link: The future is about to arrive, courtesy of Nintendo and Fidelity Investments. On October 2, 1989, the two companies an¬ nounced a joint venture which will bring the potential of home trading of financial serv¬ ices into more than 20 million American homes in 1990. (Nintendo estimates that the NES will be a part of 20 million U.S. house¬ holds by the end of this year.) With a Nin¬ tendo modem and controller, and NES owner can access the “NES Network,” expanding the use of the NES to interactive entertain¬ ment and informational services via tele¬ phone lines. The joint venture between Nintendo and Fidelity Investments, the larg¬ est privately held investment manager in the U.S., is the first substantive use of the new NES Network, which was first announced in August. Fidelity, which won a Computer- world Smithsonian award for outstanding use of technology (for Investors EXPRESS and FAST, Fidelity Automated Telephone Service), will develop software cartridges for home securities trading. With the car¬ tridges, NES owners will have access to Fidelity’s on-line financial services, includ¬ ing personal portfolio management, real¬ time trading of securities and mutual funds, and access to financial market information through Fidelity’s home trading system. Until now, this kind of access has only been available to personal computer owners in the United States. However, Nintendo has considerable experience with on-line serv- icesoftLisiypc mJapsm, where many fami¬ lies and businesses use their Famicoms for similar purposes. certain you have a complete set! Computer Entertainer - October, 1989 NEC Enters Coin-Op Market Late last month NEC announced its entry into the video arcade market with the unveil¬ ing of a coin-op version of the company’s TurboGrafx-16 home system at the Amuse¬ ment Manufacturers of America (AMOA) Show in Las Vegas. The arcade version of the TurboGrafx-16, like the home version, features game software on small TurboChip game cards, allowing arcade operators to change games quickly and easily in their conventional arcade cabinets. Nine arcade software titles were introduced with the system, with six to ten more promised by the end of the year. The arcade introduction of the NEC games is expected to precede their availability in the home market by four to twelve months. SEGA GENESIS | GHOULS’N GHOSTS (****/****) is the latest for Seea’s new Genesis system, and it’s a superb game in every aspect. Licensed from Capcom and based on the coin-op of the same name, GHOULS’N GHOSTS has everything from dazzling graphics and wonderfully appropriate ste¬ reo music to absolutely addictive game play. Your character is the dashing, armor-clad knight, Sir Arthur, and he has a very big task. The Prince of Darkness has set his evil minions loose in the land, pillaging the towns and plaguing the people with paralyzing fear. Worse yet, the Prince of Darkness has kidnapped the princess, who also happens to be Sir Arthur’s girlfriend. And so Sir Arthur sets off on his quest to rescue the princess from her prison in the Demon’s Castle. He enters the Demon ’ s World through the grave¬ yard, which is the Execution Place full of scythe-wielding Spirits of Death and dan¬ gerous vultures. (This section of the game is reminiscent of Capcom’s “Ghosts’N Gob¬ lins” game on the Nintendo system, but later sequences are all different.) As he moves on through a floating island plagued by demon winds, an earthquake-ridden village, a town of fire, and other challenging stages, he encounters every gruesome creature you can imagine, and then some. Sir Arthur has a sword at the beginning of his quest, but he can find other weapons and even learn to use magic against the Demon’s folio wers. There is even a special suit of gold armor with a dashing red cape to be found (and all too easily lost, unfortunately). We had a very difficult time putting this game away and spent considerably more time playing it than was absolutely necessary to write this re¬ view. The graphics are outstanding, and the music is perfect for the game’s theme. There is so much variety and challenge in the settings, monsters and weapons of different types that it would be very difficult to be¬ come tired of playing this game. GHOULS ’N GHOSTS is our new favorite on the Genesis system—an absolute must-have for your new Genesis library. (Solo or 2-players al¬ ternating; Pause; Continue feature.) Recommended. NINTENDO Software f SKY SHARK(**fc^***)isa fast-paced World War II aerial action game from Taito which allows you to pilot your P-40 fighter behind enemy lines using wing-mounted machine guns as you dogfight with enemy aircraft, as well as bombs to fight waves of tanks and fortified artil¬ lery bunkers. You’ll travel over vertically scroll¬ ing landscapes as more and more enemy fire comes at you. You can capture bonus items to increase your fire power and bombing capabili¬ ties. Fast-Paced Shoot- y Em-Up This game has been very popular in the arcades and is translated nicely for those who enjoy shoot-’em-ups. While similar to other games such as 1943 , etc., it does pack lots of action and the graphics are bright and crisp. If you enjoy the genre, you will want to check it out. (one player; two-playcr) (MSR $42.99) WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT (**/** I 1/2) from UN Tovs is based on the popular movie released last year which is available this fall on home video. The premise follows that of the mo vie...a Hollywood “toon” star (Roger Rabbit) is accused of murdering one of the most popular men in town. As Eddie you must help Roger solve the mystery by finding the four , sections of the will as well as weapons needed to beat Judge Doom’s evil plan to “dip” Roger and Jessica and “erase” them. There’s two point-of- views as you move through four sections of 1940’s Los Angeles. A side view close-up allows you to go into buildings and search rooms, asking for help. The overhead map allows you to move through the city, with Roger running along with you. The four areas of town are the city, the park, ToonTown, and the warehouse district. There are clues everywhere which you must watch for. Watch out for the weasels if they catch Roger. If you can come up with the correct punchline to the joke Roger starts, the weasel will laugh hard enough to drop Roger. Major “Blinking ” Problem While the backgrounds were nicely defined, we discovered a very troublesome problem (one which we rarely run into on the Nintendo system) in which parts of Eddie’s body kept “disappear¬ ing” and moving objects did the same! It seemed as though the graphic programming was never finished as these graphic problems are ones we are used to seeing in unfinished versions, not the finished product! We found the problem very disconcerting. The game was fun; with more enjoyment for someone who’s seen the movie. There are several twists to the game which will be hard to follow if you don’t know the movie. This is one of those games which you might want to try and look at before purchase, not only to see if the graphics problems bother you (they bothered us alot), but to see if the “adventure” will keep your attention long enough to justify the cost, (one player; password) NFL FOOTBALL (***/***) is the latest gridiron test for Nintendo, this from UN Tovs. Ibis game allows you to choose among any of the NFL or AFL teams and team rosters are broken down into positions and individually rated on various skills. The game allows you to “upgrade” weak areas (two upgrades are the maximum), but those upgrades bring greater penalty risks. It should be noted that, while you choose from the various “real” teams, you do not get the charac¬ teristics of the team you choose. Rather, you choose among various team packages with vari¬ ous ratings given to the different positions (“A”, “B”, “C”). There are three screens used: the scoreboard screen with all the appropriate data (this screen also features the stadium TV screen where instant replays of key plays are shown), . the 40 yard screen which is the main playing field 12 (a high overhead view), and the 15 yard close-up screen which is similar to the isolation camera on Sunday afternoon. This close-up screen is used on a passing play with the intended receiver and two defensive players. The Kick-Off If you’re receiving on the kick-off, you’ll see four of your receivers as potential ball handlers. Use your crosskey to choose the receiver you wish to control and catch the ball. As you begin your march downfield, you’ll have your choice of twenty offensive plays (including punts, field goals, and fake field goals). You use a combina¬ tion of your “A” and “B” button with the crosskey to call your play. As your players take their posi¬ tions, you have a chance to call an audible at the line of scrimmage. (Those audibles are “preset” meaning that each original play called has a corresponding audible available - you cannot call any audible you wish.) On defense, you also have twenty plays available to you. Once the offense comes on the field, you have a chance to change your play in response to the offensive formation on the field. As the play begins, you have four defensive players to choose from to control. And, if the offense calls an audible, you’ll see the pointers reappear over the defen¬ sive backs, giving you the opportunity to choose a different player to control. When attempting to run down a ballcarrier, you can make a diving tackle. Pretty Good Game While the sound effects are nothing special, the graphics are pretty good with alot of movement on the field without flickering. We liked the fact that we could choose control of various players (more control than John Elway Quarterback , less control than TecmoBowl) y and the close-up screen of the pass receiver gives a nice point-of-view as well as allowing better opportunity to catch the ball. While we will still give the overall nod to Tecmo Bowl as the current “best” football game out there for Nintendo, NFL Football moves into second place over John Elway. (one player; two player simultaneous) ADVENTURES OF DINO RIKI (**tf**) takes us to prehistoric times when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Dino Riki, a courageous young man, must fight his way through deserts filled with quicksand, caverns, canyon, and sinking lotus swamps in this action game from Hudson Soft. Initially, he is armed with shooting weap¬ ons which change and progress from rocks to axes, boomerangs, and torches which are the most powerful weapon. Throughout the adven¬ ture, Dino can pick up bonus items which help in various ways such as allowing him to fly, speed up his mobility, give him more strength, etc. Pretty Typical This game’s theme is very typical of several others out there, with him fighting various ene¬ mies and picking up power-up items. The graph¬ ics are nice, with Dino Riki being a rather plump well-defined young fellow. Our feeling was this game is geared towards young boys only (under age 12). Frankly, we don’t feel there’s anything special or unusual here to make it stand out from many of the other games of the genre, (one player; continue feature) Not Recommended BACK TO THE FUTURE (**l/2/**l/2) is another movie-based game from UN Tovs. It’s a multi-stage game that puts the player in the role of Marty McFly as he attempts to undo the harm he did by taking a time machine into the past of 1955 where he unintentionally tampered with the past of his parents before they met and fell in love. In the game as in the movie, Marty’s time is limited, and he must restore the past as it was or he will delete his own future. In the first stage, Marty must make it through four blocks in the town of Hill Valley, avoiding bullies and racing to the cafe where George and Lorraine (his par¬ ents in the future) may be hanging out. This section is a basic obstacle course run, followed by the Cafe scene in which Marty protects George from the bullies by throwing milk shakes at them. In the School scene, Marty must avoid kisses thrown at him by Lorraine, who has decided that Marty is pretty cute. If he’s caught by even one kiss, Lorraine won’t consent to go to the school dance with George. His future hanging in the balance, Marty’s next task is to play guitar har¬ moniously with the band at the school dance. He tries to make the atmosphere more romantic, causing the Love Meter to go up so that Lorraine and George will share their first kiss. If Marty gets this far and helps his future parents to fall in love, his past is straightened out, but he still has to get himself “Back to the Future.” He can accomplish this final goal by driving the time machine car at exactly 88 mph, liming his arrival at the town’s clock tower to exactly the point when a giant lightning bolt hits and re-charges the time machine car. True to the Plot of the Movie The designers employed by LJN certainly de¬ serve credit for slaying true to the plot of the movie that has become the title of their game. 1 lowcver, we found most of the game sequences to be routine and rather boring on repeat plays. Overall graphics are about average for the NES, but the game has very little staying power. We believe that BACK TO THE FUTURE is a game that most players would prefer to rent once or possibly twice, rather than buying it and having it collect dust on a shelf. (Solo play; Pause.) Not recommended. THE GUARDIAN LEGEND (***!***1I2) by Irem for Broderbund Software combines extremely fast shooting action with an under¬ ground dungeon maze. The theme of the game is yet another save-the-Earth scenario of alien inva¬ sion. This lime the bad guys are the evil inhabi¬ tants of a planet-like structure known as Naju, which is hurtling toward the Earth. Of course, it’s up to you to destroy Naju before the otherwise inevitable collision. You begin the game by controlling a very fast little ship, blasting your way through the surface labyrinths of Naju as the aliens litter your path with obstacles and flying objects. You can pick up extra weapons and other important items in the labyrinths, but you must be constantly vigilant for the appearance of corn- j dors which are entrances to the Naju dungeons. Within the dungeons, you switch to human form for exploring. Here you may find keys or safety r devices. When you are able to activate the ten safety devices within the dungeons, you will destroy Naju. Challenging Game THE GUARDIAN LEGEND looks like a stan¬ dard, though extremely speedy, vertically scroll¬ ing shooting game when you first start playing. It’s not until you’ve read the instructions and played for awhile that you realize how much more there is to the game than simply flying and shooting. And this is where the gaming strength of THE GUARDIAN LEGEND lies, because you must use your mind as well as your shooting reflexes to find and activate all the security de¬ vices to destroy Naju. The game’s territory cov¬ ers a large area, and all of it must be explored before you can even think about winning. We found THE GUARDIAN LEGEND very chal¬ lenging, with good graphics and sound effects. (Solo play; Pause; Password feature.) Recommended. __ ; Computer Entertainer - October, 1989 SEGA Software r CASINO GAMES (***I/2/***) is a collection of Las Vegas-type games (except Pinball, an odd, but fun addition) from Sega which includes, in addition to Pinball, Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat, and Slot Machines. Initially, in order to open your account, you’ll enter your name to get your $500 stake (if you’ve done well you can return and reclaim what you ’ ve earned for a bigger bank). The card games are quite similar to the real thing as, in Poker, you bet, pass, fold, call, and raise; in Blackjack, you hit, stand, double-down, get insurance; and in Baccarat, you stand, draw, or come up with a “natural.” If you don’t know the rules of any of the games, you’ll find the informa¬ tion you need in the instruction booklet. In Slot Machines, you’ll choose how many coins to put in the machine and then spin the wheel to see if you have a winning combina¬ tion. If you do, the coins will spill out the bottom and be quickly scooped up to add to your account. The pinball game, an odd choice only because that is not a casino game, allows for three different “pitches.” In other words, you can play with a gentle, middle, or steep angle which can change the action of the ball quite a bit. Very Nice Graphics and Animation The graphics and animation are very eye¬ catching, especially in Slot Machine where the spin of the wheel is quite realistic. We did tire of the Slot Machines fairly quickly, however, as there’s no challenge - simply “pull” the lever and watch the wheel. The pinball game is played from an interesting angle which we haven’t seen before. We found the pinball game to have pretty good action. While there aren’t alot of bumpers and such on the playing field, you do get some good movement with the flippers and the bumpers which are on the field. You’ll note some very nice animation whenever you work the flippers as the hands at the bottom of the screen move the flipper but¬ tons on the sides of the pinball machine as you work the control buttons. A nice touch. The card games arc pretty straight ahead, with the cards being dealt quickly for your perusal and play. We’re especially partial to the game of Blackjack and really enjoyed being able to play without finding a human partner! (one player; password save) Recommended WALTER PAYTON FOOTBALL (***/ ***) takes you to Sega’s gridiron of action in either the “Road to the Super Bowl” where you compete in a series of games leading to the NFL Championship, or “Monday Night Game” in which you select your team among the 28 NFL teams. You can save your standings via a Password save. There are three levels of difficulty, and two methods of keeping time (running time or real time). Once you’ve chosen your team, it’s time for the kickoff. First, observe the screen for wind direction and strength, as well as distance to the goal (a feature used in punting and field goals). As you make the kick, you have control over the ball’s power and spin. Once it’s “1st and 10,” there’s the Tomputcr Entertainer - October, 1989 huddle screen which gives you all the plays available to you on both offense and defense (there are three basic formations with all plays variations on these. There’s three types of offensive plays: line, passing, and kick¬ ing with a total of 14 offensive plays.). You have 30 seconds to choose your play; other¬ wise, the play begins automatically. While your playing field is viewed from straight overhead, the screen will switch to a side close-up of the referee as he makes his calls. Some Flickering Problems Due to the number of moving players on the screen, there is a fair amount of Bicker¬ ing. While it didn’t bother us too much, we did find both teams breaking up into “blotches” on occasion. Otherwise, the graphics are quite good with good sized players below you. The side shots of the referee and the kicker as he punts are a nice touch. There’s some voice as the quarter¬ back gives an audible at the line of scrim¬ mage; however, you cannot change the play at the line. The gameplay is good, with enough offensive and defensive variables to be a good football game. By the way, you control one player at a time, with that player noted with a cursor around him. (one player ; two player simultaneous; password) CAPTAIN SILVER (***/* *1/2) from Sega is based on a Data East arcade game in which young Jack Avery attempts to track down the treasure of the legendary pirate, Captain Silver. Armed with his cutlass, Jack sets off on an action-adventure that takes him through the town of Barren, onto the deck of a pirate ship, across a dangerous island, into a cave, and on through a jungle filled with fierce natives and strange beasts until he finally reaches Captain Silver’s Treasure Island. Along the way, Jack earns gold coins which he can use to purchase special items that can help him in his quest for the treasure. Game play is fairly standard for this type of game, although the pirate theme is different and creates a little more interest in the game. The game has good character animation and overall graphics. CAPTAIN SILVER is fun to play for a while, but we didn’t find it sufficiently dif¬ ferent from others of the type to keep us interested for repeated playing sessions over a long period of time. (Solo play; Continue feature.) Not recommended. SPELLCASTER (****/****) from Seea has an innovative combination of ac¬ tion and role-playing features that will keep players coming back for playing session after playing session. You take the role of Kane, the SpcllCaster warrior of Summit Temple, whose quest takes him on a journey to discover what forces are destroying the temples in his land. As a well-trained Spell- Caster warrior, Kane has the ability to shoot Ki force from his fingertips and cast magical spells. As he searches for the source of destruction in the land, visiting towns and temples, he encounters many strange and dangerous beings which mustbe defeated in the action sequences. (These sequences are notable for their excellent character anima¬ tion.) Between action sequences, there are adventure scenes where Kane gathers clues, converses with other characters in the game, and often has to use his intellect to solve a problem or puzzle. For the player, the ad¬ venture scenes also perform the function of fleshing out the emerging story of the game as it progresses. Because of this technique, SPELLCASTER has a much stronger sto¬ ryline than is typical of most role-playing adventures made for videogame systems. The strong storyline, combined with varied action and strategy challenges, create a game that is especially satisfying to play. Sega has another winner on its hands with SPELL¬ CASTER. (Solo play; Continue feature; Password feature.) Recommended. WONDER BOY III: THE DRAGON’S TRAP (***l/2/***l/2) brings back one of Sega *s most popular characters for yet another adventure. This time Wonder Boy runs afoul of the evil Meka Dragon in the first stage of the game. The defeated dragon casts a spell on Wonder Boy in his dying moments. Starting with the second stage of the game, Wonder Boy is transformed into a series of non-human characters, beginning with the fire-spitting Lizard-Man. With the defeat of successive boss creatures at the end of each level, Wonder Boy becomes one animal after another, from Mouse-Man to Hawk-Man. Each character has certain spe¬ cial abilities that can be used to Wonder Boy’s advantage as he seeks a return to his human form. To become human again, he must find the Salamander Cross, a magical object that has been hidden by the Vampire Dragon deep within Monster Land. Through¬ out Wonder Boy’s search for a return to his human form, he travels through Monster Land and an imaginative succession of set¬ tings and creatures. There are hidden doors and locked doors, along with gold to be grabbed and special weapons to be bought in the shops. The character of Wonder Boy is as lovable as ever in his third adventure, and the variety of challenges in the game keep the adventure constantly interesting. (Solo play; Password feature.) Recommended. ATARI ST SEPTEMBER Alta li end 11 (TAJ) Bad Dudes (DE) x-Blood Money (PS Y) Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top (MIN) x Hillsfxr(SSl) x Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Adv (LF) x Manhunter San Francisco (S1E) Never Mind (PS Y) x Omega (OR!) Operation Wolf (TAl) Pipe Dream (LF) Qlx (TAl) Shinobi (SEG) Shoot’Em Up Construe Krt (ACO) x ShuffleputkCafe (BRO) Stryx (PS Y) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) OCTOBER After Burner (SEG) Infesuuon (PSY) Licence to Kill (BRO) Malax Marauders (PSY) x Paperboy (MIN) x Populous (EA) x Powerdrome (EA) Their Finest H our (LF) Xvbots (TEN) NOVEMBER BarbarianII (PSY) Carthage (PSY) Flash Dragon (PSY) Joan of Arc (BRO) Killing Game Show (PS Y) DECEMBER Aquaventura (PSY) Dragons of Flame (SSI) Gore (PSY) Pool of Radiance (SSI) Shadow of the Beast (PSY) POURT1I QUARTER APB (TEN) Bionic Commando (CAP) Colony. The (MIN) Double Dragon II (MH) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Dragon Force (INS) FederaUon (SPO) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Galactic Conqueror (Tl) Ghouls &. Ghosts (CAP) Guardians of Infinity (PAR) Guerrilla War (DE) Harpoon (TS) Kristal, The (CIN) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) 1943 (CAP) Piraies (MIC) Platoon (DE) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack G Norman UU Golf (MH) Side Arms (CAP) x-Star Command (SSI) Street Fighter (CAP) Sunder (CAP) Total Eclipse (SPO) Wend Dreamt (MED) Wizard Wars (PAR) FIRST QUARTER 1990 Fire atone (PSY) Loom (LF) Space Rogue (OR!) COMMODORE 641128 SEPTEMBER Ballmix (PSY) Battle Chess (IP) Black Tiger (CAP) Cabal (CAP) Deathbnnger (SPO) x Might and Magic II (NWC) 1918 (CAP) Orel Herthiser's Strike Zone (MH) Pipe Dream (LF) Space Rogue (ORJ) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) x-Windwalkcr (ORI) OCTOBER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) x Beyond Dark Castle (ACT) Blood Money (PSY) x-Downhtll Challenge (BRO) Face Off! (GAM) x Fnghimare(ACO) Knights of Legend (ORJ) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER Dragon Wan (IP) DECEMBER Cycka.The (ACO) Dragons of Flame (SSI) Sentinel Worlds 1: Future Magic (EA) Surflight (EA) FOURTH QUARTER APB. (TEN) Adventure* of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Bad Dudes (DE) Blades of Steel (KON) Capum Fizz (PSY) Castlevani* (KON) Double Dragon II (MH) Empire (INS) Falcon (SPE) Ferrari Formula One (EA) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Ghostbusien II (ACT) Ghouls Sl Ghosts (CAP) Heavy Barrel (DE) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) Licence to Kill (BRO) AVAILABILITY UPDATE 1943 (CAP) Pocket Rockets (CAP) PT 109(SPE) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Sgt Slaughter Mat Wars (MIN) Shark Attack G Norman Ult Golf (MH) S rnder (CAP) Super Hang On (DE) TV Sports Football (ON) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) Test Ride (CAP) Tiger Road (CAP) War in Middk: Earth (MH) Weird Dreams (MED) AMIGA SEPTEMBER x Afterburner (SEG) Bad Dudes (DE) Dr Doom’s Revenge (PAR) F-19 Stealth Fighter (MIC) x-Hillifar(SSl) Indiana Jones Last Cruiade/Adv (LF) Never Mind (PSY) x Omega (ORI) x Paperboy (MIN) Pipe Dream (LF) x Shinobi (SEG) x Shuffle puck Cafe (BRO) Skv Shark (TAl) x Star Command (SSI) Stryx (PSY) WmdwalkCT (ORI) OCTOBER Bubartanll (PSY) x Beyond Dark Castle (ACT) x-Downhill Challenge (BRO) x Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top (MIN) Infesuuon (PSY) Licence to Kill (BRO) Matrix Marauders (PSY) x Shadow of the Beast (PSY) Their Finest Hour (LF) x Wherein USA/C Sandicgo?(BRO) Xvbots (TEN) NOVEMBER Blue Angels (ACO) Carthage (PSY) Flash Dragon (PSY) Joan of Arc (BRO) It Came from the Desert (CIN) Killing Game Show (PS Y) Ncuromancer (IP) Pool of Radiance (SSI) Stellar Crusade (SSI) TV Sports Basketball (CIN) DECEMBER Aquaventura (PSY) Dragons of Flame (SSI) Gore (PSY) Surfbght (EA) FOURTH QUARTER A PB (TEN) Adventures of Bayou Bdly (KON) Ajax (KON) Arfcanoid II (DIS) Artur* (ARC) Blades of Steel (KON) Castlevarua (KON) Colony. The (MIN) Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SPO) Fidelity Chetsmaster 2100(ST) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) Ghoiibusten (I (ACT) Ghouls Sl Ghosts (CAP) Guerrilla War (DE) HardBallU (ACO) Harpoon (TS) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Acuon (LF) Jackal (KON) KyBot(BS) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) Leisure Suit Larry 11 (SEE) Magic Johnson Basketball (MH) Metal Gear (KON) 1943 (CAP) operation Clean Streets (BRO) Pocket Rocket* (CAP) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Atlaet G Norman UU Golf (MH) Side Arm* (CAP) Street Fighter (CAP) S aider (CAP) Teenage Mutant Ninja Tunica (ULT) Test Ride (CAP) Total Eclipse (SPO) Weird Dreams (MED) JANUARY 1990 Harley Davidson Rd to Sturgis (MIN) Loom (LF) Star Trek V Final Frontier (MIN) FIRST QUARTER Firestone (PSY) Pirates (MIC) Space Rogue (ORI) APPLE lit Hit SEPTEMBER x Anaem An of War (BRO) x-Cune of Azure Bonds (SSI) x Earl Weaver Baseball 1 _5 (EA) Qix(TAl) Renegade (TAl) x-Spaoe Rogue (ORI) x- Wind walker (ORJ) OCTOBER x Dark Heart of Uukrul (BRO) Dragon Wan (IP) Knights of Legend (ORI) x Pnnce of Pema(BR0) NOVEMBER Pipe Dream (LF) War of the Lance (SSI) Where in Time/C Sindaego (BRO) POURT11 QUARTER Batman (DE) First Over Germany (SSI) Heavy Barrel (DE) Indiana Jones Sl Temple of Doom (MIN) Leisure Sun Larry II (SIE) Manhunter New York (SIE) RoboCop (DE) Superstar Ice Hockey (MIN) JANUARY 1990 Degeneration (BRO) APPLE IIGS SEPTEMBER x Hostage (MIN) OCTOBER Battle Chess OP) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Indoor Sports (MIN) x Kccf tte Thief (EA) Superstar Soccer (MIN) Three Stooges (CIN) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER Thud Courier (ACO) DECEMBER Jam Session (BRO) POURT11 QUARTER APD (TEN) Ancient Land of Ys (KYO) Capum Blood (MIN) Double Dragon II (MH) Halls of Montezuma (SSG) Indiana Jones Sl Temple of Doom (MIN) Leisure Sun Larry 11 (SIE) Life Sl Death (ST) Quanerstaff (INF) Qlx (TAl) Rastan (TAl) Renegade (TAl) Zoom I (DIS) macintosh SEPTEMBER Omega (ORJ) x Gold Rush (SIE) x Hostage (MIN) x Manhunter New York (SIE) x Puzzle Gallery (MC) x Star Wan (BRO) OCTOBER x Grand Pnx Circuit (ACO) x Pipe Dream (LF) x Pool of Radiance (SSI) NOVEMBER Playmaker Football (BRO) FOURTH QUARTER Arkanoid Consuuc Set (DIS) Arkanoid II (DIS) Captain Blood (MIN) Carrier Com mand (MED) P 19 Stealth Fighter (MIC) FrfeUry Chessmajter 2100 (ST) Halls of Montezuma (SSG) Harpoon (TS) Kamov (DE) Leisure Sun Larry II (SIE) Sceptre (DIS) Starghderll (MED) Ultima IV (ORI) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) FIRST QUARTER 1990 Space Rogue (ORI) Star Trek V: Final Frontier (MIN) MS-DOS SEPTEMBER x-Action Fighter (SEG) x After Burner (SEG) x Alien Syndrome (SEG) Balliiux (PSY) Bubble Bobble (TAl) Cabal (CAP) Colonel’s Bequest (SIE) Federation (SPO) x Fiendish Freddy’a Big Top (MIN) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) x Hoyle’s Book of Games (SIE) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) x 1ml Team Sports (MIN) Krutal, The (CIN) x Liken V» Celtics (EA) Manhole, The (ACT) x Manhunter San Francisco (SIE) Never Maid (PSY) 1943 (CAP) Qu (TAl) x Rommel Battles for N Africa (SSG) x-SimCity (MAX) x Space Rogue (ORI) x-Star Trek V Final Frontier (MIN) Stnder (CAP) Sword of the Samurai (MIC) Their Finest Hour (LF) x-Thunder Blade (SEG) x-Where inTiroe/C Sandiego (BRO) OCTOBER A-lOTxnk Killer (DYN) ABC Monday Night Football (DE) x-Aussie Games (MIN) x Bar Games (ACO) Clubhouse Sports (MIN) Conquests of Camelot (SIE) x Cycles, The (ACO) David Wolf Secret Agent (DYN) Death track (ACT) De;iVuH (IS) Die Hard (ACT) x F16 Combat Pilot (EA) x Face Off! (GAM) x-Ferrari Formula One (EA) x Frightmare (ACO) x Ghostbusien II (ACT) x Grave Yardage (ACT) Harley Davidson. Rd to Sturgis (MIN) Hero’s Quest (SIE) x John Madden Football (EA) Kmghia of Legend (ORI) x-Licence to Kill (BRO) Matrix Marauders (PSY) MechWamor (ACT) x Mines of Titan (INF) Ncuromancer (IP) x Pipe Dream (LF) RamboIII (TAl) Rastan (TAl) x Shinobi (SEG) x Tangled Talcs (ORJ) x-Third Couner (ACO) x Tongue of the Film an (ACT) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER Blood Money (PSY) Blue Angels (ACO) Dragons of Flame (SSI) F14 Tomcat (ACT) Joan of Are (BRO) TV Sports Football (CIN) DECEMBER Battles of Napoleon (SSI) Gore (PSY) Second Front (SSI) Wolf pack (BRO) FOURTH QUARTER APB (TEN) Adventures of Bayou Billy (KON) Ajax (KON) Arthur Quest for Excalibux (INF) Baal (PSY) Blades of Steel (KON) Camel Command (MED) Castle vama (KON) Code Name Ice Man (SIE) Conspiracy Deadlock Files (ACO) Dark Side (SPO) Deathbnnger (SPO) Don’t Go Alone (ACO) Double Dragon II (MH) Double Dribble (KON) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Dragon Wan (IP) Eye of the Storm (ACO) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Gold of the Americas (SSG) HardBall 11 (ACO) Harpoon (TS) Heat Wave (ACO) Hybris(DlS) Jackal (KON) Journey (INF) KyBos(BS) Last Duel (CAP) LED Storm (CAP) Leisure Sua Larry Ill (SIE) Ml Tank Platoon (MIC) Menace (PSY) MeiaJ Gear (KON) Orel Henhiser’s Strike Zone (MH) Overrun (SSI) Pocket Rockets (CAP) Quartern aff (INF) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (Mil) Scooby-Doo (MI) Shark Attack G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Shogun (INF) Sorcerian (SIE) Star Fleet 11 (INS) StargUderll (MED) Storm across Europe (SSI) Super Hang On (DE) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) Wayne Grot 2 ky Hockey (BS) Weird Dreamt (MED) Zork Zero (INF) JANUARY 1990 Aquaventura (PSY) Bartsarunll (PSY) Infestation (PSY) Loom (LF) FIRST QUARTER Carthage (PSY) Shufflepuck Cafe (BRO) Pnnce of Perua (BRO) ATARI 2600 FOURTH QUARTER Double Dragon (ACT) Ikari W*moo (AT) Maorodeo (AT) Off the Wall (AT) Radar Lock (AT) Road Runner (AT) Sentinel (AT) Shooting Arcade (AT) Street Fight (AT) White Water MaJnesi (AT) ATARI SEPTEMBER Commando (AT) Jink* (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) Xenophobc (AT) POURT1I QUARTER Barnyard Blaster (AT) Ikari Warriors (AT) Mat Mania Challenge (AT) Ninja Golf (AT) Planet Smashers (AT) Rampage (ACT) Sentinel (AT) While Water Madness (AT) ATARI XL GAME SYSTEM FOURTH QUARTER Commando (AT) Dellekior (AT) Malt Maze (AT) Super Football (AT) Tower Toppler (AT) Xenophobc (AT) tmiExm2 SEPTEMBER x Back to the Future (ON) x-Cas deque st (NX) x NFL Football (UN) x P O W (SNK) Sesame Street ABC (HT) x Sky Shark (TAl) x-Who Framed Roger Rabbit (ON) OCTOBER Abyss, The (ACT) x Adventure of Dino-Riki (HS) Air Fortress (HAL) Battle of Olympus (BRO) Code Name Viper (CAP) Diehard (ACT) x Duck Tale* (CAP) Fcster'a Quest (SUN) x Hollywood Squares (GT) x Jeopardy Jr (GT) x Jordan V* Bird (MB) x Road Runner (TEN) x Rolling Thunder (TEN) Romance of Three Kingdom* (KOE) Short OrderiEggsplode I (NIN) x Terns (NIN) To the Earth (NIN) Twin Eagle (ROM) Wheel of Fortune Jr (GT) Willow (CAP) NOVEMBER Afterburner (TEN) Alien Syndrome (TEN) AH Pro Basketball (VT) Barker Btll'i Tnck Shooting (NIN) Chessmaster (HT) Clash at Demon Head (VT) Goal' (JAL) Jack Nick lain G re lieu 18 (KON) Krnga of Beach (ULT) NES Play Action Football (NIN) Spy V*. Spy 11 (KS) Top Gun II (KON) Vindicators (TEN) Wild Boy* (BAN) Wm Lose Or Draw (HT) DECEMBER Arch on (ACT) Cybcmoid (ACM) Dig Dug D (BAN) Ghosibuttcrs II (ACT) IronSwon) (ACM) Knight Rider (ACM) NES Satellite (NIN) Rescue Embassy Mission (KS) RoboCop (DE) Shadowgaie (KS) Shinobi (TEN) Super Pitfall II (ACT) Tombs and Treasure (ACT) Toobin* (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Bad Street Brawler (MAT) Baseball Simulator (CB) Boy A. His Blob (ABS) Demon Sword (TAl) Double Dare (GT) Flying Dragon (CB) Glove Pilot (MAT) I Stewart Super Off-Road (TW) Marvel’s X Men (UN) Power Glove (MAT) Roller Ball (HAL) 720 (MIN) Silent Service (ULT) Stealth A TE (ACT) Super Glove Ball (MAT) Super Password (GT) Target Renegade (TAJ) Tenor of Tech Town (MAT) Three Stooges (ACT) Twin Cobra (AS) Unser’s Turbo Racing (DE) Vegas Dream (HAL) JANUARY 1990 Btgfoot (ACM) Championahip Bowling (ROM) Double Dragon 11 (ACM) Pamasy Zone (TEN) MTV’t Remote Control (HT) Police Academy (TEN) Xybots (TEN) MARCH Fun House (HT) Hunt for Red October (HT) Mupper Adventure (KT) FIRST QUARTER 1990 Batman (SUN) Gilhgan’s Island (BAN) 1 Can Remember (FP) Jeopardy Silver Anniv (GT) Magic Johnson’s Fast Break (TW) Perica Fit (FP) A 1989 Computer Entertainer and Video Game Update. $25.00 annually in U.S. Funds for 12 issues, published monthly. Foreign airmail $38.00 in U.S. Funds. Send payment to Computer Entertainer, 5916 Lemona Avenue, van Nuys, CA 91411. (818) 761-1516. Computer Entertainer accepts no advertising from any software manufacturer. The philosophy of this newsletter is to provide the reader with honest evaluation of products on the market. It is our intention to act as an independent watchdog, providing critical commentary and analysis. The opinions are solely those of Computer Entertainer and are not influenced by the manufacturers. To describe a program, we may use existing literature from the manufacturer, but that will have no beanng on the rating system. Any reproduction, duplication, or re-publication of this copyrighted work without written consent of Computer Entertainer is strictly prohibited. Any violation of applicable copynght laws will be vigorously prosecuted and subject to civil and criminal penalties. This work may not be changed or altered in any way. Computer Entertainer - October, 1989 14 SUBSCRIBER BUYING SERVICE Program Cost Adventures of Dino Riki (NES) 39.50 Back to the Future (NES) 39.80 Captain Silver (Seg) 34.10 Cycles, The (MS) 28.80 Cycles, The (Co*) 22.30 Casino Games (Sega) 41.40 Dark Heart of Uukrul, The (Ap) 36.40 Downhill Challenge (Am-26.10;GS-22.30;Co-14.80) Face Off (MS) 32.90 Fiendish Freddy (Am;ST*) 36.40 Fiendish Freddy (MS) 32.90 Gold Rush (Mac,GS,ST,Am,MS) 36.40 Ghouls ‘N Ghosts (Gen) 47.90 Grand Prix Circuit (Mac-36.40; GS,Am-32.90;Co-22.30;MS-28.80) Grave Yardage (MS) 26.10 Guardian Legene (NES) 33.60 Licence to Kill (Am*,ST*-39.80;Co*-14.80;MS-22.30) Manhunter New York (Mac,ST,Am,MS,GS) 36.40 Sys/Format Moriarty’s Revenge (Mac) NFL Football (NES) Operation Wolf (Co;ST*) Operation Wolf (MS 5.25”; Am) Operation Wolf (NES) Prince of Persia (Ap) Shadow of the Beast (Am;ST*) Shufflepuck Cafe (Am;ST;Mac) Sky Shark (NES) Spellcaster (Seg) Star Wars (Mac;ST;Am) Star Wars (MS) Star Wars (Co) Third Courier (MS,GS*) Walter Payton Football (Sega) Welltris (MS,Mac*,Am*) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (NES) Wonder Boy 111 (Seg) 43.60 39.80 22.30 26.10 37.95 26.10 28.80 28.80 36.90 51.90 28.80 22.30 14.80 36.40 45.70 26.10 39.80 45.70 RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! One Year Renewal 21.00 _ Two Year Renewal 38.00 One Year Overseas Renewal 33.00 Quantity Total NAME: ADDRESS: CITY STATE_ZIP _ Phone_ Subscriber # _Check/MO Bankcard....Expiration Date_ Card #:_ Signature:_ __ KEY: *=preorder;AM=Amiga;Ap=Apple II;Co=Commodore 64/128; MS=MS DOS & IBM PC/compatibles;Mac=Macintosh;GS=Apple GS; ST=Atari ST; NES=Nintendo; SEGA=Sega;GEN=Genesis; TG=NEC TurboGrafx-16 Save time and PHONE your order in at 1-800-228-4336 (outside Calif.) FAX YOUR ORDER! - 818-904-9632 Sub-Total 61/2% Tax (CA only)_ Shipping: TOTAL ENCLOSED: Shipping Chart: UPS ... Calif, Nevada, Arizona Continental US Canada 1st 2 lb ea add. lb 2.50 .25 3.25 .50 8.00 1.05 Postal (P.0 . Boxes & APOIFPO) Calif, Nevada,Arizona 4.25 .30 Continental US (& APO/FPO) 4.75 .90 Canada 6.75 1.30 FOREIGN: Please Contact Us for Rates vailability Update...contd. *mom Fighter (FC1) sneeu Tomato (HS) copy's Silly Spoiu (KS) ir trek V (BAN) per Spy Hunter (SUN) per Sushi Pinball (CSG) nninator (SUN) Force (BRO) S. Championship Volleyball (N1N eel of Fortune Family Ed (GT) via Ch ampshp Wrestling (FCI) PTEMBER 'aptam Silver (SEG) ’asino Games (SEG) pcllcaiter (SEG) Vonder Boy IQ' Dragon’s Trap (SEG) Valter Payton Football (SEG) 7TOBER Basketball Nightmare (SEG) Galuy Force (ACT) World Games (SEG) NOVEMBER Dead Angle (SEG) Dynamite Du* (SEG) Scramble Spirit (SEG) Super Golf (SEG) Tennis Ace (SEG) January 1990 Golden Axe (SEG) Ultima IV (SEG) FIRST QUARTER 1990 Arcade Command Suck (SEG) SEGA GENESIS SEPTEMBER x-Gencsis System x Last Battle (SEG) x-Spacc Hamer 11 (SEG) x-Super Thunder Blade (SEG) x Thunder Force II (SEG) x Tommy Lasorda Baseball (SEG) x World Championship Soccer (SEG) OCTOBER Arnold Palmer Golf (SEG) x GhoulsN Ghosts (SEG) NOVEMBER Rambo III (SEG) Super Hang On (SEG) DECEMBER Basketball (SEG) Forgotten World (SEG) Revenge of Shmobi (SEG) JANUARY 1990 Golden Axe (SEG) Mystic Defender (SEG) FIRST QUARTER 1990 Alex Kidd Enchanted Castle (SEG) Arcade Command Slick (SEG) Cyberball (TEN) Falcon (SPE) Phantasy Star II (SEG) Super Hydlide (SEG) TeleGenesis Baseball (SEG) TeleGcnesn Modem (SEG) Zoom (SEG) NEC TVRBOCRAFX-16 SUM EMBER x-Alien Crush (NEC) x Dungeon Explorer (NEC) x Legendary Axe (NEC) x TurboGrafx 16 System x Victory Run (HS) OCTOBER Blazing Lazers China Warn or Fighung Street/CD Power Golf R-Type TurboGrafx CD System Vigilante NOVEMBER Deep Blue Dragon Spirit Fantasy Zone Final I.ap Twin Galaga 90 Monster Lair'CD Moto Roader Ordyne PacLand World Class Baseball World Court Tennu DECEMBER Military Madness NOTE: Programs noted ~x“ have shipped as of press umc but may not yet be distributed nation wide Projected shipping dales are provided by manufacturers and 'mputerEntertainer-October, 1989 From: BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Self Mailing folder. Fold here. Rare Games Collectors Forum New this month: Kazuhiko Honma, 3-3-16, Ikunonishi, Ikuno- Ku, Osaka, 544 Japan: looking for Vectrex and old cartridges for NES. Edward Villalpando, 13525 Utica St., Whit¬ tier, CA 90605: looking for an old Atari console called Video Music. Also looking for old Atari catalogs (1978 and before) and old videogame magazines. John Vacopoulos, 108 Clarke Rd., Hornsby NSW 2077, Australia looking to complete his 2600 collection...only interested in the following titles (original box, instructions, all in top condi¬ tion): Steeple Chase, Stellar Track, Sub Com¬ mander, video Cube, Waterworld, Crazy Climber, Gravitar, Quadrun. Donald Tremblay , Box 63, Courval, Sask. Canada S0H-1A0: Looking for the “Voice of Odyssey”, voice module, plus “Attack of the Timelord” and “Great Wall St. Fortune Hunt.” Also looking for Bally/Astrocade cartridges: Cosmic Raiders, Incredible Wizard, Solar Con¬ queror, Treasure Cove and Pirates Chase. Charlotte Anderson , 12626 Burbank Blvd., #201, N Hollywood, CA 91607: Selling Vectrex, Intellivision, ColecoVision, also Coleco Expan¬ sion Modules 1 & 2, various controllers by Coleco and Wico. Send self-addressed stamped enve¬ lope for listing and prices. And, still running... AlBackiel, 253 Rock Rd..Ridgewood,NJ07450: looking for 2600 cartridges Kyphus, Ewok Adventure and Wings. Also looking to purchase Vectrex. Warren Endicolt, 4 Seashore Dr., Daly City, CA 94014 is interested in games for ColecoVision. Please send him a list. Ralph Linne, 8385 Findley Dr., Mentor, OH 44060 has a Mattel Aquarius system and C64 Koala Pad with complete line of software for sale. Looking for Intellivision games made by Coleco or Sega. David S Parker , 99-A Birch Rd., Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 has the following for sale: Atari 5200 system; approx. 20 games all boxed with instruc¬ tions, some brand new; Wico joystick never used and in box; “Roller Ball” adaptor. Ricardo Ramirez , 33-13 98 St., Corona, NY 11368 (or call at 718-424-8987) has Burgertime for Intellivision and would also like to trade or sell old C64 titles such as Dino Eggs, The Heist, Decathlon, and Satan’s Hollow. _ John Bonavita , PO Box 95, Haesite, NY 11743 looking for Vectrex games and Mattel Aquarius. Has old Atari ST, Nintendo, Sega & 2600 games for trade. He also has a list of ADAM software for sale. Rodney Risbrook, 2673 W 33rd St, #2E, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Selling 5200 (includes Star Raiders, Defender, Berzerk, AC adaptor, and joysticks). $62.00 includes postage (money orders only) Bill Sommerwerck, 4257 148th Ave, NE #A- 207, Bellevue, WA 98007: “Complete” 2600 collection for sale: 420+ carts, plus many acces- soris, memorabilia. Also have rare 2600 and ColecoVisoin carts. Also looking for Bandai’s “Stadium Events” for Nintendo. Martin Herzog has told us they offer a mail order catalog for Canada only for 2600, 5200, 7800, and even have the new 2080 Atari STs. Write to Mr. Herzog at Atari Canada, 90 Gough Rd., #1, Markham, Ont. L3R 5V5. Steven Burrage , 15 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801: Looking for unusual software for virtually every game system. Also has some rare 2600, Vectrex, and Channel F games. Remember, trades, sales, etc. are the responsibil¬ ity of the two parties individually. Our intention is merely to have a forum where you can find one another! If you haven’t written yet, be sure to do so - we’ll run this column, space permitting, each month. Also, if you’re listed here and the infor¬ mation has changed, please let us know! Happy hunting! NOTE: Please drop us a line if you are listed here and want to change or cancel your ad! NEC Launches PlayTour Challenge On the weekend of October 6-8 in Los Angeles, Calif., NEC launched PlayTour Challenge, a six-city video game, music and sports extravaganza, to search for top game players to become members of the Tur- boGrafx-16 TurboTeam. The first winner and member of the TurboTeam is 17-year- old Jim Hakola of Lakewood, Calif., who won the finals with 220,080 points on BLAZING LAZERS. (Watching the final¬ ists blaze their way through this shooting i game was quite an experience!) for his ef¬ forts, Hakola took home a TurboGrafx-16 system plus CD player, NEC monitor and a Vision Street Wear skateboard. Upcoming PlayTour Challenges will be held at: Trumbull Shopping Park, Trumbull, CT (Oct. 21-22) The Odeum, Villa Park, IL (Oct. 27-31) William Patterson College, Wayne, NJ (Nov. 11 - 12 ) Royal Crown Plaza Trade Center, Marlbor¬ ough, MA (Nov. 18-19) Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA (Dec. 2-3) If you live near one of these locations, be sure to attend. You will have the opportunity to play-test many TurboGrafx-16 games for yourself. Nintendo Licensees to Produce Game Boy Titles Many of Nintendo’s licensees are jumping onto the Game Boy bandwagon, adding Game Boy titles to their list of products. Among those that have been announced so far are CASTLEVANIA: THE ADVEN¬ TURE and NFL FOOTBALL from Konami, BOXXLE from FCI (game set in a ware¬ house in which you rearrange boxes, known as “Soko-Ban” in computer versions by Spectrum HoloByte), TOTAL RECALL from Acclaim, one or more sports-oriented games from CSG Imagesoft, MOTOCROSS MANIACS from Ultra, and others. 16 Computer Entertainer - October, 198$ Computer Entertainer - j ^vAgaming 7 s heartbea Iflnll WllPS® Ci^Ml PlPPATf — ' 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, California 91411 t © November, 1989 Volume 8, Number 8 v_ \ $3.50 In This Issue... Sneak Previews REVIEWS Include... Playmaker Football ...for Macintosh PowerDrome ... for Amiga and Atari ST Windwalker ...for Apple II Space Quest III ...for Amiga Rolling Thunder Fester's Quest ...for Nintendo Hero's Quest ...for MS-DOS Galaxy Force ...for Sega World Champ Soccer ...for Sega Genesis China Warrior ...for TurboCrafx-16 TOP 15 COMPUTER GAMES 1. Blood Money (Psy/Am) 2. Duel/Test Drive 2 (Aco/I) 3. Dungeonmaster (FTL/I) 4. Batman (DE/I) 5. Falcon (Spec/I) 6. Renegade (Tai/I) 7. Shadow of the Beast (Psy/Am) 8. Battlehawks 1942 (LF/I) 9. Red Storm Rising (Mic/I) 10. Battletech (lnf/I) 11. Death Bringer (Cin/I) 12. Gauntlet II (Min/I) 13. Indiana Jones/Adv (LF/I) 14. SimCity (Max/Mac) 15. TV Sports Football (Cin/MS) TOP 15 VIDEOGAMES 1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) 2. Ninja Gaiden (Tec/NES) 3. MegaMan 2 (Cap/NES) 4. Zelda II: Adv of Link (Nin/NES) 5. Teenage...Turtles (Ult/NES) 6. Blaster Master (Sun/NES) 7. Tecmo Bowl (Tec/NES) 8. Double Dragon (TW/NES) 9. Baseball Stars (SNK/NES) 10. Strider (Cap/NES) 11. Simon's Quest (Kon/NES) 12. Dragon Warrior (Nin/NES) 13. Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) 14. Track & Field II (Kon/NES) 15. Skate Or Die (Ult/NES) Coming... The CE Top Games of the Decade! 1989 in Review Cabal and HardBall II for MS-DOS Forgotten Worlds for Amiga Populous for Amiga and Atari ST i _ . .and much morel _ BITS and PIECES SUPER MARIO BROS. 3 Due in Early 1990 Nintendo recently announced its lineup of new products for release early in 1990. The most exciting news for NES fans is that SUPER MARIO BROS. 3 heads the lineup of new games and is expected to be available in February. Gamers can expect to pay more for SUPER MARIO BROS. 3 than for any previous game from Nintendo (probably over $50). Nintendo also plans to release PIN BOT, SUPER SPIKE V’B ALL and SNAKE R ATTLE'N’ROLL in early spring of 1990. We first saw a prototype of PIN BOT at the January 1989 Consumer Electronics Show, and we were very impressed with its three- dimensional scrolling graphics and excellent pinball play action. We have not seen the other three new Nintendo games, but they will certainly be shown at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in January, 1990. Broderbund to Release IF IT MOVES, SHOOT IT! Echoing the cry of an enthusiastic gamer in the heat of simulated battle, the title of Broderbund's new arcade/action game says it all. IF IT MOVES, SHOOT IT! (MSR $29.95) is set for release this month for MS-DOS and Amiga and promises exception¬ ally challenging gameplay and outstanding graphics, according to Broderbund’s prod¬ uct manager for the game, Laurie Borovac. We look forward to the chance to try our hand at this one! Electronic Arts Announces INDIANAPOLIS 500 THE SIMULATION The only Indianapolis 500-licensed computer game is due to be released next month for MS-DOS systems. Created by the Papyrus design Group for Electronic Arts, INDI¬ ANAPOLIS 500 (MSR $49.95) will allow players to compete against 32 other cars in races ranging from 10 laps to the full 200-lap race. Eight different systems on the car can be adjusted and saved to disk for later use, including shock settings, wing angles and tire selection. Accidents on the course create spectacular effects and can be viewed from multiple angles using the game's Instant Replay feature. The game will have polygon- rendered 3D graphics. Game Boy Popularity Reports: Truth or Hype? Nintendo has been receiving a lot of favorable press on its Game Boy hand-held car¬ tridge game system. Reports in a variety of national publications all indicate that Game Boy is already THE hottest toy of the year and predict that it will be the number-one toy this Christmas. Based on feedback from our readers, which has been mildly enthusiastic at best, we have some doubts that Game Boy will top sales of all other toys this Christmas. We did an informal survey among a sample of toy retailers in the Southern California, asking them about the success of Game Boy in their stores. Most agreed that Game Boy was selling at least fairly well in their stores, but many of them cited the small allocations from Nintendo as more responsible for sellouts than widespread demand for Game Boy among their customers. Several complained that Game Boy was selling very slowly in their stores. Perhaps Game Boy is doing much better in the rest of the U.S. than it is in Southern California. We can't be sure at this point. However, the post-Christmas polls of toy industry sales should tell the real story of Game Boy's popularity with American consumers. CE Editors Working on Games of the Decade As we enter this holiday season, the editors of Computer Entertainer/Video Game Update are hard at work going through the over 3,000 (!) reviews we have done in the past 8 years to come up with the Top Games of the Decade. Watch our next issues for not only these very special awards, but also our yearly Awards of Excellence. r SubLogic Readies Several Programs SubLogic has been quiet, but that’s over this month with several releases (see reviews of UFO and Thunder chopper for MS-DOS in this issue). Their ever-expanding library of add-ons for their Flight Simulators continues with several items. For Flight Simulator Programs First, there’s Scenery Disk #9 (MS-DOS, Atari ST, Amiga, and Macintosh - all at $29.95 retail) which covers the Chicago, St Louis, and Cincinnati sectional areas in 3D detail. There’s over 150 airports and more detailed cities than on previous scenery disks. You’ll rec¬ ognize several landmarks includ¬ ing the St Louis Gateway Arch, and several buildings in the Chi¬ cago area. The next item on the agenda is the Instant Facilities Locator for those of you who wish to move to a new airport without typing in its coordinates, moving to the air¬ port, and manually positioning your aircraft on the runway. With this program, you can choose from a menu-list of airports, runways, and radio nav-aids. You’ll be immediately transported to the lo¬ cation of your choice. The floppy-disk based version contains a list of all airports, runways, NDBs and VORs located in the five standard scenery areas (New York, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco). An extended version (included) has a database listing for every airport, runway, and radio nav- aid on every currently available Scenery Disk, including the new ones mentioned here. That extended ver¬ sion will only work on hard disk-based systems. The cost of this item is $39.95 and works with all the SubLogic Right Simulators. The next item is the Hawaiian Odyssey Scenery Adventure (MS-DOS, Atari ST, Macintosh, Apple II, C64/128, Amiga - $29.95 retail) with which you can visually sightsee through¬ out the entire island chain. You can fly into the crater of Mauna Loa or view Pearl Harbor. There’s also the first SubLogic adventure included in which you must find the secret jewel of the goddess Pele by finding and following an intricate set of clues scattered about the islands. Again, this works only with the various Bight Simulator programs (Bight Simulator II, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Jet, Stealth Mission, UFO, or ThunderChopper). New Flight Simulator Program Getting ready for release before Christmas is Flight Simulator: ATP. (MS-DOS) which puts you at the controls of a Boeing 737, 747,767, or Airbus A300 jet There are four differ¬ ent fight modes: autoflight, vectored flight, nav-aid flight, and free flight. You’ll deal with various weather with 350 U.S. cities. Up to eight aircraft can be displayed onscreen at the same time and Air Traffic Control can issue over 50 com¬ mands and recognize more than 10 pilot inputs. Interesting Controller Add-On Flight Controls I (MS-DOS, Atari ST, Amiga, Macintosh, Apple II - retail is $179.95) is an interesting add-on yoke which gives you the feel of a real cock¬ pit. An ultra-smooth yoke allows single- handed light control inputs, as well as a full T-handle throttle, and accurate gear and flap switches. Op¬ tional rudder pedals ($59.95) make both coordinated and un¬ coordinated flight maneuvers more re¬ alistic. If you’re a flight simulator ad¬ dict, this could be all you need to feel the wind at your face! In The Arcades Taito releases Crime City , a one or two-player horizontal game, started independently and played via two complete sets of controls. The objec¬ tive of the game is to seek out and arrest the treacherous gang leaders. You’ll make your way on foot through rough neighborhoods, shoot¬ ing and fighting criminals along the way. Atari Games has released S.T.UN . Runner in which you are in the 21st century to race in a futuristic form of competitive driving. You’re piloting a vehicle which can travel over 900 mph. The course consists of under¬ ground tunnels, open flats, and space- travel routes, and you* 11 be confronted by numerous enemies along the way. The units have a special built-in contest feature in which you can win a free S.T.U.N. Runner t-shirt by reaching the checkpoint in the last level. Atari Games has also shipped Cyberball2072 f a sequel to lastycar’s Cyberball. It’s based on a futuristic interpretation of football in the 21st century. This new edition has all the features of its predecessor along with new ones including larger and meaner players, and two interactive screens which allow each team to view and play the game from their perspec- V tive ~ J Back Issues Available Don’t miss out on all the great back issues! We’ve been covering enter¬ tainment software for over five years and we’ve reviewed hundreds and hundreds of titles. Most issues are still available. Send $2.50 for each back issue you want. (Some rare issues are available only in photocopy form.) Buy six or more, and they’re just $1.75 each. Make certain you have a com¬ plete set! You can also purchase the SPECIAL EDITION, published in Spring, 1987 in celebration of our Fifth Anniversary. It covers everything from a look at videogaming to capsule reviews of some of the top games of all time. This Special Edition is $1.50. ^THE RATING SYSTEM^ 4 STARS = Excellent 3 STARS = Good 2 STARS = Fair 1 STAR = Poor 1st Set of Stars = quality of graphics 2nd Set = quality of game play and entertainment value NA = Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) — J ) Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 miLLLLE COMMODORE 64/ 128 Software MS-DOS _I_J_I—1_l_l ^ _• J —i —I - J SHINOBI (**/**) from5f^« is a conver¬ sion of the company’s excellent coin-op of the same name. Unfortunately, the game lost a lot in its translation to the C64/128 format. The story behind the game is that a Master Ninja has decided to take on the evil Ring of Five, a terrorist organization that has kidnapped the children of the world’s leaders. There are five rounds of action, and the Master Ninja begins with only his shu- rikens (throwing stars) and his incredible agility. As he eliminates more terrorists and rescues more kidnapped children, he gains new powers, including Ninja magic. SH1- NOBI is popular in the arcades, and we loved Sega’s home version for the Sega Master System. This version for C64/128 has none of the graceful animation one expects in martial arts moves. The graphics are blocky and only minimally reminiscent of the original arcade game. While the play action follows the arcade game in a general way, it lacks a solid feel. SH1NOB1 in this C64/128 version looks to us like a very quick programming job that was not done with the care that the game deserves. (One or two players; Joystick; Keyboard.) Commo¬ dore 64/128 version reviewed. Also avail¬ able for Sega Master System (approx. $45- $50). Coming soon for MS-DOS ($39.95); for Amiga, Atari ST ($49.95). Not recommended. (MSR $34.95) New Add-On Disk for The Duel: Test Drive II Accolade has shipped The Muscle Cars , an add-on - accessory disk for The Duel: Test Drive If. Now you’ll be able to race five classics: the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray “Split Window” Coupe, 1969 Dodge THUNDERCIIOPPER (***l/2/***l/2) is the latest flight simulator designed b v ActionSoft for SubLovic . this one originally available for Commodore a couple of years ago. Compatible with their Scenery Disk line of add-on disks, you’ll be piloting a high-performance rescue/ attack helicopter. Initially, practice via the flight training mission and work your way through various rescue and combat missions in which you must rescue downed pilots, locate and destroy enemy targets, and escort battle-weary troops and light vehicles back to safety through enemy territory. You can also attempt a rescue at sea in which you must locate floating wreckage and watch for enemy ships. Throughout all the various scenar¬ ios, you must not only worry about the task at hand, but also the precise han¬ dling of your chopper. Loaded With Details Typical of SubLogic simulations, you’ll be dealing with a full cockpit with all the instrumentation you could want. There are very good 3D graphics which give you landmarks and targets in a very real¬ istic manner. In addition to the fine simulation which SubLogic has become famous for, this adds the dimension of search, rescue, and combat. With the large library of add-on scenery disks now available, you can really have some fun with this one (one player; joystick optional; CGA, EGA, or VGA card; reviewed on MS-DOS; also available for Apple II and C64) Recommended (MSR $39.95) UFO (***l/2/***l/2) is the other new flight simulator from SubLogic. this one taking you into the world of UFO’s. Now, you’ll have the chance to get behind the controls of an advanced high- performance flying saucer-shaped spacecraft as you scour the planet Earth for needed fuel to power your ships. You can hover above cities in low-level flight and you can adjust atmospheric drag to pre¬ cisely control the aerodynamic characteristics of your ship. There’s a translucer which makes your ship invisible to detection (if you become detected by human radar, your mission is over as you carry no weapons). Upon finding fuel (big cities have the most), you must use your draining beam to “suck” it up. Return to your mothership (you must find it first), dock and drain your energy collector cells, being paid for the raw en- ergy you’ve collected. Then you’ll be refu¬ eled and repaired to venture back to the earth’s surface. Different Type of Simulator This is another flight simulator, but with the major difference of how you control your craft and the speeds you fly at. This program allows the use of the SubLogic library of scenery disks which will come to life in an entirely new way as you are able to move at speeds not possible in the other flight simulators. With the advanced design of the spacecraft, and a specific chore which must be accomplished, you should have many pleasurable sessions (one player; CGA,EGA,VGA, or Hercules Graphics card; joystick and mouse optional; reviewed on MS-DOS Recommended (MSR $49.95) \ COMMODORE 64/128 Software | Charger Daytona, 1968 Shelby GT500 Cobra, 1967 Pontiac GTO, or the 1969 COPO 9560 ZL-1 Cam- aro. Retailing for $19.95, the disk is available for MS-DOS, Amiga, C64/128, and Apple IIGS. AUSSIE GAMES (*^**) is a collection of six wacky games from Down Under designed bv Beam Software forMindscave . The games includes are belly whack, in which you must make the biggest splash into the Sydney Harbor; beach football where you kick the ball on a beach in Melbourne; The Bush, a boomerang competition; Ayres Rock, a dry river race in which you race down a dry river with a boat hoisted over your shoulders; Top End, a beer bottle shoot out of the back of a vehicle; and Cairns, where you must cast your line out to catch marlin. Sounds Annoying; Graphics Mediocre The sound effects were actually very annoying to us, with distorted “music”. The graphics were quite ordinary, without clear definition in the characters. The gameplay will find you becoming bored quite quickly as there’s nothing the least bitchallenging here. Maybe it’s the fact that we’re not“into” the Australian games, but we quickly tired of spending time with the game. If you’re looking for laughs (as this promises) in a tongue-in-cheek series of games, we suggest Cave Ugh - lympics from Electronic Arts. Skip this one (one player; joystick required; Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 J 3 AMIGA Software i MS-DOS LICENCE TO KILL (***l/2/***l/2) comes to Amiga after an initial release by Dornark Ltd. for Broderbund for MS-DOS last month. Based on the recent Bond film starring Timothy Dalton, it features six different sequences in which Bond tries to capture an infamous drug lord. You’ll begin with a helicopter chasing an escaping jeep and later continues on foot, as well as Bond being lowered by rope from a helicopter to a plane as it’s flying. There’s also scenes on the water as there’s barefoot water skiing behind a seaplane, as well as other typically Bond-type action adventure packed scenes. Lots of Bond Action There’s lots of action which recreate many of the knee-knocking scenes of the movie. Of course, you needn’t have seen the movie to enjoy this...just be a Bond fan and/or enjoy tough action situations which you must go after the bad guy. The graphics are very good with an overhead view of all the action, action which is varied and relentless. For best control, use a joystick, (one player; keyboard or joystick; reviewed on Amiga; also available for MS- DOS, Atari ST, and C64) Recommended (MSR $34.95) SPACE QUEST III (****/****) is a state-of-the-art adventure from Sierra-On-Line which features digitized voice and incredible animation. The latest chapter in the Space Quest trilogy, a novel approach is taken as the authors (Mark Crowe and Scott Murphy, billing themselves as The Two Guys from Andromeda) put themselves right into the game. It’s up to you as Roger Wilco to save these Two Guys from working for the evil software manufacturer, ScumSoft! You travel to several distant planets such as the tourist trap of Planet Phllebhut. There are all sorts of strange and unusual people along the way as well as many other oddities in an interga- lactic scavenger hunt. There’s even interplanetary f ast food joints where you can pick up a quick bite. Your interaction with the game is quite easy as you can type in very simple commands which will be under¬ stood. Typical of adventures, you ’ll have to “examine,” “look,” “move,” “talk,” etc. Be very observant and pick up everything to check out and talk to anyone you run into (although some will be very hostile). Your thoroughness will be the key to saving those Two Guys! Fabulous Animation and Sounds This is true 3D graphics as you guide Roger behind areas (you’ll even see his head pop¬ ping up above a low barrier) and throughout various scenes. Sierra does an excellent job of animation making you feel as though you’re in a mini-movie. The soundtrack was created by Supertramp’s Bob Siebenberg with outstanding sounds and music. We find ourselves partial to programs which arrive from Siena, but that’s because we are rarely disappointed. It’s one of a handful of companies which pushes the limits of the machines they program for! This is another winner, with a nice sense of humor, (one player; reviewed on Amiga; also available for MS-DOS and Atari ST; coming for Macintosh) Recommended (MSR $59.95) BAD DUDES (*** / ***) is an action game featuring street fighting, based on the hit arcade game also from Data East . You take on the roles of “Blade” and “Striker” as you fight your way through ninjas, dogs, and other enemies as you try and rescue the kidnapped President. The Secret Service has located the enemy’s hideout and you must work your way there as you work through the city, jump from big rig to big rig, through a forest, freight trains, along a sewer, etc. You have several weapons to defend yourself such as knives, shurikins, numchucks, and your fists. If you get through all the waves of bad guys, you must go up against the Dragon Ninja himself. Action Fighting It’s a simple premise...kill all the bad guys, and save the President. A typically fast action game, it will require fast reflexes and good anticipation as you rapidly move through the various scenes. The graphics are nice, with good size figures. Fans of the genre should enjoy the fast action although experienced action gamers may find it a bit too easy, (one player; joystick required; reviewed on Amiga; also available for Apple II, Nintendo, MS-DOS) (MSR $44.95) WAYNE GRETZKY HOCKEY (****/ ***1/2) is quite a good hockey simulation from Bethesda Softworks carrying the highly recognizable name of the man who just broke the all-time scoring record which had been held by Gordie Howe. The game fea¬ tures many options which allows custom¬ ized control. Each player is rated in 11 skill areas including stamina, skating ability, aggression, quickness, power, etc. You can assign a rating from 0 to 9 in the various areas and choose your own team to either coach or play in. You can also choose to watch the action from the stands as Wayne does the coaching for computer vs. com¬ puter. You can print out the player stats or display them on the screen. There are mul¬ tiple difficulty levels with various speeds and various play lengths. While you can use the keyboard, joystick, or mouse, we found the mouse to be the controller of choice. As we “slid” the cursor farther away from the player we controlled (within reason), the player skates at his maximum. Regardless of the controller used, you’ll be able to pass, shoot, as well as taking the puck down the ice. Of course, ice hockey is filled with penalties and this one is no different. Terrific Graphics and Control You have loads of control over this game as you customize your players and enter the action. As you play, there’s the overhead view as all the players skate their way across the ice. There are also great graphics on the overhead screen in the middle of the rink as you catch digitized fight sequences and watch the penalty calls. The game includes instant replay and Sudden Death Overtime. The program includes four Stanley Cup teams: Boston Bruins (1970), St Louis Blues (1970), Montreal Canadians (1971), and the Chi¬ cago Blackhawks (1971). In addition, you can team up with Wayne’s teams: the 1988 Edmonton Oilers and the 1989 Los Angeles Kings. Any hockey fan will enjoy all that’s included here (one player; two player simul¬ taneous; keyboard, mouse, or joystick; in¬ cludes 3.5” and 5.25” disks) Recommended (MSR $54.95) PAPERBOY Ships for Amiga Arcade hit PAPERBOY has shipped for Amiga from Mindscape. By now this is a very familiar premise whereby you must deliver papers to your subscribers while avoiding everything from robbers, traffic, dogs, curbs, and more. The Amiga version has been nicely enhanced with very attractive graphics and strong animation. Computer Entertainer - November, 19 “Life in the Fast Lane” Sweepstakes from Accolade Accolade is sponsoring a “Life in the Fast Lane” sweepstakes running from No¬ vember 15,1989 through March 15,1990 in celebration of the company’s four rac¬ ing games: THE CYCLES: INTERNA¬ TIONAL GRAND PRIX RACING, HEATWAVE: OFFSHORE SUPER¬ BOAT RACING, THE DUEL: TEST DRIVE II and GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT. Three lucky winners will win a race fan¬ tasy weekend for two chosen from: one of several 1990 offshore boat races; U.S. Grand Prix Motorcycle Championship (April, 1990 at Laguna Seca Raceway in Calif.); or one of several 1990 Formula One or Indy Car Grand Prix races. MS-DOS BLOCKOUT (****/****) is one of those totally maddening games which you can’t walk away from! From California Dreams . it’s reminiscent of Tetris, but with alot more difficulty and timing involved due to the true 3D top- down perspective which will testyour thinking skills (as well as quickness). Begin by peering down into a 3D playing pit (you can set the width, length, and depth of the pit, as well as the speed of the game) and the first block piece (in outline only) appears at the top. You can flip it over, around, rotate, upside down...whatever seems to work in order to fit it in place as it falls to the bottom. Attempt to create com¬ plete layers in order to get the points. As a layer is completed it vanishes. You can easily see your layers as each is a different color when it lands. There’s the standard set-up as well as three different block sets varying in difficulty, as well as three pre-set game setups. You can customize set-ups and if you find one you particularly like, you have the ability to save it. Completely Addictive Deceptively simply, incredibly difficult to master, it’s completely addictive. The graph¬ ics are quite dazzling with bright crisp colors. You’ll find yourself unable to tear yourself away! (one player; reviewed on Amiga and MS-DOS; also available for Macintosh) Recommended (MSR $39.95) PSYCHIC WAR (***1/2/***1/2) comes to the U.S. from Japan, where it was a hit developed by Kogado Software Products. Here it is available from Kvodai Software Marketing . a company backed by twelve of Japan’s top software publishers and Broder- bund Software. PSYCHIC WAR combines role-playing and action in a science fiction scenario set in the year 3656. As a Psychic Warrior, you must gather a band of fellow warriors and aid the rebellion against the Evil Empire whose Psychic Waves threaten to dominate your world. The game begins in Samar City, where your first job is exploration and recruitment of potential allies. You begin the game with basic psychic powers, which are essentially useless until you can recruit an ally with a matching power, allowing all members of the parly to benefit from that power. Another early goal in the game is to find missing parts needed for the android, Kayla, so that she will be able to help your parly. Combines Role-Playing and Action The screen in this game puts just about everything you need in view at all times, so it seems a bit confusing at first. However, once you’ve played for a few minutes you begin to appreciate the fact that you will not need to spend a lot of time consulting the instruction book while playing. One portion of the screen show the a section of the 3D maze you’re exploring on any of six enemy satellites or one neutral star station. You and the members of your party (up to three) are also displayed, along with each member’s current strength and the team’s combined psychic power. The 3D and team screens merge when you encounter a potential ally or an enemy, allowing animated conversation or battle sequences. Other sections of the screen display the android, Kayla, a command menu, two message areas, and an item display. Gameplay involves a lot of exploration, encounters with enemy aliens who use exotic brain-wave weapons, and the need to find many items such as decoders, maps, crystals, transmitters, weapons and armor. Now that we’ve seen quite a few Japanese computer games, we recognize the characteristic look of the characters in this game. (They will look very different from what you’re used to if you’ve never played a Japanese game.) The combination of aetion and role- playing manages to be both familiar and new at the same time. For the American game player, there is enough of the accustomed role-playing feel to PSYCHIC WAR to make the game easily approach¬ able, but it departs from traditional U.S. products of this type sufficiently to create a new playing experience in a familiar genre. PSYCHIC WAR is a solidly designed adventure that promises to offer many hours of absorbing play. (Solo play; Keyboard or joystick; CGA/EGA/VGA/IIereules/Tandy; Not copy protected; Blank disk required for game saving.) Available for MS-DOS only. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) AMIGA/ATARI ST Software SUPER HANG-ON (***l/2/***l/2) is a fast-paced motorcycle race around the globe as you choose the level of difficulty of this one from Data Dast bv selecting various courses on various continents. Each continent offers several stages of competition. You can also build your own course. The premise is extremely simple...you’ve got to be fast enough to reach check points before the time runs out on your screen display, avoid crashes, and stay upright! As you reach faster and faster speeds you can almost feel the wind whipping through your hair. Lean into the corners as you attempt to cut seconds off your time. Watch out though, as the bike can come out from under you! The scenery is varied, with the road stretching out in front of you. This game really gives you a sense of speed and you may find yourself leaning from side to side in front of your computer screen as you maneuver those comers. Both the Amiga and Atari ST versions feature fine, colorful graphics and the gameplay is the same on both machines. If you enjoy a challenging race, with the sense of wind in your face, you’ll enjoy the challenge of this one. (one player; joystick required; Amiga and Atari ST versions reviewed; also available for Macintosh, MS-DOS, C64) Recommended (Atari ST-S39.95; Amiga-$44.95) N- Sony & Data East Team Up for Sports Promotion A demo disk of Data East’s soon-to-be- released ABC’S MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (for MS-DOS) will be in¬ cluded in thousands of Sony 10-pack disk¬ ette boxes. The “Sony SportsBook” with a dozen additional plays for use with the complete Data East program is also in¬ cluded with the special diskette packages. AMIGA Software ROBOCOP (***^***) follows the plot of the movie of the same name and, there¬ fore, will appeal to anyone who enjoyed the Orion Pictures flick. This computer game version is by Ocean Software and Data East and plays in a similar manner to the Data East arcade game. You begin by controlling the super-hero RoboCop character as he walks the streets of Old Detroit, eliminating all the thugs shooting at him. He’s part machine, part man and uses the special- issue Auto-9 gun as the main weapon, as well as kicking, jabbing, punching as he attempts to rescue a hostage from a criminal, fights the criminals on the streets, and finds that the Vice President of the company which turned him into a bionic crime fighter is actually the leader of the worst of the crime in the city. There are multiple levels, all following the movie theme, which pit you against the evil robot, Ed 209; the kingpin of the underworld, Clarence Bodicker; and the evil Vice President. The graphics are fine and the action pretty relentless, (one player; joystick required; reviewed on Amiga and MS-DOS; also available for C64; coming for Atari ST) Recommended (Amiga-$44.95;MS-DOS- $39.95) Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 MACINTOSH Software j MS-DOS PLAYMAKER FOOTBALL (****/****) is a football fan’s dream from Broderbund which features animated players, the grunts and groans, as well as limitless plays which you can design on the Chalkboard Editor, Here you can recreate actual plays that have taken your fancy or create that dream play that you’ve always wanted your favorite team to try. Test the plays on the Practice Field. Then you can save the play to your personalized playbook. Using the NFL rules for football, you can coach the tame by calling the plays, watch the computer execute your coaching game plan, or call the plays and then control the ball¬ carrier. At the onset, you’ll load the teams you wish to play (there are sev¬ eral teams and their playbooks on a separate data disk) or create a new team. When doing that, you name the player, assign the position, and set parameters on the player’s agility, speed, strength, intelligence, and discipline. There’s also a fascinating computer play-calling strategy feature which allows you to “teach” the com¬ puter (via the Artificial Intelligence window) when to call a particular play, the quality of the play, as well as the expected results of the play. This could provide an interesting game as you coach one team and your computer which you’ve “taught” will coach the other team in your own style. In the actual game, you’ll have a view from above and, via a simple scrolling menu option, you can click on theplay you wish to call. Fascinating and Loads of Fun Broderbund has managed to really bring something new to football games with revolution¬ ary features such as the ability to “teach” the computer’s artificial intelligence, the limitless abilities of the Chalkboard Editor, even a play-by-play transcript giving you the ability to save all the play-by-play mes¬ sages as a text file! To review the tran¬ script, load it into a word processor, read it, edit it, or even print it out. It’s a fasci¬ nating approach to a game generally overdone on computer. Add to that, great graphics and terrific sound effects, as well as fine gameplay, and the football game comes out a real winner! It’s ex¬ tremely easy to learn to use, which is not to say it’s easy to master the plays, but Bu ‘ h R " d M ‘ n Sh ” e,otk — ’ 4kk — R " k K,tk . .- ^ there’s tremendous depth and exciting afternoons to be had in front of this one! (one player; two player simultaneous; 800K disk; reviewed on Macintosh) Recommended (MSR $49.95) DON’T GO ALONE (***1/2/***1/2) is a truly fascinating contemporary mystery adventure komAccoladeihai takes you into the world of the paranormal as you explore a haunted house (described in the instruc¬ tion book as “a house that tends to devour visitors”). It seems that your grandfather lost his mind in this place when he tried to prove to doubters that it was haunted. Your assignment is to select four computer com¬ panions to explore the house, prove that your grandfather was right, and find the Ancient One who rules the place. The game has a cast of 16 player characters in the general categories of technicians, chemists, psychics and adventurers. Once you’ve se¬ lected four of the characters for the attrib¬ utes you think will be most helpful, you’re off on a scary adventure that begins with the mansion’s front door closing ominously behind you. The wonderful introductory music and the first-person perspective of the graphics put you into the mood of the game right away. Fortunately for fearsome adven¬ turers, the experience begins gently, as the game allows you to do a fair amount of nosing around before you encounter any¬ thing scary. Just as the confidence level of your team begins to build, though, you can count on running into something that goes b u mp i n the n ig ht—or worse.Youcan choo se I00©OS® CiJ HALLS OF MONTEZUMA (NA/*** 1/2) re-creates the historical battles of Mexico City, Bcllau Wood, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Pusan, Inchon, and Hue in a game originally available forothercomputers two years ago. Strategic Studies Croup (distributed by Electronic Arts) has come up with a new user interface, written specifically for the the Macintosh and is Multi finder friendly. Very easy to use, especially as it is com¬ pletely mouse-controlled, you can use the very comprehensive wargame construction set, Warplan™ as well as a graphics editor, Warpaint™. There are up to 250 terrain icons per scenario which can be edited pixel by pixel to create very realistic looking maps. Learning to play the game is quite simple but includes what wargamers want...from commanding divisions to de¬ ploying battalions in a very detailed series of battles engaging the U.S. Marine Corps. The scenarios are very exciting and any war- gamer will definitely enjoy the ability to create all sorts of special battle scenarios and edit existing ones. Just place the custom icons on the maps with the mouse. The opening screen even includes a stirring ren¬ dition of the Marine Corps anthem, (one player; two-player; 1 Megabyte required; reviewed on Macintosh; also available for C64, Apple 11) Recommended (MSR $44.95) ttmMl tte«rr*wk«y«fevtoumtE* one of your characters to do battle, but the fear level of all four is likely to rise. Fear isn’t fatal, so the four continue on. In fact, your characters cannot die in this game. However, they can be scared to the point of panic and cause the entire team to be tele¬ ported to another section of the house to recover. As team members gain experience, ...conld. next page Computer Entertainer - November, 191 MS-DOS find objects and increase their level of con¬ fidence, they’re able to refer to their formula notebooks to concoct substances which may be useful in combating the supernatural inhabitants of the house. As the team ex- , plores the huge house, automapping keeps track of their progress. (The full-screen map is very helpful.) Good for Experienced Adventurers and Novices We liked Accolade’s first role-playing game (“The Third Courier,” reviewed last month), and we also like the second one. The first- | person perspective in DON’T GO ALONE really puts you into the game, and there is a great variety of wonderfully spooky crea¬ tures to encounter in the old house. We like the automapping feature and the simple “menu choice” approach to actions in the game. There is more than enough depth and complexity to satisfy the experienced ad¬ venture gamer, but the game manages not to intimidate the novice with too much frustra¬ tion, especially in the early stages. We had a difficult time tearing ourselves away from our explorations of the haunted house to write the review—a sure sign of a good game. (Solo play; Keyboard or mouse; EGA/ CGA/Tandy; Ad Lib or CMS sound; Not copy protected; Blank disk required for game-saving.) Available for MS-DOS only. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) GHOSTBUSTERS II (***^***1/2) is fro m Activision (desi gned bv Dvnamix) and celebrates the return antics of everyone’s favorite spook-hunting quartet. The game follows the plot of the movie closely and even uses digitized still photos from the film. The game begins in court, where the Ghostbusters are about to be fined $10,000 for practicing their trade. A slime sample held as evidence releases the ghosts of the infamous Scolcri Broth¬ ers, and there’s instant disorder in the court. Under your con¬ trol, it’s the Ghostbusters to the rescue—zap the Scoleris and the fine is dropped. The real game begins as you’re taken to the Lab at Ghostbusteis headquar¬ ters, the focal point of the game’s several sequences. From the lab, you can direct a Ghostbuster to collect slime samples for test¬ ing, dispatch one of the team for a ghostbusting job at one of several locations in the city, mount a rescue effort to help one or more Ghostbusters escape from Parkview Mental Hospital, test slime samples for reaction to certain songs, and finally take the Statue of Liberty for a walk through New York with a loaded slimeblower to prevent the emergence of Vigo at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Your goals are to collect enough money to be able to build the slimeblower, find the tunes that have a calming effect on slime, and keep Vigo from taking over New York and the world. Succeeds on Several Levels GHOSTBUSTERS II succeeds on several levels. The designers have done a great job of letting the player participate in the storyline of the movie. The story advances with shots of headlines announcing the Ghostbusters’ progress (or lack of it), pulling the various sequences of the game together into a unified adventure. Graphics and sound are excellent, and gameplay includes elements of both action and strategy. This one is a must for Ghostbusters’ fans. (Solo play; Joystick, mouse or keyboard; Pause; CGA/EGA/VGA/Tandy; Roland MT32 or Ad Lib sound; 5.25” & 3.5” disks included; Hard disk installable.) MS-DOS version reviewed; coming soon for Nintendo system. Recommended. (MSR $44.95) HERO’S QUEST: SO YOU WANT TO BE A HERO (***#****) from Sierra is an often humorous role-playing adventure by the husband and wife design team of Lori and Corey Cole. The first things you’ll notice about HERO’S QUEST are its lush, 3-D animated graphics and superb original music (written and performed by Mark Seibert). Once you’ve explored the beginnings of the game in the peaceful Alpine village of Spielburg, you’ll soon notice the playful approach to the storyline and characters. For example, your character is a recentgraduate of the Famous Adventurers’ Correspondence School. Unlike other Sierra adventures, however, your character is not set. You give the character a name, decide whether he will be fighter, magic user or thief, and then assign skill points in areas such as strength, intelligence, stealth and a number of others. This new adventurer, bursting with energy and confidence, enters Spielburg hoping to earn the title of “Hero” by vanquishing the band of brigands that has plagued the village. There is a lot for this schooled but untested adventurer to learn in Spielburg and the surround¬ ing countryside: many puzzles to be solved, beasts to be fought in animated combat sequences, and even magic spells to cast. The game is a multi-layered experience for the player. On the surface is the overall quest and the expected details of seeking items and vanquishing foes. The layers beneath will be appreciated by the sophisticated player who enjoys puns, literary references and clever humor. For example, Lori Cole’s theatrical background led her to see the game as a play taking place in the computer, making Spielburg (German for “play town”) an especially appropriate name for the game’s beginning. Lori Cole also brings to life the painting by stage designer Victor Hartman known as “The Hut on Chicken’s Legs,” which depicts the hut belonging to the Russian witch Baba Yaga. (This is one of the Hartman paintings which is celebrated musically in Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.”) Cole completes the reference by naming the ogress in this game “Baba Yaga.” Particularly for older players, finding this sort of buried treasure in a game is an absolute delight. (Solo play; Keyboard, mouse or joystick; Roland MT32, Ad Lib, Game Blaster sound; CGA/EG A/MCGA/VG A/Hcrcules/Tandy; 5.25" & 3.5" disks; Not copy protected; Blank disk required for game-saving.) MS-DOS version reviewed. Also planned for Atari ST, Macintosh and Amiga. RtcummetttieU. (MSk $5V.^5) — Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 MULTI-SYSTEM Software POWERDROME (★★**/★★**) is a futuristic racing simulation designed by Michael Powell fo r Electronic Arts. Imag¬ ine yourself in the 25th century, seated in the cockpit of a Typhoon-class racing hover¬ craft—a sort of race car with wings. You’ve put a lot of time into tuning your craft to a fine edge of responsiveness and sheer speed. You’ve practiced at the six tracks on differ¬ ent planets with their unique atmospheric and weather conditions. You know the best fuclforcach track. You’ve memorized every turn and tunnel. You know the racing styles of your four opponents. And you’re ready for the exhilaration of the race, the run for the coveted Cybemeufe Trophy. Unlike Any Other Racing Game POWERDROME is a racing game, but it’s unlike any other we’ve played. The Ty¬ phoon hovercraft is an exotic piece of ma¬ chinery, and you can have the fun of tinker¬ ing with its specifications. You’ll have to spend a lot of time practicing with it on the game’s six tracks, because theTyphoon is as fussy and sensitive as you’d expect from such an exotic vehicle. Learning to drivc/fly your Typhoon takes some getting used to. (Expect to crash a lot while you ’re learning.) But there’s more than just being able to handle the Typhoon skillfully. You have to learn the tracks, and you must master the use of the Robopit if you expect to race against the best the galaxy has to offer. All the effort is well worth the rewards, though, because POWERDROME is one fantastic gaming experience. The banked turns and goose- bump-raising tunnels of the race courses arc rendered in solid-fill polygon 3-D. You feel the unmistakable pit-of-thc-stomach sensa¬ tion of high speed throughout the runs. The thrill of POWERDROME is something like a cross between an Olympics luge run and Space Mountain at Disneyland. Definitely an “E ticket” ride! (Solo play; 2-playcr op¬ tion with null modem cable hookup between 2 computers; Mouse or joystick plus key¬ board; Pause.) Available for Amiga and Atari ST. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) Luccisfilm Games: New Versions of MANIAC MANSION Newly available from Lucasfilm Games are the Atari ST version of MANIAC MANSION and a newly upgraded MS-DOS version (MSR $49.95 each) with high reso¬ lution graphics, more detailed animation and enhanced sound effects. The new MS- DOS upgrade now supports EGA graphics capability, which is a vast improvement over the original version that was CGA only. Owners of the original MS-DOS pro¬ gram may upgrade for $10 by sending their old disks to P.O. Box 10307, San Rafael, CA 94912. I- BATTLE CHESS (****/***l/2 on GS) (***l/2/***l/2 on C64) is the unique chess simulation fro m Interplay Productions, and it is now available on two more systems. This program offers a standard two-dimensional chess board, a respectable opening library of 30,000 moves, a well-written manual that explains the basics of chess, and ten levels of play from novice to expert. That is what you expect from a computer chess simulation. What you don’t expect is this game’s real claim to fame: the option of playing on a 3-D board with ani¬ mated pieces. The chess board becomes a battlefield, and the pieces come to life as they challenge each other, culminating in one-on-one mortal combat. Each piece has its own unique methods of moving on the board and attacking a foe, and the results are entertaining to watch. Elaborate and realistic sound effects, especially notable in the GS version, add to the experience of playing this wonderful game—even if you don’t think of yourself as a chess player. The knight’s armor clanks as he moves from square to square. The queenglides regally, betraying the temptress side of her nature with the seductive swing of her hips. Swords clash, spells crackle the air, and the king has more than a few deadly tricks hidden in his voluminous robes. This is chess as you’ve never seen it before, and it’s a chess simu¬ lation that is likely to make even non-players want to learn the game. GS owners should note that BATTLE CHESS can also be played with a friend via modem in their version of the game. (1 or 2 players; Mouse on GS, joystick on C64; Not copy protected.) Apple I1GS and Commodore 64/128 versions reviewed. Also available for Amiga and MS-DOS. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) KEEF THE THIEF (**^***) is an irreverent and youthful fantasy role-playing game by Nauehty Pop Inc, for Electronic A rts . The hero is Keef, a juvenile delinquent who has been banished to the jungle by the Town Council for his general disruptiveness and bad attitude. This young man is now on his own for the first time. Brimming with confidence in his ability to do just about anything, Keef decides to try to beat an evil magician to the magic which will allow one of them to rule the world. In his travels, Keef encounters unsavory characters of every kind imaginable, plenty of monsters, and lots of opportunities to hone his talents as a thief and magic user. The design of the game presents very few barriers that separate you from the action and the story, allowing you to click on a variety of elements on the screen to accomplish movement, conversation, thievery, combat and more. We believe that the language and general feel of the game will appeal mostly to younger players in their teens and twenties rather than older fantasy role-game players. (Solo play; Mouse or keyboard; Not copy protected; Blank disk required for game-saving.) Apple 11GS and Amiga versions reviewed. Also planned for MS-DOS. MSR $49.95 WINDWALKER (★★*#'★**★) is a game of unusual depth and sensitivity that com¬ bines role-playing and action gaming in a fully developed fantasy world. Designed by Greg Malone of Ori gin. WINDWALKER is a sequel to “Mocbius” and incorporates much that we liked about that game. But the second game has a greater sense of spirituality than the first, revealing even more about the author’s obvious fascination with the philosophy and culture of the Orient. Multi-Faceted Quest As a disciple of Mocbius the Windwalker, your object in this game is to complete a multi¬ faceted quest that will restore the rightful Emperor to the throne, defeating the usurper Warlord who has imprisoned the Emperor in his own palace. Your ascent through the orders of enlightenment depends on your successful completion of this quest, along with passing the tests of body, spirit, honor and karma to prove your worthiness of the Order of the Windwalker. After a period of martial arts training, Mocbius asks that you begin by taking the role of a humble fisherman in the village of Xiang Loh. Here you can interact with the villagers and begin to acquire the knowledge you will need to complete your tasks. Before long, you will travel by land and sea, encounter unusual creatures, face martial arts combat with a variety of foes, learn to use magic, and much more. Totally Fascinating WINDWALKER is totally fascinating and a worthy successor to the ground-breaking “Mocbius.” There is more emphasis on the spiritual aspect of the quest in the second game. We found that this helped us to feel more directly involved in the quest. The fighting scenes which were so outstanding in the original game have been refined even further in WINDWALKER. We especially like the option to reflect on your experience. This option gives you an instant replay of the fighting sequence just completed, allowing you to study the moves of your fighter and his opponent. Most of all, we like the realism of this game. Even weather conditions change, and phases of the moon have an effect on certain aspects of the story. “Mocbius” was a tough act to follow, butGreg Malone has outdone himself with WINDWALKER. (Solo play; Keyboard; Mouse option on MS-DOS; MS-DOS supports CGA/EGA/VGA/MCGA/Tandy/Hcrculcs & Ad Lib, CMS, Covox, Innovation sound.) Apple llc/IIc, Commodore 64/128, MS-DOS versions reviewed. Coming soon for Macin¬ tosh, Amiga, Atari ST, Apple 11GS. Recommended. (MSR $39.95) _ J Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 APPLE II Software DRAGON WARS (***1/2/****) is the new fantasy role-playing game from Interplay Productions that has been eagerly awaited by fans of the company’s “Bard’s Tale” series. (Characters from those games can be used in DRAGON WARS, although they will not keep everything they’ve earned and learned in the earlier games.) This tale drops you into the middle of an entirely new world: a group of islands on the watery planet of Oeeana. Here you are a pilgrim who had been seeking the idyllic islands of Dilmun, only to find yourself dumped on Purgatory Island. This turns out to be a very ugly and inhospitable place, far from the paradise you had expected. The region is ruled by Namtar, the Beast of the Pit, and you vow to escape Purgatory and seek revenge on Namtar. There are a few little problems, however. You were stripped of everything you had when you landed at Purgatory— absolutely everything. So you join forces with a few other like-minded folks and hope for safety and success in numbers. As you explore the smelly, nasty island, you encounter many of its low-life inhabitants. Combat is inevitable, but it helps your party gain experience. In DRAGON WARS, you ’re given much more latitude of ehoice than is typical of role-playing games, including ranged combat and the ability to choose quick resolution or more detailed battle orders. You begin to learn about magic, which will be the key to success, even though it has been outlawed by Namtar. Lots of Great Features The more we played this game, the more we appreciated the obvious care that was devoted to its programming. It has the feel of a game that incorporates suggestions from players of the “Bard’sTale” series. There is more animation in the graphic windows. The game is much more forgiving in the early stages, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore the dank and muddy alleys of Purgatory without being in imminent danger of losing your life at every turn. DRAGON WARS is not easy, but its difficulty is never frustrating in the beginning portions of the game. The game has automapping, which is very helpful as you wander the look-alike streets of Purgatory. Nearly everything you need to play the game is either on the sereen or directly accessible with a keystroke or two. (We hate having to spend as much time with our nose in a manual as we do in playing the game.) Interplay Productions’ growing reputation as eraftsmen of solidly designed role-playing games will be enhanced by DRAGON WARS. (Solo play; Keyboard; Pause; Not copy protected; Blank disks re¬ quired.) Apple Ile/IIc version reviewed. Planned for Commodore 64/128, MS-DOS, Amiga. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) Apple IIGS Version of JAM SESSION from Broderbuttd Broderbund has just released a new Apple IIGS version of JAM SESSION (MSR $49.95), its award-winning music program. (The original program on Macintosh was honored by the Software Publishers Asso¬ ciation for “Best Sound,” “Best New Use of a Computer” and “Best Entertainment Pro¬ gram of the Year.”) The program allows the user to seleet from a variety of musical styles, then “play” with the computer key¬ board while the program makes great-sounding music. Music plays in real¬ istic, digitized sound, and the Apple IIGS version features 16-voice sound and sup¬ ports stereo sound cards. California Dreams Announces STREET ROD Sweepstakes Celebrating its new ’50s driving game, STREET ROD, California Dreams is spon¬ soring a sweepstakes promotion with a Grand Prize of a cherry red 1958 Chevy Impala. The company will also give away a full-size jukebox, an official Street Rod leather jacket, a replica ’50s car radio, and Street Rod T- shirts. The promotion runs through March 31,1990, and entry blanks will be available in computer magazine ads and store dis¬ plays. HARPOON Nearly Ready We’re happy to report that HARPOON is not vaporware. First announced nearly two years ago, the modem naval simulation based on the strategic board game of the same name will soon be available in MS-DOS format from Three-Sixty. (The board game is the same one that was used extensively by best-selling authorTom Clancy in setting up the naval encounters in his novel, The Hunt for Red October.) Programming of HAR¬ POON is in the able hands of Gordon Wal¬ ton and his crew at Digital Illusions. We had an opportunity to see the nearly completed program very recently when Tom Frisina of Three-Sixty visited our offices. After he installed HARPOON on our hard disk drive, Tom took us on a tour of some of the program’s features. HARPOON, which involves a variety of interactions between NATO and Eastern bloc naval forces in the North Atlantic, promises to appeal both to traditional wargamers and to those who have never played a wargame. Tom emphasized that the program’s manual will not be the several hundred-page type that can intimi¬ date the novice player. The program is setup in a Macintosh-like environment with lots of point-and-click menus. (The program can be controlled from the keyboard, but it’s easier with a mouse.) As we played through one of the HARPOON scenarios with Tom, we noticed how intuitively the program works. The design of HARPOON lets you explore, learn, and become very much involved in the missions. HARPOON also looks great: superbly detailed graphics en¬ hance the playing experience. The HARPOON package will also include a very special bonus for Tom Clancy fans: an exclusive booklet in which the author describes his impressions of a recent visit aboard a pair of Soviet Navy ships. Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 COMMODORE 64/128 Software SAVAGE (**^**1/2) is a British importbv Probe Software, made available in the U.S. on the Medalist label. The game is an arcade-style aetion-adventure with three levels. According to the story, the Savage is imprisoned in a castle dungeon. Working himself into a rage-fueled fury, the Savage tears through dungeon passages, slaying every mutant creature that stands between him and escape from his dank surroundings. In this first level of the game, he runs and jumps through the dungeons, avoiding or killing the enemy creatures. When slain, some of these creatures reveal new weapons orother items the Savage can use. After the Savage escapes the dungeon, he enters Death Valley where the viewpoint changes to a first-person perspective as if seen through the eyes of the Savage. This second level scrolls vertically, giving the impression of onrushing speed as the Savage encounters giant monoliths, ghosts and skulls. (This level is somewhat reminiscent of the arcade game, “Space Harrier” in its graphie treatment.) In this level, the Savage discovers that he was allowed to escape from the castle dungeon so that his maiden love could be kept imprisoned there. In the third level, the Savage returns to the castle only to find it locked. He gets around that problem by sending his eagle into the labyrinth to recover both the maiden and the Savage’s special powers. Noth ing Original to Offer For all the breathlessly excited descriptions of this game that appear on the box, we found SAVAGE only mildly appealing. The graphics are colorful with good animation, and the music is appropriately fast-paced. However, the gameplay has nothing original to offer. We would have appreciated a few more tricks or surprises to hold outinterest. As it is, SAVAGE is too similar to a lot of other arcade-style adventures to recommend it. (Solo play; Joystick or Keyboard; Pause.) Commodore 64/128 version reviewed. Also available for Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS at $34.95. Not recommended. (MSR $29.95) Apple IIGS Version of FAST BREAK from Accolade Accolade has just released a new Apple IIGS version of FAST BREAK (MSR $44.95), the basketball simulation that offers three-on-three, full-court action with offensive and defensive pro-style plays. Features include complete offensive and defensive play selection and control. ( " JVw VA*C AM INC'S HEARTBEA T-M 1 * tikii ¥iiii® Q/km (UJipp^fi NINTENDO Software CASTLEQUEST (***/***) is the first game SEGA GENESIS Software Follow-Vp on Arnold Palmer Golf Review As many may recall, we reviewed Sega’s Arnold Palmer Golf for Genesis in preliminary test form in August and, as such, we did not have instructions to work from. As a result, we were a bit fuzzy on a few items. We’d like to take a moment to clear up those areas now that we have a finished copy in hand. We had a really tough time figuring out the timing on the swing meter and, as such, made more shots into the rough than we’d like to admit to. After taking a look at the instructions, we hacked away again...with some more suc¬ cess. It’s still going to take you some time to master the gauge as it’s a series of three quick pushes on the “A” button at just the right second in order to get the swing you need to move down the fairway. We also did not know if there was more than one course included. There are three courses - United States, Japan, and Great Britain. For details, you can refer back to our original review but, we still hold to our original rating of ****/ *★*1/2 as this is an excellent golf game! WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER (***1/2/***1/2) is the latest sports game for the Sega Genesis with an overhead view of the field in a fast action game. Initially, you choose whether you want to play the World Cup competition or a Test Match. Either way, you’ll choose your team from a world map. Move the arrow over the country you wish to play for and choose the starting line-up (player’s statistics are listed to help you in your decision). As the game begins, you’ll have a view from directly above the players looking down on theirheads and shoulders as they kick, dribble, shoot, etc. The player you are controlling at any point has an arrow above him. The action is fast as the ball moves around the field. Various “close-up” screens appear for comer kicks, penalty kick contests, and goals. Beautiful Detail and Frantic Gameplay Once again, the Genesis dazzles with beautiful graphic detail as every move of the ball is clear, all the players moves about simultaneously without a note of flicker, and lovely graphics on the close- ups of such things as the corner kick. We found the control pad very responsive in the game itself, as we passed, kicked, etc., around the field. There’s a nice “thwack” of the ball whenever it’s booted. You definitely get the feel of being in the game. As you choose to play for various countries, you’ll find that the characteristics of the soccer teams in those countries as represented well. It’s a great addition for any sports fans out there, (one player; two-player simultaneous) Recommended released b\ Nexoft for the NES, and it’s a delight¬ ful action-adventure. The theme is a familiar one: yet another kidnapped princess (Margarita in this one) stashed in the far reaches of a 100-room castle belonging to an unspeakably evil character (Mad Mizer the Dark Lord in this game). In spite of the standard plot, though, CASTLE¬ QUEST has some interesting twists and novel features that make it a very enjoyable game to play. The player is the dashing hero, Prince Rafael, whose love for the impris¬ oned princess drives him on through unbe¬ lievable difficulties in Groken Castle. Scat¬ tered throughout the rooms are keys of six different colors, to be used on doors of matching colors. And there are precisely as many keys as doors, so there’s no room for error. Prowling the rooms are the Mad Mizer’s guards: knights, bishops, wizards, fire spirits, attack cats and phantom flowers. And there are hidden traps, moving floors, elevators, and more to contend with. Each room presents new puzzles to be solved. At least there are no time limits, and Prince Rafael has 50 lives (all of them needed, we assure you). There are also two fairies hidden within the castle, and they will help Prince Rafael when he reaches them. There is one special feature of CASTLEQUEST that is worth men¬ tioning. Whenever you pause the game with the “start” button or enter a new room in the castle, everything on the screen freezes, as you might expect. However, you can scan the frozen screen by moving your control pad or joystick. Since all rooms are larger than a single screen, this tech¬ nique can be very helpful in planning your strat¬ egy before you start your character moving. The full-game map included in the package is also very helpful. CASTLEQUEST promises to offer many hours of enjoyable adventuring and puzzle solving. (Solo play; Pause.) Recommended. (MSR approx. $40) TURBOGRAFX-16 Software ] ^ Do © DUNGEON EXPLORER (****^****) by Hudson Soft for NEC is the first role-playing game for the new TurboGrafx-16 system, and it’s a winner. Combining plenty of action with adventure, DUNGEON EXPLORER lets up to five players participate in the quest to restore the ORA Stone to the people of Odessia. Aliens have shattered the peace and happiness that once were the rule in Odessia, and it’s up to you to find the sacred stone that will return the land and its people to normal. A variety of character types are available for the player’s on-screen alter ego, including fighter, warlock, thief, elf and others, although no two people playing together may have the same character type. Exploration in this game covers over twelve levels of dungeons, vi llages and castles with a wide variety of enemies to encounter on the way to the ORA Stone. There are characters to meet in the game, some of whom will have information to help in the quest. Considerable Depth of Play We were very impressed by the quality of graphics, sound and gameplay in this first role- playing game for the TurboGrafx-16. Elements of DUNGEON EXPLORER reminded us of some other games, most notably some of the dungeon sequences which are reminiscent of “Gauntlet” and its tireless monster generators. There is considerable depth of play in DUNGEON EXPLORER, especially when two or more players join forces against the aliens. (This game should give you all the reason you need to purchase the TurboTap accessory and additional TurboPads.) There are surprises around every comer, black and white magic to be found and used, and enough variety in the dungeon scenes to make you want to find and explore every one of them. (1 to 5 players; Pause; Password & continue features.) Recommended. '""7* l ‘ m \ SJunstccn Tit i©xplot*fcr BLAZING LAZERS (***l/2/***l/2) from Hudson Soft and TohofSunrise for NEC is a classic, high-speed space shooting game that is guaranteed to wear control-pad grooves into your thumb. The action scrolls vertically as your swift Gunhed Star Fighter streaks into action with the ruthless Dark Squadron, through the star-sprinkled blackness of space and above the alien’s gigantic super weapons. There are nine levels of relentless shooting action and a dazzling array of power-up weapons available to help you protect Earth from the aliens. All the fast action combines with crisp graphics, very good music and synthesized voice to create a greatgaming experience for those who love nothing more than a high-speed shooting challenge. (Solo play; Pause; Continue feature.) Recommended. 10 Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 NINTENDO Software AIR FORTRESS (***^**1/2) from flat America lets you take on the threat of invad¬ ing alien Air Fortresses that are on a deadly course of destruction aimed at your home planet of Farmel in the peaceful Cromat Galaxy. Your task as hero Hal Bailman is to mount a one- man assault against the eight Air Fortresses and save Farmel. At each Air Fortress, play begins in a horizontally scrolling segment on the Air Base where alien objects fly and attack from the right as your character moves from left to right across the screen. As he shoots and dodges enemies, Hal can pick up extra energy and speeial Crash Beam Bullets which increase his chances of success in the next stage. If Hal destroys the enemies and navigates the Air Base barriers successfully, he moves through an Air Lock into the main body of the Air Fortress. Within the Air Fortress, Hal moves within an atmosphere of fluctuating gravi¬ tational forces and travels between areas via special lifts. There are more enemies within the Air Fortress, all seeking to keep Hal from reaching and destroying the Central Reactor of the fortress. If he is able to destroy the Central Reactor, he must find the hidden escape hatch before the entire fortress blows up. Then it's on the the next Air Fortress with more enemies and tougher challenges. Easy at First, But Soon Becomes Difficult Play is quite easy in the First level, making the game less frustrating for novice players. However, the difficulty level escalates quickly after the first Air Fortress. Accomplished gamers will appreciate the password feature, which allows you to start at higher levels and bypass the levels you’ve already conquered. Graphics are quite good overall, although there is some flashing of objects when there is a lotof movementon a single horizontal level of the screen. (The flashing wasn’t bad enough to bother us in this game.) We found the play action less interesting in the initial Air Base sequences than inside the Air Fortresses because it is so similar to other horizontally scrolling shooting games. Even though we enjoyed the floating movement within the fortresses, we did not find anything compelling enough in those sequences to make us want to play the game over and over again. We believe that AIR FORTRESS is the sort of game that many gamers will prefer to rent once or twice rather than buy. (Solo Play; Pause; Continue & password features.) Not recommended. MONSTER PARTY (***/***) puts you in the role of Mark, a young man who gets pulled into an adventure from Bandai when a mysterious creature from another planet lands at his home. The creature ex¬ plains that there are evil monsters terroriz¬ ing the population back home and Mark’s bat is the perfect weapon to defeat them. Upon entering the “Dark World,” you’ll destroy monsters by using your bat. Along the way, you* 11 find rooms where the “Boss” monsters live. You enter these rooms to fight them. You’ll find monsters in these rooms such as the man-eating plant who shoots lethal bubble (he looks a bit like the plant in “ Little Shop of Horrors"), Medusa who throws snakes at Mark, the giant spider shooting web strands, and more. You must kill all the “Boss” monsters in a round, then gel a key which will allow you to clear that round and move to the next. There are eight rounds, with an additional round in which you meet the Dark World Master. Each round has three different types of Boss Monsters. Interesting Collection of Monsters You’ll Find quite an interesting array of mon¬ sters as you make your way through the various levels, each with their own unique way of at¬ tempting to defeat Mark. The graphics of these monsters in their habitats are quite good with bright, colorful, and well-defined images. With onl y your bat, you’ll have to swing away at all the items tossed at you. The premise is nothing new, but it’s fun nonetheless. The game has a pass¬ word feature allowing you to pick-up where you left off the last time, (one player; password) Acclaim’s TOTAL RECALL: Correction Last month we stated that a Game Boy version of TOTAL RECALL would be designed by Acclaim for release next summer. We were in¬ formed by the company that there will be an Acclaim hatid heM TOT AL RECALL game, but not a version for Game Boy. Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 ROMANCE OF THE THREE KING¬ DOMS (***1/2/****) is the second strategic wargame for the Nintendo Enter¬ tainment System iromKoei, a company that is rapidly making a name for itself as a manufacturer of complex, high-quality his¬ torical wargames for computers and theNES. ROM ANCEOFTHETHREE KINGDOMS is set in second-century China, where your overall goal is to unify the country’s 58 states after the eollapse of the second Han dynasty. Your role as a warlord or master plunges you into the chaos of a leaderlcss country where no single warlord is powerful enough to claim the emperor’s throne. There arc five different scenarios that can be played, all of them deep, eomplex, and difficult to win. There are 255 characters in the game, including masters, governors and generals. There is a wealth of options, allowing for a nearly infinite variety of strategic gaming possibilities. There are ten skill levels, a computer-player “personality” that can be either warlike or rational, the ability to play with friends (up to eight players), and a wide variety of resources to manage (such as gold and rice) and events to take into account, including natural disasters. Asa warlord or master, you not only choose where and when to make war, but you must also see to the welfare of your people, engage in diplomatic exchanges, recruit generals, trade with merchants and weapons makers, and keep track of many other details in this unusually complex simulation of historical situations. ROMANCE OF THE TI1REE KING¬ DOMS is not a game for every NES owner—cer¬ tainly not for those who prefer fast action—but it is made to order for the typically older and more serious gamer looking for a major intellectual challenge. This is a superb piece of programming that will keep strategic gamers happily occupied for many months. (1 to 8 players; Save game feature.) Also available for MS-DOS computers. Recommended. (MSR approx. $70) TETRIS (**^***) is Nintendo’s version of the Soviet-designed puzzle game which has been a universal favorite on computer systems in versions from Spectrum Holo- Byte. The Nintendo version is far less gra¬ phically elaborate than any of the computer versions, and it docs not allow for more than one player. However, the basic theme of the game is the same in all versions: maneuver falling groups of four blocks (seven differ¬ ent configurations) so that they come to rest in interlocked positions, forming completed horizontal lines of ten blocks which are removed as they form. Block groups can be rotated as they fall, and you can earn extra points for eliminating two, three or four horizontal lines of blocks at a time. There arc 20 progressive skill levels, with blocks falling faster at higher skill levels. TETRIS is extremely simple to learn but very diffi¬ cult to stop playing, because it has an addic¬ tive quality. Nintendo’s version ofTETRIS, while just as habit-forming as other versions we’ve played, lacks the punchy graphics and multiple-player game options that we were used to in the computer versions. It also should be noted that there was an earlier version ofTETRIS for the NES designed by Tengen, which has since been removed from store shelves because of a court order result¬ ing from pending litigation between Nin¬ tendo and Tengen over the video game rights to TETRIS. Unfortunately for players who enjoy this kind of puzzle gaming, the Tengen version of TETRIS was superior both gra¬ phically and in play action and options to the new Nintendo version. (TheTengen version allowed head-to-head TETRIS bouts be¬ tween two players, forex ample.) Nintendo’s TETRIS is good despite its shortcomings, but our “recommended” rating applies only if you do not already have either the Tengen version or one of Speetrum HoloByte’s computer versions of the game. (Solo play; Pause.) NES version reviewed. Also avail¬ able from Speetrum HoloByte for Amiga, Apple 11, Apple I1GS, Macintosh, Mac 11, MS-DOS, Atari ST at $34.95; for Commo¬ dore 64/128 at $24.95. Recommended. (MSR $44.95) Atari Lynx to Be in Short Supply The new portable color entertainment sys¬ tem, Atari Lynx, will be in shorter supply for the rest of this year than the company had originally predicted, according to sources at Atari. Introduction of Atari Lynx has been delayed slightly and will be limited to the New York market for 1989. Advance Reviews of New NEC Games to Be Featured Thanks to outstanding cooperation from NEC, our readers can look forward to ad¬ vance reviews in the next few issues of these early 1990 releases for the TurboGrafx-16: ORDYNE, PAC LAND, FINAL LAP TWIN, MILITARY MADNESS and SPACE HARRIER. NINTENDO Software r HOLLYWOOD SQUARES (**1/2/**) is GameTek’s videogame re-creation of the popular TV quiz show. The object is to win a game of Tic-Tac-Toe in which “ce¬ lebrities” occupy the squares in the game grid. The contestant chooses a celebrity, a question is asked, and the celebrity answers with a joking or sarcastic response and then his or her “real” answer. The contestant earns money and an Xor O on the celebrity ’s spot in the grid by being correct in agreeing or disagreeing with the celebrity’s answer. The game includes the familiar feature of the TV show, including Secret Squares and playing for a new car after three games. Much of the appeal of the TV game show is in the personalities of the celebrities and their seemingly impromptu joking answers. In the NES version, you get the jokes but without personalities of the celebrities. HOLLYWOOD SQUARES just doesn’t hold much interest in the NES format. (1 or 2 players; Pause.) Also available for Apple II, Commodore 64/128 and MS-DOS computers at $14.95. Not recommended. ] "\ FESTER’S QUEST (**^***) features Uncle Fester of * The Addams Family" fame as he sees a UFO land and scout the family household for life forms. Featuring the very familiar music from the camp TV series, this Sunsoft game finds Uncle Fester going from house to house looking for enemy creatures. Various members of that strange Addams Family household are found in these homes. They will give Uncle Fester various items needed for the quest. Fester must work his way around town, sometimes via the underground sewers, as he at¬ tempts to kill off the aliens and rescue the townspeople. Blinking Graphics While the premise is cute, and the gameplay fine for the premise, we fo und disturbing blinking which broke-up the Fester character as he moved about town. It didn’t ap¬ pear that there were enough mov¬ ing sprites on the screen to justify the amount of blinking and prob¬ lem graphics. Certainly, the music is cute and the Addams Family a cult favorite with many; however, the gameplay is not unique enough, and the graphic prob¬ lem is bothersome enough to force us to recommended against the game (one player; continue feature) Not Recommended DUCK TALES (***1/2/***) is a cute arcade-style game from Capcom with Scrooge McDuck as the main character in a quest of the legendary Five Lost Treasures so he cam become the “richest duck in the world.” Joining Scrooge are the three nephews: Huey, Dewey, and Louis, as well as Webby. Together, they trek through the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas, the jungles of the Amazon, a haunted house in Transylvania, the below-ground mines of Africa, and even the surface of the moon. Scrooge has his cane to open treasure chests and remove rocks from his path. Along the way, there are bonus items which can be picked up for money as well as additional lives. Cute for Kids This is really geared towards young kids as they will particularly enjoy the Disney characters. The theme is certainly very familiar as you work your way through various “lands” picking up treasures and looking out for enemies. The graphics are cute, and the likenesses of the Disney char¬ acters are quite good. This would definitely be fun for kids to play as they help Scrooge, and the nephews, out of all sorts of precari¬ ous situations, (one player; continue fea¬ ture) Recommended DOUBLE DRAGON Coming to Game Boy Tradewest recently announced a licensing agreement with American Technos and Technos Japan that will allow the company to create a new version of DOUBLE DRAGON as its first title for the Nintendo Game Boy. Tradewest also plans three additional Game Boy titles which have not yyet been announced. 12 ROLLING THUNDER (**1/2/***) finds you in the role of an agentof a powerful secret police organization, named Rolling Thunder. Your mission in this game from Tenyen is to infiltrate the underground headquarters of the Evil Society and save the beauti¬ ful agent Leila and smash the plot to conquer the world by defeating the Evil Society’s lead, Mabu. You begin your mission at the entry passageway of the enemy’s lair. All you have is your hand¬ gun with limited bullets (although you c an get more by entering the door named “bullets.” There are also doors which can be entered, labeled “Arms” which have more powerful heavy-duty firing power. There are many other doors, with many opening as enemy agents jump no *ur «9 un oo i Bin-urr toe ip iosoq TIME tfl \ iXr It t out at you. You’ll move through many areas (ten in all) before reaching the final deadly en¬ counter with Mabu. You’ll move through warehouses, caves, lava fields, and ruined buildings. Good Action, Average Graphics There’s non-stop action for lovers of the genre. There are enemy agents coming from all angles as you shoot you way through the various levels. The graphics are okay...the figures are good sized, but rather “stick-figured” with some blinking. But, the action is good and action lovers should enjoy the challenge as the enemy jumps down from above, from behind doors, and more as you fight your way through the passageways, (one player; continue feature) Recommended Atari Announces Three New Games for 7800 Three major arcade hits have recently made their way to the Atari 7800. Atari’s version of COMMANDO (MSR $29.99) features all the levels of the coin-op for one or two players. Activision’s RAMPAGE and DOUBLE DRAGON ($29.99 each) also accommodate one or two players and bring a pair of arcade favorites to the 7800 system. Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 SNEAK PREVIEW NINTENDO Software Editor's Note: the following two games from FCI were reviewed in early prototype stage. Programming is not yet complete, as they are not due to be released until early next year. As a result, these are not to be considered complete and final reviews since there could be significant differences between these early versions and the completed games. PHANTOM FIGHTER (***/** *1/2) from FCI is an adventure with a martial arts theme that looks very interesting. The player controls the Phantom Fighter, Kenchi, who is a skilled martial artist. He is out to defeat the strangely evil Chinese phantoms, Kyonsh- ies, which are creating havoc in eight villages. Kenchi is followed around by his assistant, who really doesn’t do anything except to offer Kenchi access to his inventory. In each village, there is a variety of locations, including houses, temples, graveyards and a Kung Fu training school. Temples are useful for regaining strength, and Kenchi can add to his repertoire of martial arts skills by training at the Kung Fu school. However, he cannot train unless he can correctly answer a question posed by the school guard and then offer the required number of scrolls in payment to the Kung Fu master. The other locations in each village are inhabited by Kyonshies, strange floating creatures that vary in their ferocity in combat. If Kenchi defeats the Kyonshies in any one location, the villagers will give him important informa¬ tion and items that will help him on his journey through the eight villages. Different from Usual Martial Arts Adventures We enjoyed playing PHANTOM FIGHTER because it has a different look and feel from the more typical martial arts adventures. The animation of the characters in fighting sequences is quite realistic, and we really liked the adventure elements that make this much more than just a physical contest. (Solo play; Pause; Password feature.) Recommended. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING (**^***1/2) from FCI_ appears to be the most full-featured wrestling game we’ve seen yet on the Nintendo system. Whether you choose to play solo or tag team matches against the computer or a friend, there is so much variety available in WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING that it looks like a good one for wrestling fans to plan on adding to their libraries. Twelve NWA wrestlers are included in the program, each with a repertoire of eight favorite moves specific to that wrestler. After you choose your wrestler, you choose four of his favorite moves and enter the ring. Each wrestler can use three basic moves (body slam, head butt and hammer throw) activated by control pad and action buttons along with the chosen favorite moves and one specialty move that can only be used under certain circumstances. There is also a full range of other actions, including running, flying moves, climbing in and out of the ring, and even attack with a deadly weapon (outside the ring only). Action in and out of the ring is depicted realistically, complete with wildly enthusiastic crowds cheering the wrestlers on to ever more violent moves. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING looks like a good one! (1 or 2 players; Pause; Password feature.) Recommended. SEGA Software GALAXY FORCE (****/***) is the latest for Seva . with four-mega power fea¬ tured. In this space shoot ‘em up you can journey to four different planets, each with very different landscapes-everything from the Fire Planet with shooting fire geysers to the Gobi Desert, complete with funnel clouds. You must make your way success¬ fully through all four planets in order to face the enemy mothership in a final to- the-death battle. You have a protective shield of protection which allows several hits from bullets and/or missiles before your ship is destroyed. If you manage to blast through the Fourth Empire fleet sur¬ rounding the planet, you must enter the Death Tunnel where the walls are con¬ stantly twisting and shifting and, of course, guarded by enemy troops. You must pilot your way through the tunnel, in one piece to continue on. Stunning Graphics The main draw are the terrific graphics - colorful and varied. The gameplay is cer¬ tainly reminiscent of many others of the genre as it is a fast-paced shoot-’em-up - you against various enemies in an attempt to conquer all four planets. This one is really for anyone who loves greatgraphics. If you already have good shoot—em-ups such as Space Harrier, you may want to pass on this one. (one player; continue feature) V_ Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 Hal America Will Sell VEGAS DREAM Directly to Consumers VEGAS DREAM, which will feature a variety of casino-style games, will not be available from the stores where you usually purchase your NES games. Hal America, the designer of this title, plans to make the game available to consumers via mail order directly from the company only. The game will sell for $49.95 and can be ordered using forms in magazine ads slated to appear in early 1990. The company also plans to send the order forms to all consumers on their mailing list. We have received an advance copy of this game from Hal America, and it will be reviewed in an upcoming issue. Also watch for advance reviews of these Hal America games: ROLLERBALL for NES and SHANGHAI and REVENGE OF THE ‘GATOR for Game Boy. ^ FREE Master Index 1982-1988 With New Subscription Does this copy belong to a friend? Why not get your own subscription and save each issue for future reference. Send this coupon in with a check, money order, or bankcard information and we’ll get you started right away so you can get all the news, previews, and reviews before you can get them anywhere else. Name:__ Address:_ City: - State_Zip:_ _1 Year US/Canada (1st Class) - $25.00 _1 Year Foreign Airmail - $38.00 _Check/Money Order Enclosed _Visa/Mastercard/Amex/Discover Bankcard # (all digits):_ Expiration Date: _ Name on Card (print): _ _ Signature (required):_ Send to: Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Ave Van Nuys, CA 91411 (818)761-1516/ (FAX) 818-904-9632 V (order by phone or fax on bankcard) ATARI ST OCTOBER After Burner (SEG) x-P16 Combat Pilot (EA) Infestation (PSY) Licence to Kill (BRO) x Maniac Mansion (UF) Manx Marauders (PSY) x Paperboy (MIN) x-Pipe Dream (LF) Pirates (MIC) x-Populous (EA) x Powerdrome (EA) x-Star Command (SSI) Their Pinest H our (LF) Xybou (TEN) NOVEMBER Barbarian II (PSY) Carthage (PSY) Flash Dragon (PSY) Joan of Arc (BRO) Killing Game Show (PS Y) Savage (MED) x-Super Hang-On (DE) DECEMBER Aquavemura (PSY) Dragons of Flame (SSI) Gore (PSY) Pool of Radiance (SSI) Shadow of the Beast (PSY) FOURTH QUARTER APB. (TEN) Arkanoid II (TAJ) Bad Dudes (DE) Colony, The (MIN) Double Dragon II (MH) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SPO) Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top (MIN) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Guardians of infinity (PAR) Guerrilla War (DE) Harpoon (TS) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Adv (LF) Knsial, The (CIN) Never Mind (PSY) Operation Wolf(TAl) Platoon (DE) Qix (TAJ) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Shinobi (SEG) Shoot’Em Up Construe Kit (ACO) Stryx (PSY) Tail Eclipse (SPO) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) Weird Dreams (MED) Wizard Wars (PAR) JANUARY 1990 Loom (LF) Wmdwalkcr (ORJ) FEBRUARY Firestone (PSY) FIRST QUARTER Space Rogue (ORI) CmUQPQRE 641121 OCTOBER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) x-Aussie Games (MIN) x-Beyond Dark Castle (ACT) Blood Money (PSY) x-Cabal(CAP) x-Downhill Challenge (BRO) x Empire (INS) Face Off! (GAM) x-Forgouen Worlds (CAP) x-FrigJitmare (ACO) x Pipe Dream (LF) X-Savage (MED) x-Space Rogue (ORI) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER x-Battle Chess (IP) Dragon Wan (IP) X-Knighls of Legend (ORI) x Life Force (KON) DECEMBER Castlevania (KON) Cycles, The (ACO) Dragons of Flame (SSI) Sentinel Worlds I: Future Magic (EA) Starftight (EA) FOURTH QUARTER AP B (TEN) Dudes (DE) Ballistix (PSY) Captain Fizz (PSY) Cycles. The (ACO) Death bn nger (SPO) Double Dragon II (MH) Palcon (SPE) Penan Formula One (EA) Ghostbutten II (ACT) Heavy Barrel (DE) Licence to Kill (BRO) Orel Henhiser's Strike Zone (MH) PT 109(SPE) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Sgt Slaughter Mat Wan (MIN) Shark Attack - G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Super Hang On (DE) TV Sports Football (CIN) War in Middle Earth (MH) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) Weird Dream* (MED) JANUARY 1990 Metal Gear (KON) Super C (KON) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) FEBRUARY 1990 Blades of Steel (KON) Double Dribble (KON) AMIGA OCTOBER Barbarian II (PSY) x Beyond Dark Castle (ACT) x-Blockout (CAL) x-Downhil] Challenge (BRO) x Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top (MIN) x-Forgouen Worlds (CAP) Infestation (PSY) x Keef the Thief (EA) Licence to Kill (BRO) Matrix Marauders (PSY) x Pipe Dream (LF) x Pocket Rockets (CAP) x Powerdrome (EA) x-Shadow of the Beast (PSY) x Space Quest III (SIE) x Stellar Crusade (SSI) x-Swords of Twilight (EA) Their Finest Hour (LF) x Where in USA/C Sandiego? (BRO) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER x Bad Dudes (DE) Blue Angels (ACO) Carthage (PSY) Flash Dragon (PS Y) Joan of Are (BRO) If It Moves. Shoot It! (BRO) It Came from the Desert (CIN) Killing Game Show (PS Y) Neuromancer (IP) Pool of Radiance (SSI) x RoboCop (DE) Savage (MED) x Super Hang On (DE) TV Sports Basketball (CIN) DECEMBER Aquaventura (PSY) Dragons of Flame (SSI) Gore (PSY) Surflighl (EA) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) FOURTH QUARTER APB (TEN) Arkanoid 11 (DIS) Artura (ARC) Colony, The (MIN) Dr. Doom’s Revenge (PAR) Dragon Force (INS) F-I9 Stealth Fighter (MIC) Federation (SPO) Fidelity Che asm aster 2100 (ST) Ghost busters II (ACT) Guerrilla War (DE) HiidBaU II (ACO) Harpoon (TS) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Adv (LF) KyBos (BS) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) Magic Johnson Basketball (MH) Never Maid (PSY) Operation Clean Streets (BRO) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Sky Shirk (TAJ) Stryx (PSY) Total Eclipse (SPO) Weird Dreams (MED) January 1990 Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) Double Dribble (KON) Harley Davidson: Rd to Sturgis (MIN) Loom (LF) Star Trek V: Final Frontier (MIN) Super C (KON) Wmdwalkcr (ORJ) FEBRUARY Firestone (PSY) Pirates (MIC) MARCH Metal Gear (KON) FIRST QUARTER Knights of Legend (ORI) Space Rogue (ORI) APPLE lhUR OCTOBER x Dark Heart of Uukrul (BRO) x Dragon Wan (IP) x-Kings Quest IV (SIE) x Prince of Penia (BRO) x Qix (TAI) x Renegade (TAT) NOVEMBER x Knights of Legend (ORJ) Pipe Dream (LF) War of the Lance (SSI) Where in Time/C Sandiego (BRO) FOURTH QUARTER Batman (DE) Fast Over Germany (SSI) Heavy Barrel (DE) Indiana Jones & Temple of Doom (MIN) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) Manhtmier New York (SIE) RoboCop (DE) Superstar Ice Hockey (MIN) JANUARY 1990 Degeneration (BRO) APPLE UGS. OCTOBER x-Baule Chess (IP) x Dark Castle (TS) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Indoor Sports (MIN) x Keef the Thief (EA) Superstar Soccer (MIN) x-Three Stooges (ON) Xybou (TEN) NOVEMBER x Fast Break (ACO) Renegade (TAI) Third Courier (ACO) DECEMBER Jam Session (BRO) FOURTH QUARTER APB (TEN) Ancient Land of Ys (KYO) Captain Blood (MIN) Double Dragon II (MH) Halls of Montezuma (SSG) Indiana Jones St Temple of Doom (MIN) Leisure Suit Larry II (SIE) Life St Death (ST) Quartern iff (INF) Qix (TAI) Rastan (TAI) Zoom! (DIS) JANUARY 1990 Wmdwalkcr (ORI) MACI NT OSH OCTOBER x B lockout (CAL) x Grand Prix Circuit (ACO) x Pipe Dream (LF) x Pool of Radiance (SSI) NOVEMBER Halls of Montezuma (SSG) x Playm alter Football (BRO) FOURTH QUARTER Arkanoid Construe Set (DIS) Arkanoid 11 (DIS) Captain Blood (MIN) Carrier Command (MED) P-19 Stealth Fighter (MIC) Fidelity Chessmaster 2100 (ST) Harpoon (TS) Kamov (DE) Leisure Suit Larry U (SIE) Omega (ORI) Sceptre (DIS) Star glider II (MED) UltimaIV (ORJ) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) JANUARY 1990 Star Trek V: Final Frontier (MIN) Wmdwalker (ORI) FIRST QUARTER Space Rogue (ORI) MS-DOS OCTOBER A 10 Tank Killer (DYN) ABC Monday Night Football (DE) x Ajax (KON) X Aussie Games (MIN) x Banda Kings of Ancient China (KOE) x Bar Games (ACO) X Cabal (CAP) x Carrier Command (MED) Clubhouse Sports (MIN) Conquests of Camclot (SIE) x Cycles, The (ACO) Daval Wolf Secret Agent (DYN) Death track (ACT) Dej. Vu II (IS) Die Hard (ACT) x Don't Go Alone (ACO) a F16 Combat Pilot (EA) x Face Off! (GAM) x-Ferrari Pormula One (EA) x Frighimare (ACO) x Ghoatbustcn II (ACT) x Grave Yardage (ACT) Harley Davidson RdtoSturgi* (MIN) x-Hero's Quest (SIE) x-Indima Jones Ust Crusade/Action (LF) x-Jorn of Arc (BRO) x-John Madden Football (EA) x Licence to Kill (BRO) x-MI Tank Platoon (MIC) Matrix Marauders (PSY) MechWamor (ACT) x Mines of Titan (INF) x Pipe Dream (LF) x Pocket Rockets (CAP) x Psychic War (KYO) Rambo III (TAJ) Rastan (TAI) x Shinobi (SEG) x-Siarglidcrll (MED) x-Tangled Talcs (ORI) x-Theii Finest Hour (LF) x Third Courier (ACO) x-Tongue of the Faiman (ACT) x Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) Xybots (TEN) NOVEMBER Bandit Kings of Ancient China (KOE) Blood Money (PSY) Blue Angels (ACO) Dragons of Flame (SSI) F14 Tomcat (ACT) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) x HardBaU II (ACO) If It Moves, Shoot 111 (BRO) x-Jackal (KON) x-Neuromancer (IP) Qix (TAI) x-RoboCop(DE) Savage (MED) TV Sports Football (CIN) x-Windwalker (ORI) DECEMBER B attics of Napoleon (SSI) Gore (PSY) Indianapolis 500 The Simulation (EA) Second Front (SSI) Wolf pack (BRO) FOURTH QUARTER APB (TEN) Arthur Quest for Excalibur (INF) Baal (PSY) Ballistix (PSY) Bubble Bobble (TAI) Code Name: Ice Mm (SIE) Colonel's Bequest (SIE) Conspiracy: Deadlock Files (ACO) Cycles, The (ACO) Dark Side (SPO) Dcathbringer (SPO) Double Dragon II (MH) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Dragon Wan (IP) Eye of the Storm (ACO) Federation (SPO) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Gold of the Amencis (SSG) Harpoon (TS) Heat Wave (ACO) Hybris (DIS) Journey (INF) Kristal, The (CIN) KyBos (BS) Leisure Suit Larry III (SIE) Manhole, The (ACT) Menace (PSY) Never Mmd (PSY) Orel Henhiser’s Strike Zone (MH) Overrun (SSI) Quanenuff (INF) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Scooby-Doo (MI) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (MH) Shogun (INF) Soroerim (SIE) Star Fleet II (INS) Storm acroas Europe (SSI) Super Hang-On (DE) Sword of the Samurai (MIC) Wend Dreams (MED) Zork Zero (INF) JANUARY 1990 Aquaventura (PSY) Barbarian II (PSY) Blades of Steel (KON) Castlevania (KON) Double Dnbble (KON) Infestation (PSY) Loom (LF) Metal Gear (KON) Super C (KON) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ULT) FEBRUARY Carthage (PSY) FIRST QUARTER Knights of Legend (ORJ) Pnnce of Penis (BRO) Shuffiepuck Cafe (BRO) ATARI MQQ FOURTH QUARTER Double Dragon (ACT) Ikari Warrion (AT) Motorodeo (AT) Off the Wall (AT) Radar Lock (AT) Road Runner (AT) Sentinel (AT) Shooting Arcade (AT) Street Fight (AT) White Water Madness (AT) ATARI 7m NOVEMBER xCommando (AT) x Double Dragon (ACT) x Rampage (ACT FOURTH QUARTER Barnyard Blaster (AT) Ikari Warriors (AT) Jinks (AT) Mat Mama Challenge (AT) Mem 18 Golf (AT) Ninja Golf (AT) Planet Smishen (AT) Sentinel (AT) While Water Madnesa (AT) Xenophobe (AT) ATARI XF CAME SYSTEM FOURTH QUARTER Commando (AT) Dencktor (AT) Mali Maze (AT) Super Football (AT) Tower Toppter (AT) Xenophobe (AT) tit NT E N DQ. OCTOBER Abyss, The (ACT) x Adventure of Dino-Riki (HS) x-Air Fortress (HAL) Battle of Olympus (BRO) x-Cismo Kid (SOF) (Sofel) Diehard (ACT) x Duck Tates (CAP) x Fester’* Quest (SUN) x-Holly wood Squares (GT) x-Jeopardy Jr(GT) x- Jordan Vs Bird (MB) x Power Glove (MAT) x-Road Runner (TEN) x Rolling Thunder (TEN) Short OrdetfEggspledel (NLN) x Stealth A T E (ACT) x-Teois(NlN) x Three Stooges (ACT) x-Wheel of Fortune Jr (GT) NOVEMBER Afterburner (TEN) Alien Syndrome (TEN) All-Pro Basketball (VT) Chessm aster (HT) Clash at Demon Head (VT) x-Flying Dragon (CB) x Goali(JAL) x-Godzilla (Toho) x King's Knight (SQ) x Romance of Three Kingdoms (KOE) Sesame Street ABC (HT) Spy V*. Spy U (KS) To the Earui (N1N) x Twin Eagle (ROM) Vindicator* (TEN) Wild Boys (BAJ*f) WinLoae Or Draw (HT) DECEMBER Arch on (ACT) Cybemoid (ACM) Dig Dug D (BAN) Ghostbuster* II (ACT) ImnSword (ACM) Kings of Beach (ULT) Knight Rider (ACM) NES Satellite (NIN) Rescue: Embassy Mission (KS) RoboCop (DE) Shadow gale (KS) Shinobi (TEN) Silent Service (ULT) Super Pitfall II (ACT) Tombs and Treasure (ACT) Toobin* (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Brel Street Brawler (MAT) Baseball Simulator (CB) Boy A His Blob (ABS) Code Name. Viper (CAP) Demon Sword (TAI) Double Dare (GT) Glove Pilot (MAT) I Stewart Super Off Road (TW) Marvel’s X-Mcn (UN) 720 (MIN) Super Glove Ball (MAT) Super Password (GT) Target Renegade (TAI) Terror of Tech Town (MAT) Twin Cobra (AS) Unser’s Tuibo Racing (DE) Willow (CAP) JANUARY 1990 B igfoot (ACM) Championship Bowling (ROM) Double Dragon II (ACM) Fantasy Zone (TEN) MTV’* Remote Control (HT) Police Academy (TEN) Roller Ball (HAL) Top Gun 2nd Mission (KON) Xybots (TEN) FEBRUARY Jack Nicklaus Greatest 18 (KON) Super Mario Bros 3 Vegas Dream (HAL) MARCH Fun House (HT) Hunt for Red October (HT) Muppet Adventure (HT) Super Spile VBal] (NIN) FIRST QUARTER 1990 Batman (SUN) GiUigan’t bland (BAN) I Cm Remember (FP) Jeopardy Silver Anniv (GT) Magic Johnson's Fist Break (TW) Perfect Fit (FP) Phantom Fighter (FC1) Princess Tomsto (HS) Snoopy's Silly Sports (KS) Star Trek V (BAN) Super Spy Hunter (SUN) Super Sushi Pinball (CSG) Terminator (SUN) U-Force (BRO) US Championship Volleyball (NIN) Wheel of Fortune Family Ed (GT) World Champthp Wrestling (FCI) MASTER SYSTEM OCTOBER Basketball Nightmare (SEG) x-Galaxy Force (ACT) World Games (SEG) NOVEMBER Dead Angle (SEG) Dynamite Dux (SEG) Scramble Spirit (SEG) Super Golf (SEG) Tennis Ace (SEG) JANUARY 1990 Golden Axe (SEG) r. © 1989 Computer Entertainer and Video Game Update $25 00 annually in U.S. Funds for 12 issues, published monthly. Foreign airmail $38.00 in ^ Send ^yrn^it U Comp^^^^^TsTl'd^mona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411. (818) 761-1516. C ° m P u ^ p " iatehdogT^dingCritical not be changed or altered in any way. A 14 Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 SUBSCRIBER BUYING SERVICE 1 Program Air Fortress (NES) Cost 41.60 Sys/Format Quantity Total Arnold Palmer Golf (Gen) 45.80 Aussie Games (Co) 22.30 Bad Dudes (Am-32.90;Ap,MS-28.80) BattleChess (Co,GS,Am,MS,Sr) 36.40 Blockout (am,MS,Mac) 28.80 Castlequest (NES) 36.80 Don’t Go Alone (MS) 28.80 Dragon Wars (Ap) 36.40 Duck Tales (NES) 42.70 Fester’s Quest (NES) 37.95 Galaxy Force (Seg) 49.40 Ghostbusters II (MS) 32.90 Halls of Montezuma (Mac) 32.90 Hero’s Quest (MS,ST*,Mac*,Am*) 43.60 Hollywood Squares (NES) 42.75 Keef the Thief (Am,GS,MS*) 36.40 Licence to Kill (MS-22.30;Co*-14.80;Am,ST-39.80) Monster Party (NES) 36.90 Playmaker Football (Mac) 36.40 Powerdrome (Am,ST) 28.80 Robocop (MS,ST-28.80;Co,Ap-26.10;Am-32.90) Rolling Thunder (NES) 47.20 Savage (Co-22.30; Am,ST,MS - 26.10) Shinobi (Co-26.10;MS-28.80;Am*,ST*-36.40) Space Quest III (Am,ST,MS,Mac*) 43.60 Super HangOn (I,ST,Mac-28.80;Am-32.90;Co-22.30) Tetris (NES) 33.60 Thunderchopper (MS) 28.80 U.F.O. (MS) 36.40 Wayne Gretzky Hockey (MS) 38.40 Windwalker (Ap,Co,MS) 28.80 World Championship Soccer (Gen) 31.20 RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! One Year Renewal 21.00 1 wo Year Renewal 38.00 One Year Overseas Renewal 33.00 NAME: Sub-Total ADDRESS: 61/2% Tax (CA only) CITY Shipping: state zip TOTAL ENCLOSED! Phone Subscriber # Shipping Chart: Check/MO Bankcard....Expiration Date UPS... 1st 2 lb ea add. lb Card#: Calif, Nevada, Arizona 2.50 .25 Signature: Continental US 3.25 .50 KEY: *=preorder;AM=Amiga;Ap=AppIe II;Co=Commodore 64/128; MS=MS DOS & IBM PC/compatibles;Mac=Macintosh;GS=AppIe GS; ST=Atari ST; NES=Nintendo; SEGA=Sega;GEN=Genesis; 4.25 .30 TG=NEC TurboGrafx-16 Save time and PHONE your order in on Voice Mail at 1-800-228-4336 (outside Calif.) FAX YOUR ORDER! - 818-904-9632 Canada 8.00 1.05 Postal (P.O. Boxes & APOlFPO) Calif, Nevada,Arizona Continental US (& APO/FPO) 4.75 .90 Canada 6.75 1.30 FOREIGN: Please Contact Us for Rates ORDERS THAT ARE FAXED OR VOICE MAILED RECEIVE FREE UPGRADE TO BLUE LABEL! Perfect for Christmas Gifts!! SALE ITEMS - EXPIRES 12/15/89 (ORDERS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY 12/15/89 QUANTITIES LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND...Circle items you want Captain Silver 28.50 Ghostbusters 26.15 Space Harrier 30.90 Missile Defense 3D 13.95 Montezuma Rev 30.90 Grt Basketball 26.15 Rocky 30.90 Maze Hunter 3D 17.25 Bomber Raid 16.70 Gangster Town 26.15 Dbl Dragon 19.05 Space Harrier 3D 17.85 Rampage 16.70 Zillion 26.15 Rambo III 38.00 Poseiden Wars 3D 17.85 Cyborg Hunter 14.30 Global Defemse 13.10 Lord of Sword 34.50 AfterBurner 39.20 Ghost House 21.40 Rescue Mission 26.15 Golvellius 34.50 R-Type 42.80 Choplifter 26.15 Fantasy Zone 26.15 Altered Beast 38.00 Black Belt 26.15 Shanghai 28.50 Casino Games 34.50 SUNCOM Action Fighter 26.15 Alex Kidd-Hi Tech 28.50 Rastan 38.00 Transporter 12 3.55 Grt Soccer 26.15 Wanted 28.50 Vigilante 38.00 Docking Bay 10 10.15 Rambo 26.15 Monopoly 41.60 Time Soldiers 38.00 Docking Bay 20 14.95 V Penguin Land 19.65 Cloud Master 38.00 Speedwinder 16.15 Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 From: BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 Self Mailing folder. Fold here. TURBOGRAFX-16 Software St! 000600 18 * 8181 ! CHINA WARRIOR (**^**1/2) is the TurboGrafx-16 version of the basic martial arts fighting game that every system must have. This one was designed for NEC by Hudson Soft . and it shows of the ability of the T urboGrafx-16 to handle very large, fully animated characters. The style of the game is familiar, starring a good-guy martial artist who kicks and punches his way through lots of enemies, meeting bosses at the end of each level. CHINA WARRIOR adds rolling boulders, flying rocks and bats and other items to the enemies along with bonus screens between levels. Animation of the fight¬ ers is good, with authentic-looking martial arts moves, but the play action seemed very repeti¬ tious and ultimately became boring after we played for a while. (Solo play; Pause.) Not recommended. VIGILANTE (**^***1/2) features martial arts fighting action among urban gangs in five New York city locations. Designed for NEC by lrem . the game pits the good-guy Vigilante against a street gang that has kidnapped his girlfriend. The gangs include skinheads, punks and thugs of all descriptions, both armed and unarmed. The Vigilante fights with his bare fists and his powerful kicks, adding the brutal sting of nunchakus when he can find them. The non-stop attacks of the gang members are punctuated with especially realistic sound effects when blows are landed. If you’re looking fora hand-to-hand Fighting game for your TurboGrafx-16, VIGILANTE is a much better choice than CHINA WAR¬ RIOR because it offers more variety in its play action. (Solo play; Pause; Continue feature.) Recommended. Carmen Sandiego Merchandise Collection Now Available from Broderbund In response to requests from Carmen Sandiego’s many fans, Broderbund has announced the “Carmen Sandiego Collection” of sweatshirts, T-shirts, watches, folders, posters and stickers emblazoned with Carmen Sandiego artwork. Items range in price from $1.25 to $24.95. To order merchandise or obtain a catalog, call Broderbund Software-Direct at 800- 521-6263. — Availability Update...contd from Page 14 Ultima IV (SEG) FIRST QUARTER Arcafe Command Suck (SEG) wc i uor.it x Arnold Palmer Golf (SEG) x Ghouls*N Ghotu (SEG) NOVEMBER RamboIIl (SEG) Super Hang On (SEG) DECEMBER Basketball (SEG) Forgotten World (SEG) Revenge of Shin obi (SEG) JANUARY 1990 Golden Axe (SEG) Mystic Defender (SEG) FIRST QUARTER Alex Kidd Enchanted Castle (SEG) Arcade Command Stick (SEG) Cyberball (TEN) Falcon (SPE) Phantasy Star II (SEG) Super Hydlidc (SEG) TcleGenesil Baseball (SEG) TeleGenesis Modem (SEG) Zoom (SEG) NEC TVRB0GRAFX-I6 OCTOBER x Blazing Lazen x Chou Warn or Fighting Street/CD x Power Golf R Type x-TurboGrafx CD System x-Vigilantc NOVEMBER Deep Blue Dragon Spirit Fantasy Zone Galaga 90 Monster Latr/CD Moto Roader World Class Baseball World Court Tennis JAVU ARY/FEBRUARY 1990 Final Lap Twin Military Madness Oidyne PtcLmA Space Hamer NOTE Programs noted "x" have shipped as of piess ume but may not yet be distnbuied nation wide Projected shipping dates are provided by m anufaourera and subject to change COMPANYCODES ABS ..Absolute Entertainment ACC -Access ACM Acclaim Entertainment ACO. Accolade ACT AcuvisiotYMediagenic AH Avalon Hill AK Asmik Corp ARC Arcadia AS American Sammy AT Atari BAN.. Bandai BAU Baudville BE . Bullseye S/W BRO. Broderbund BS Bethesda Softworks CAL California Dream s CAP. Capoom USA CB ...Culture Brain Cl N.Cinem aware COS Cos mi CSG CSG ImageSolt DE -Daia East DES. Design S/W DIS. Disco very S/W DS.DauSoft DYN.Dynamix E A. Electronic Arts Fa.fa FP Fisher Pncc GAM. Gamestar GDW Game Designer’s Workshop GT GameTek HAL. .Hal America HJC. HJC S/W HS Hudson Soft HT..Hi-Tech Expressions INF.Jnfocom INS. Jnierslcl INT. JNTV Corp. IP. Jnterplay IS JCOM Simulations JAL Jaleco KOE. Koet KON. Xonami KS. Kemco-Seiki KYO Kyodai LF -Lucaifilm Games LJN UNToyi MAX Maxis MB Milton Bradley MC. Mmdcraft/Miles Comp MD. MicroDeal/MichTron MED. Medalist/Microplay MH. Melbourne House MI. MicroIUusions MIC. Micro Prose MIN Mmdscape MT., Matchbox Toys MW Mindware Inti NEC NEC NIN...Nintendo NWC New World Computing NX Nexolt 0R1 Ongin PAR Paragon PB ParkerBros POLPolarware PS Y.. Ps ygn oiiVPsycI apse PL.Publishing lnt‘1 ROM Romsur SEG . Sega SET . Seta S IE... Sierra SIR SuTech SNK SNKCorp SOP Sofel SPE Spectrum HoloByte SPO Spotlight S/W SQ. Square SSG Strategic Studies Gp SSI Strategic Simulations ST. Software Toolworks SUB Sublogjc SUN SunSoft TAl.Taito TAX...Tax an TEC. Tccmo TEN Tengen Tt Titus S/W TS Three-Sixty Pacific TW. Trade West ULT .Ultra USG U S Gold VT... VicTokai Computer Entertainer - November, 1989 Computer Entertainer “ JV — 'VAcAMING ' S HEARTBEA TIHII VlDfO Ci^Mi PiPPATI ©December, 1989 Volume 8, Number 9 This Month's -^“WgAMING'S HEARTBEA T-M - Incredible variety of martial arts moves BUDOKAN: THE MARTIAL SPIRIT (****/****) is an extraordinary martial arts program ixom ElectronicArts . Created by Michael Kosaka (co-designer of “Skate Or Die”) and Ray Tobey (creator of “Skyfox”), BUDOKAN makes all other martial arts games look pale and simplistic in compari¬ son. In any game, graphics and sound create the first impression. BUDOKAN immedi¬ ately dazzles the eye and pleases the ear with a combination of exquisitely animated fig¬ ures and excellent music and digitized sound effects. As surely as graphics and sound capture the gamer’s attention, it is the play¬ ability over repeated sessions that separates the really good games from those that are played a few times and then shelved. BUDOKAN earns very high marks in playability, since it reveals its depth and complexity gradually. Solitary practice, sparring , and the tournament The game begins at the front gates of the Tobiko-Ryu Dojo, the training hall that prospers under the teachings of Tobiko-Sensei. Enter the courtyard, and you may choose any of four training areas, the free spar mat, or a visit to the Sensei. The four training areas cover the martial arts of Karate (no weapons), Kendo (sword), Bo (staff) and Nunchaku (two sticks joined by a chain or cord). The free spar mat allows you to spar against the computer or a human opponent with a choice of martial arts for each participant. You may visit Tobiko- Sensei to seek his wisdom and advice, or to choose to travel to the Budokan and enter the tournament. To get the most from the program, it’s best to start with Jiyu-renshu (practice and self-study, fighting an imaginary enemy) in each of the four martial arts taught at Tobiko-Ryu Dojo. This gives you the chance to learn the more than 30 moves per art form that are possible in this game. Only when you can perform them all easily and quickly will you be ready for Kumite (sparring with instructors of various degrees of difficulty) and eventually for the ultimate test of the Budokan. The incredible variety of moves is the key to the strength of this program. The designers have gone beyond the usual maximum of 16 moves by allowing for “set-up” or preliminary body positioning followed by combinations of joystick moves or key presses to yield realistic movements on the screen that simply must be seen to be believed. You can win a few bouts with the most basic moves, but you will be chided by your instructors to increase your repertory of moves. This is crucial at the Budokan tournament, where you will encounter opponents who practice martial arts not taught in your Dojo, such as Kusari-gama and Naginata. Extraordinary grace and elegance In the course of nearly eight years of publication, we have played more martial arts games than we care to remember. We’ve never played a better one than BUDOKAN. This game captures the extraordinary grace and elegance of the martial arts more completely than any program we’ve seen. The realism of the fighters, complete with moving shadows, is complemented with authentic, animated scenery such as a crane walking by in the background. (We loved the humor of seeing Godzilla in the distance behind the Budokan.) There is much to learn in mastering the moves in this program, and spending time with BUDOKAN gives pleasure and a sense of accomplishment. On the movie screen, no martial artist has ever come close to the beauty and power of Bruce Lee *s moves. On the computer screen, no martial arts program can match the superb artistry and challenge of BUDOKAN. (Solo or 2-player competitive; Keyboard or joystick; CGA/EGA/VGA/MCGA/Tandy/ Hercules; Supports Ad Lib, CMS, Roland MT-32 soun d; Not copy protected.) Available for MS-DOS only. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) $3.50 ■ ■ . . . . I Editor’s Note: with this issue, we initiate a new feature. “Gaming’s Heartbeat” of the month is intended to call attention to one outstanding program reviewed in the issue which the reviewers feel is worthy of special praise. A program singled out for this honor must be extraordinary in both graphics and gameplay—a “four star” program so good that our reviewers would love to give it the fifth star that doesn’t exist in our rating system. We are not promising “Gaming’s Heartbeat” as a monthly feature, because there may not be a computer or video game deserving of this honor every month. But you can be sure that each “Gaming’s Heart¬ beat” is indeed special. Late-breaking news Jaleco to show five new games for NES, one for Game Boy The 19901ineupofNESgames from Jaleco, set to be previewed at Winter CES next month, looks like a promising one. Baseball fans can look forward to BASES LOADED II: THE SECOND SEASON (MSR $49.95), which is described as more realistic than “Bases Loaded” with a dozen ball clubs, players who go through streaks and slumps, and other enhanced features. ASTYANAX ($44.95) is an action-adventure with a res¬ cue theme and a “movie” sequence that advances the story as your character travels through levels that scroll horizontally and vertically. PINBALL QUEST ($42.95) combines pinball action with role-playing adventure in five levels of gruesome grave¬ yards, creepy castles and the depths of Hades. (This we have to see!) The cartridge will also include three bonus pinball games. TARO’S QUEST ($49.95) is a fantasy role- . playing game starring a young ninja warrior and his friend, Princess Hanna, which in¬ cludes several separate adventures. Jaleco’s final new title is MANIAC MANSION, based on the wonderful comedy-mystery adventure by Lucasfilm Games which is currently available for Amiga, Atari ST and MS-DOS systems. This one can be played over and over because of multiple player characters and five different endings. Jaleco will also debut their first Game Boy title, BASES LOADED GB ($27.95). The com¬ pany promises all the action of the original NES title plus two game perspectives (from behind the pitcher’s mound or from the batter’s box). __ / f ; The year in review 16-bit machines, loads of Nintendo licensees, hand-helds, and MS-DOS software dominatesreleases during year It’s been a year full of new product with the 16-bit machines knocking the socks off many a tried and true gamer. In looking back to our re-cap this time last year, we find that many comments we made then still hold true a year later.MS-DOS is still the format of choice for initial release of games...not because it is so much better as a showcase forgaming, but for the pure and simple fact that there are so many MS-DOS machines out there! Meanwhile, there are some extraordinary games being released for Amiga, with a much smaller number for the Atari ST. As we mentioned last year, and reiterated this year, the ST market in the U.S. has simply not made it practical for software manufacturers to put a lot of development dollars into that machine. Price is still a major problem on gaming software, with most of you becoming more and more careful in your gaming purchases. You definitely wanted the new generation Expensive or not, many of you found the dollars to invest in either the Sega Genesis or, to a lesser degree, the TurboGrafx-16. The remarks you’ve come back with indicate that the 16-bit machines are definitely here to stay. Once again (where does the time go?), it’s time to thank you for your support and kind words through the year. We have done our best to respond to your needs, and the format changes which have been taking place over the past three issues are a result of what you’ve been asking for. We hope you all have a safe and joyous holiday season and, as we move into the ‘90’s, may health and happiness be yours! Month by month in 1989, through the eyes of Computer Entertainer... January - It’s time for our winter trek to C.E.S. in Las Vegas as the big news is the showing of Broderbund’s U-Force (where is that thing, anyway?). The world of CD-ROM is being explored by such companies as Cinemaware, showing Defender of the Crown. Nintendo licensees are multiplying like rabbits, with some games of doubtful quality (gulp!). Of course, we announce our Awards of Excellence, as well as featuring our 1988 index. Reviews in CE include Anticipation, Shinobi, Jordan vj. Bird. February - We bring back the advanced 16-bit systems from Japan for early sneaks over the next few months. We also go to press on our first-ever Master Index and Awards Guide with everything we’ve covered since our inception in 1982 (over 2500 titles and, of course, we're still counting). Tengen files a lawsuit against Nintendo. We sneak preview both Hoops and Goal for Nintendo and our re views cover some pretty good games including Deja Vu II, Test Drive II. March - We do an in-depth preview story in Mattel’s Power Glove. We learn that SunSoft will release B atman for Nintendo (too bad this has been so late in coming!). Reviews include SimCity, 4th &. Inches, Balance of Power: 1990, Robo Warrior. April - We’ve now been playing with our Japanese version of the TurboGrafx-16 (the NEC PC Engine in the Japanese market) for a few weeks and do a major feature on the hardware and several software titles. We announce SunSoft’s NES titles for the second half of ‘ 89 and there’s a late flash announcing Acclaim’s upcoming release, Double Dragon II. We do a head-to-head review of John Elway’s Quarterback and Tecmo Bowl. Other reviews include Hidden Agenda, Bad Dudes, Reggie Jackson Baseball. May - We feature a story on the upcoming Nintendo Game Boy, to be introduced at the June C.E.S. We also cover the Sega MegaDrive from Japan (to be released in the fall in the U.S. under the name of Genesis). Reviews include Baal, Operation Wolf, Pebble Beach Golf, Blood Money. June - We’re off to Chicago for the summer C.E.S. where we have our first-ever subscriber reception, giving our readers a chance to play with the systems we brought back from Japan, as well as talking to the CE editors and software manufacturers. (Everyone has such a good time that we’re going to do it again in Las Vegas - see back page for details.) Of course, the issue is packed with CES news on both the computer and dedicated gaming fronts. One of the items we’re more excited about is the Atari Lynx portable gaming system (just hitting the New York market now). And, of course, even more Nintendo licensees - everything from22 ways (or it seems) to wrestle to Super Mario Bros, bedding, watches, wallpaper, etc. (and they say there’s too much Batman paraphernalia!). Reviews include A If Devon Aire, Vigilante. July - A major piece on developing games at Epyx (it’s a shame that their fate is unknown now that Epyx has shut its doors). CE heads to the Bay area for a visit inside the doors at Accolade. Reviews include Airwolf Arthur: Quest for Excalibur, Fast Break, Grand Prix Circuit, and a very funny Cosmic Osmo. August - CE spends time at Sega of America as we introduce our readers to some of the people there. We offer a sneak preview of several games scheduled for release at the time ...contd. next page In This Issue... Sneak Previews for Genesis and Nintendo games REVIEWS Include.,. Ancient Art of Y’s ...for Apple GS Sands of Fire ...for Macintosh Joan of Arc ...for Amiga To the Earth ...for Nintendo Blue Angels, Hardball II ...for MS-DOS Rambo III, Super Hang-On ...for Sega Genesis Power Golf ...for TurboGrafx-16 TOP 15 COMPUTER GAMES 1. Duel/Test Drive 2 (Aco/I) 2. Falcon (Spec/I) 3. Shadow of the Beast (Psy/Am) 4. Blood Money (Psy/Am) 5. Dungeonmaster (FTL/I) 6. Battlehawks 1942 (LF/I) 7. Batman (DE/I) 8. Indiana Jones/Adv (LF/I) 9. Battletech (Inf/I) 10. Renegade (Tai/I) 11. Red Storm Rising (Mic/I) 12. SimCity (Max/Mac) 13. Vette! (Spe/I) 14. TV Sports Football (Cin/MS) 15. Omega (Ori/I) TOP 15 VIDEOGAMES 1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES) 2. Teenage...Turtles (Ult/NES) 3. MegaMan 2 (Cap/NES) 4. Blaster Master (Sun/NES) 5. Ninja Gaiden (Tec/NES) 6. Double Dragon (TW/NES) 7. Zelda II: Adv of Link (Nin/NES) 8. Strider (Cap/NES) 9. Blades of Steel (Kon/NES) 10. Baseball Stars (SNK/NES) 11. Duck Tales (Cap/NES) 12. Back to the Future (UN/NES) 13. Marble Madness (MB/NES) 14. Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle (UN/NES) 15. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (UN/NES) Coming... Complete CES Wrap-Up Awards of Excellence The Computer Entertainer Top Games of the Decade! Reviews include... Indy 500 & ABC Monday Night Football for MS-DOS Jam Session for Apple GS Forgotten Worlds & Revenge of Shinobi for Genesis Silent Service for NES ..and much more! (THE RATING SYSTEM: ^ 4 STARS = Excellent 3 STARS = Good 2 STARS = Fair 1 STAR = Poor 1st Set of Stars = quality of graphics 2nd Set = quality of game play and entertainment value NA = Not Applicable (i.e. all-text programs not rated for graphics) Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 Genesis ships including Arnold Palmer Golf, Super Thunder Blade, Tommy Lasorda Baseball, Altered Beast. Other reviews include Hostage, Wanted, Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Gauntlet 11. September - A sneak of what Mediagenic is up to as well as an in- depth look at the NECTurboGrafx-16, including answers to several reader questions which we posed directly to NEC. Meanwhile, on the Nintendo front, their 16-bit machine has been delayed due to design problems. We have a comparison chart among the various dedicated videogame systems. We feature a sneak preview of Pipe Dream while other reviews include Adventures of Bayou Billy, Kings of the Beach, Rambo 111, Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle. October - A visit to Cinemaware allows us to bring you some up- close looks at what they’re working on. We get to try out the Atari Lynx as Atari visits CE. Epyx closes its doors. Reviews include Adventures of Dino Riki, Back to the Future, Fiendish Freddy, Third Courier , Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Licence to Kill. November-We announce the upcoming Super Mario Bros 3 and feature sneak previews on Phantom Fighter and World Champi¬ onship Wrestling. Other reviews include Castlequest, Fester's Quest, Ghostbusters 11, Wayne Gretzky Ilockey, Space Quest 111. December - As sugar plums and how to reach that next level dance in your head, we’re burning the midnight oil arguing over not only the 1989 Awards of Excellence (that’s tough enough), but some crazy editor remarked “we should be awarding Games of the Decade !#?” And, so, after we figure out the ‘89 awards, we will argue further into the night(s) choosing the best of the best. We ’re already hard at work on the January issue, as we get all the good sneak stuff from the various manufacturers. We would like to take a minute out and thank the software companies as, without their cooperation (even in light of our sometimes brutal reviews), bringing you the information as quickly as we do would be virtually impossible. And, last, but most importantly, thank you for your support. Without you, there’s no us! Peace. Amiga Software Shoot enemy waves in space FORGOTTEN WORLDS (***/* *1/2) finds you fighting against alien forces, wearing an anti-gravity device in order to fly through their defenses, reaching their bases and, hopefully, destroying them. From Capcom. there are wave after wave of villains who come from all angles with weaponry which will challenge your ability to stay alive. They’ll even attack you with guided missiles. You can pick up additional weaponry in the course of the game by purchasing items from regional supply outlets. You’ll receive the coins for the pur¬ chases by destroying enemy opponents. At the end of each wave, there’s some sort of homble creature which must be destroyed to continue. Pretty typical action While the graphics are nice and colorful, the action is reminiscent of many other games out there. Having your hero “float” about in his anti-gravity belt does give it a slightly different feel, however, as you hover and point in virtually any direction as you attempt to kill off the enemy waves as they come at you. There’s certainly nothing neworunusualaboutthisgame, however. You would be best served if you are able to check it out first before purchase, (one or two-player simultaneous; reviewed on Amiga; also available for Atari ST and C64/128) Interesting flight simulation F/16 COMBAT PILOT (***l/2/***l/2) is a combat fighter simulation from Elec¬ tronic Arts which allows you to use air squadron strategy in several missions against areal¬ time enemy. Begin in the squadron crewroom where you can checkout the weapon data, air¬ craft data, as well as a pilot’s log which includes a record of your experience as an F-16 pilot. Leave the crewroom and move on to the missions area where you will choose which of five missions (represented in a mock-up of the five-sided Pentagon building) you wish to embark on. There’s air-to-air interception, reconnaissance, offensive counterair operations, inter- dictor strike, and battlefield close air support. You can also choose to join a training squadron (not a bad idea to get started) where you can learn to land, take-off, perform rolls, tight turns, and more...all needed in battle! Once you’re ready for a mission, you’ll have a pre- flight briefing on targets, mission, weap¬ ons, weather, and more. Then it’s on to the actual mission. In order to become a Squadron Commander, you must master all five missions. Then, as Squadron Commander, you can undertake Operation Conquest, the final scenario in which you must blow away the enemy. If you succeed, you’ll be promoted to a more elite squadron. With 10 squadrons in all, you’ll take some time to get through them. Challenging In addition to being a flight simulator requiring adeptness at landing, taking-off, as well as in-the-air maneuvers, the program finds you in many tough situations as you must fight head-to-head in the air as well as air-to-ground. The graphics are quite good and there are several different screens to depict the various elements of the game including squadron command, your cockpit, as well as weapons and mission selection. You should probably be a fan of flight simulators to truly enjoy the nuances of the game as the action fighting is only a part of the program, (one player; reviewed on Amiga; joystick recommended; also available for MS-DOS and Atari ST) \Recommended (MSR $49.95) Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 J Free-flowing universe VORTEX (****^***1/2) dazzles with its graphics in a “shoot—em-up” at the edge of the universe from Visionary Limited (a division of Media Technology Ltd), by the same design group who created Datastorm. Simple in theory, you ’ll have to work hard to keep from annihilating yourself on the sides of the force wall as you go against up to 32 intelligent enemies at once. You have a feeling of “free-flow” as you attempt to move about this elliptical area of the Vortex, a spinning mass of stars and dust particles in the center of the field. You must bump into the enemies spinning out of this mass as they try to race around the force wall finding an exit Break them into smaller and smaller pieces, forcing them into the force wall as they try to push you to do the same. Beautiful graphics The colors, movements, as well as stereo sound track are especially dazzling with bright twinkling objects spinning about the screen. A feature we especially liked was the fact that there are several ways to play including one player, two play alternating, two player cooperative, or head to head. That will give you some nice variation in the way you approach the gaming. It’s some¬ thing just a bit different for those “shoot— em-up” lovers out there, (one player; two player; reviewed on Amiga; joystick or mouse; if you can’t locate in your local software outlet, write to Visionary Ltd, 15235 Shady Grove Rd., #100, Rockville, MD 20850) Recommended (MSR $39.95) “Keel the Thief” now on MS-DOS systems A new version of Keef the Thief is now available for MS-DOS (MSR $39.95) from Electronic Arts. This humorous adventure by Naughty Dog Inc. puts the player in the role of a young juvenile delinquent on his own and up to no good as he goes up against an evil magician intent on ruling the world. The initial versions for Amiga and Apple I1GS ($49.95 each) were reviewed in last month’s issue. f MS-DOS Original hit in updated version HARDBALL II(****'****) is an updated version on the very popular baseball game, Hardball /, released in 1985, also by Accolade . They’ve made a good game even better as they’ve retained the features of the origi¬ nal while adding more features and op¬ tions. As you begin, you’ll note there are several areas of choice, from selecting your team and stadium to whether you wish to have a designated hitter. Once you’re ready to play, you’ll move to the Manager’s Screen in which you can set line-ups, substitutions, as well as keep¬ ing track of the stats of the players. You can choose your teams from the prepro¬ grammed library or use Team Editor in which you can create new players and stats. If you wish, recreate real baseball hero’s stats. It’s on to the Game Menu where you’ll find more options. There are five different viewpoints to watch the game (mirroring the five network TV field positions!), as well as an instant replay feature allowing you to replay at normal, slo-mo, or even frame by frame. You can also pause an instant replay at that critical moment when the runner hit the base. Within the level of play menu, you can toggle “effects on gameplay” on sixteen different items including whether or not you want to allow stealing, pick-offs, run downs, as well as varying pitching speeds, running speeds, etc. Tremendous options With the ability to mix and match any team or combination of players, as well as setting complexity on 16 different options, there is tremendous flexibility here. With a game of this caliber, it goes without saying that you can do such things as shift your infield, as well as play team against team or within a league situation. The instant replay is a nice feature as well, and you’ll have some fun shifting among the five views available. You’ll find certain views just right for various situations that come up...it gives you a chance to “direct” your first baseball game. The graphics are extremely good with great animation giving you a true sense of that ball coming at you at 90 mph plus. As strong as its predecessor was as a baseball game, this has taken the computer baseball game even further! (one player; two- player simultaneous; reviewed on MS-DOS; joystick optional) Recommended (MSR $39.95) New twist on flight simulations BLUE ANGLES (***1/2/** **) is a formation flight simulator from Accolade in which you can learn over 25 of the same maneuvers performed by the real Blue Angels. You can watch the stunts from a variety of camera angles including grandstand, observation balloon, chase plane, or in the cockpit of your F/A-l 8. You’ll train in a wire-frame flight simulator as the screen shows your position in relation to the other jets in the formation and then plots your path you’ve flown in 3D against the ideal path of the particular maneuver. You can perform in a complete air show and they check your performance on instant replay. You can practice in stop time or real time and then link several learned maneuvers into a combination with the rest of the Blue Angels. Difference approach to flight simulation This is a nice change of pace to the crowded skies of flight simulators as your skills are truly tested beyond just landing and taking off. There’s quite a kick seeing the other Angels in formation as you attempt to keep up with them. The training simulator, with its wire-frame approach is extremely helpful and really makes a difference in mastering the maneuvers. You’ll be doing the Diamond Roll, Loop, and much more after some practice. The graphics are quite good, especially with the other planes being viewable from so many different angles. If you enjoy simulators, this is a natural for your library. It’s a fin e one. (one player; keyboard; 364k; reviewed on MS-DOS) Recommended (MSR $49.95) Amiga Software New title from designers of Test Drive II THE CYCLES: INTERNATIONAL GRAND PRIX RACING (***/***), featuring first person perspective, allows you to race on 15 Grand Prix courses. De¬ signed by the same team who brought us Grand Prix Circuit and Test Drive //, also from Accolade, it begins with a practice session, moving on to the actual race once you’ve qualified. There are three different performance classes, 125cc, 250cc, or500cc with five different skill levels available to you. In the lower skill levels, you’ll find you have automatic shifting as all you have to concentrate on is staying on the track. In the higher levels, you’ll have to shift, avoiding blown engines as well as avoiding spinouts, etc. As you sit on your cycle, you ’ll see your hands on the handlebars with a view of the tachometer, speed gauge, as well as a rear¬ view mirror to watch for oncoming com¬ petitors. There’s also an onscreen map of the course you’re on so you can keep track of where you are. Nice feeling of speed The view as you look over the gauges of your cycle give you a low, true—to-life perspective which gives you a nice feeling of speed. It’s pretty much a straight-ahead racing game, with steering taking a moment to master as you work on getting the right “leans”. The colors are nice, but nothing other than what you’d expect from this type of game; however, the sound effects are quite good with multiple sounds of cycles’ engines revving as you and your competi¬ tors race to the finish line, (one player; reviewed on Amiga; also available for MS- DOS. Recommended (MSR $44.95) Mindscape announces new software collections Great gift packages for sports and adventure gamers products just in time for holiday gift-giving. Sports-loving MS- 5x>s system owners will appreciate the four-game collection (MSR $39.95) which includes Superstar Ice Hockey , Indoor Sports (bowling, darts, air hockey, ping-pong), Superstar Soccer and Winter Challenge: World Class Competition. ^Mindscape’s other package is guaranteed to delight those who enjoy graphic 4 adventures. Available for Macintosh, Amiga, Apple IIGS and Atari ST, the package ($49.95) includes three award-winning programs designed by 1COM Simulations: Deja Vu , Uninvited and Shadowgate. (All versions of these three programs that we have reviewed in past issues have earned a full four stars for game play and no less than three and a half stars for graphics.) Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 " Wizardry” Trilogy Unveiled Three classic fantasy role-playing games: one package, low price Sir-Tech Software recently announced that Wizardry I, II and III will be combined in a single package at special pricing. (MSR $49.95 for Apple II and MS-DOS; $39.95 for Commodore 64/128.) The much-loved series of fantasy role-playing games began in 1981 on Apple 11, which was the premier gaming computer at that time. According to Sir-Tech, there are more than 1.5 million Wizardry players worldwide, and the programs have been translated into French, German and Japanese. The trilogy begins with the “Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord,” in which the player creates a band of six characters to explore a ten- level dungeon maze in search of Werdna and the stolen amulet. The second game is subtitled “Knight of Diamonds,” a quest for the five fabled pieces of the Knight of Diamonds armor and the legendary Staff of Gnilda. The trilogy is completed with “Legacy of Llylgamyn,” in which the gods turn to the characters' legacies to restore the balance between good and evil in the mountain fortress of Llylgamyn. If you have an adventure-loving computer owner on your Christmas gift list, this trilogy would make a wonderful gift. Then next Christmas you can give Wizardry IV: Return of Werdna and Wizardry V: Heart of the Maelstrom. Electronic Arts to distribute Sega computer games Four major coin-op hits headed for your screen in 1990 Sega of America will be taking advantage of Electronic Arts’ strong distribution system and sales force for its new coin-op computer conversions to be released in 1990. The hit arcade titles headed for your screen include Altered Beast, an action-adventure featuring the transformation of warrior into beast; Turbo Out Run , the sequel to “Out Run;” Golden Axe, a fight-for-your-life adventure; and Crackdown , a futuristic two-playcr maze. Add-ons for players of Mindscape’s “The Colony” Players stuck in The Colony can now find help, thanks to a new hint book available for $5.00 directly from Mindscape. The book was written by David smith, the designer of the game, and it includes detailed maps, background information and solutions to all the obstacles in the game. And Macintosh II players of the game can now enjoy color with the use of a supplementary disk that works with the original Macintosh version. The disk is available for $8.50 directly from Mindscape. “Tetris” copyright, trademark defended Lawsuit between Sphere and Accolade settled out of court. Sphere, Inc. and Accolade, Inc. have reached a mutual out-of-court agreement concerning the copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Sphere, Inc. in connection with its game Tetris , which is published by Spectrum HoloByte, a division of Sphere. Legal action was taken by Sphere to stop Accolade’s sale of “Fits and Pieces (2D),” which was part of Accolade’s Mental Blocks game package. As of the end of October, “Fits and Pieces (2D)” has not been included in Mental Blocks , and Accolade has agreed not to sell or distribute the game. ^^MacintosI^oftwareJ Simulation with fascinating graphics SANDS OF FIRE (***^***1/2) is a very interesting World War II tank simula¬ tion from Three-Sixtv and Electronic Arts . While definitely a strategic simulation, it offers excellent arcade-type movement to hold the interest of those who hate playing with little symbols. You can Fight battles in any of six different theaters, commandeer¬ ing either a British or American unit. There are up to 48 actual battle scenarios included from Tobruck to Tunis, Bizerte, and more. Upon start-up, you can choose to enter the training course to practice, enter a single battle area, or go into an entire campaign. The training course should be your first stop as you can work with the various types of tanks, as well as identify and react to differ¬ ent types of enemy forces. Once you choose to enter a battle or campaign, an overview of the area is given. You’ll be given orders (offensive strike or defensive action) as well as a default load configuration for ammuni¬ tion for your trucks and tanks. Upon your issued orders for battle, it’s time to head out on the route, using a formation appropriate to the situation and your objectives. You’ll enter the cockpit of your tank whereby the click of your mouse will do things such as change gears. Within that cockpit, there are icons to be clicked on which will take you to the map, or up top to the commander view. There you will find your ammunition, fire buttons, etc. You must attempt to fulfill your mission as commander, as your men will react to your orders. You alone will determine whether you and the crew will return alive. Great animation While this has many of the strategic as¬ pects of a simulation, a great dimension of fine animation has been added to really put you in the middle of the action. You’ll be astounded the first time you eject the spent shell and load a new one! The hands of the gunner will appear and actual do the work! The sounds are also very good, giving you a real sense of being right there. Don’t get us wrong...you’ll have to also deal with strate¬ gic decisions and maps as you make your way through one of the North African cam¬ paigns of WWII. However, because of the “point and click” aspect of the orders, move¬ ment, etc., it’s perfect for anyone who has a problem with the all-strategic games which come out under some labels. While heavy on strategy, you’ll Find yourself dealing with a fair share of action as well, with fine graphics to support the game, (one player; requires 800k drive and 1 MB) Recommended (MSR $49.95) Back Issues Available Don’t miss out on all the great back issues! We’ve been covering entertain¬ ment software for over five years and we’ve reviewed hundreds and hundreds of titles. Most issues are still available. Send $2.50 for each back issue you want. (Some rare issues are available only in photocopy form.) Buy six or more, and they’re just $1.75 each. Make certain you have a complete set! 1990 CE schedule set Diehard fans take note...we’ve set our schedule for 1990. Mark your calendars now for when to expect each month’s issue! The dates below note the day the newsletter is mailed from our printer. January CES re-cap issue (don’t miss this one that’s packed with news, as well as our 1989 index and the Awards of Excellence) - January 20 February 17 March 17 April 14 May 12 June 16 (CES recap of the June show) July 14 August 18 September 22 October 20 November 17 December 15 _ A New versions of “Dungeon Masters Assistant” Strategic Simulations has now released Amiga and MS-DOS versions of Dungeon Masters Assistant, Volume II; Characters andTreasures. The program was released earlier for Commodore 64/128 and Apple II. (All versions MSR $29.95). This is another of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons utility programs which helps players of the paper-based AD&D role-playing games spend more time playing and less time doing paperwork. (Note for those not familiar with the classic TSR AD&D game: this computer program from SSI is NOT a game but a utility program for use with AD&D.) Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 r Multi-System Software Apple IIGS Software Philip Marlowe in the 21st century MEAN STREETS (***l/2/***l/2) is a realistic detective adventure by Access Soft¬ ware . If you can imagine Philip Marlowe transported to the 21 st century and driving a flying “Lotus Speeder,” then you have a good idea of the feel of the game and its story. As Tex Murphy, San Francisco private investigator, you’re hired by the daughter of a university professor who fell to his death from the Golden Gate Bridge. The police have it pegged as a suicide, but the daughter is convinced it was homicide. And she’s backing up her beliefs with a $10,000 retainer, making the case a difficult one to refuse. Your investigation takes you all over California, questioning characters and searching for clues. Your mode of travel is the latest in 21 st century speed and convenience, a Lotus Speeder which is equally at home on the ground or in the air. The Lotus is not overly difficult to fly, but if flight simulators are not to your liking, you can enter navigation codes and set the controls to autopilot. The realism of the story is enhanced with digitized, animated characters. The MS-DOS version is also enhanced with RealSound, a special process developed by Access that reproduces very good digitized sound (even voice) through the standard PC speaker without the need for a special sound board. MEAN STREETS has a good story that will appeal to those who enjoy solving mysteries, and the story is well supported with true-to-life graphics. An absolute minimum of typing is required, making the story more immediate and the game more playable. (Solo play; Keyboard MS-DOS, keyboard & joystick C64; MS-DOS supports VGA/MCGA/EGA/CGA/Hercules.) MS-DOS, Commodore 64/128 versions reviewed. Recommended. (MSR $59.95 MS-DOS, $39.95 C64) Play god and conquer the world POPULOUS ('k'k'k'k/'k'k'k'k) is a megalomaniac’s dream come true. Omnipotence is within your grasp as you literally play god in this game from Electronic Arts which was designed bv Bullfrog Productions. Play begins in the world called Genesis where you take the role of either the good or evil deity. The computer controls the other deity, unless you play with a friend via null-modem hookup or modem over phone lines. Each deity has followers who occupy a portion of the world. The more followers a deity has, and the greater their achievements, the greater power that deity wields. Using your powers, you en¬ courage your followers to settle land, build, grow crops—and wipe out the opponent deity’s population. You have the power to raise and lower land at will. Lift a finger and disaster strikes a population center of your opponent’s followers. A flood, perhaps? Or maybe your mood dictates crop-destroying swamps or a devastating earthquake. Of course, the other deity is not sitting idly while you make your godly moves. Conquer a world and move on to the next. The game has every imaginable kind of world from desert to frozen tundra. You can even create your own worlds for almost unlimited variety of gameplay. Thoroughly entertaining POPULOUS has been a big hit in Europe, and it’s very easy to understand why. No two games are the same, whether you take a careful, strategic approach or choose to play a capricious and unpredictable sort of deity. Thanks to a helpful tutorial, getting into the game is very easy considering the complexity of the program. The animated 3-D sections of the world, selected from an overall map, are beautifully done. Sound is especially good on Amiga, but less satisfying in the Atari ST version. Gameplay in both versions is deep, challenging without being overly complicated, and thoroughly entertaining. POPULOUS is an original—something that can’t be said about very many computer games. (Solo play; 2 players with null-modem cable or Hayes-compatible modem; Mouse; Pause; Blank disk required for game-saving.) Atari ST, Amiga versions reviewed; coming soon for MS-DOS. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) Special EXPANDED edition coming in January! Loads of CES coverage, reviews, index, and more In a continuing effort to bring you all the news as soon as it's news, we will be bring your a special, expanded edition in January which will be packed full of news from CES as well as reviews, our 1989 index, Awards of Excellence, Games of the Decade, and more. So, get ready to set aside lots of extra time to read news you won't find anywhere else, as well as news you won't read elsewhere until months later! Japanese style adventuring with action & music ANCIENT LAND OF YS (**W***l/2) is an adventure that combines action with fantasy role-playing. Published in the U.S. by Kvodai Software Marketing, the game was a best-seller in Japan, where it was developed by Nihon Falcom. As the young hero of the game, your task is to find and recover the six books of Ys which were stolen by the fiendish wizard, Maleficus. Five of the books are held by huge monsters scattered throughout the Land of Ys; the sixth is in the possession of Maleficus him¬ self. Your quest begins in the town, where you can talk to people and gather valuable clues to aid in your quest for the books of Ys. Although you start the quest with no experi¬ ence and very little gold, you do have enough to purchase a basic weapon and simple armor from shops in the town. As you venture into the countryside, you gain experience by fighting enemy creatures. Unlike many role- playing games, the hero’s hit points are automatically replenished to the current maximum when your character stays away from enemies for a few moments. When we noticed this, we took advantage by repeat¬ edly fighting the easier enemies just outside the town until we gained a good bit of experience and enough gold to run back into town and acquire a small shield. A visit to the fortune teller increased our maximum experience and hit points and sent us better prepared into the countryside farther from the town. Musical , action-filled adventure The blend of action and fantasy role-play¬ ing in ANCIENT LAND OF YS seems to be a characteristic Japanese approach and will be familiar to anyone who has played video games such as “Legend of Zelda” on the Nintendo system or “Y’s: The Vanished Omens” on the Sega system. (The latter video game is essentially the same as this computer game.) Role-playing purists may object to the emphasis on action, especially in combat sequences, but we like the way the action makes the story more involving and keeps it moving without waiting for com¬ puter-controlled combat resolution. The other obvious difference between this and most other computer role-playing games is the sound. ANCIENT LAND OF YSis very musical, with a wide variety of themes spe¬ cific to different parts of the game. The game is an enjoyable departure from the more familiar styles of computer adventur¬ ing with its action in combat and delightful music. (Solo play; Joystick or keyboard; Pause; 512K; Blank disks required.) Apple 11GS version reviewed; also available for MS-DOS. Videogame version by Sega for Master System titled “Y’s: The Vanished Omens.” Recommended. (MSR $44.95) _ J Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 r MS-DOS Captain Kirk & crew take on Klingons again STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER (**Ajtf***l/2) is an elaborate and challenging adventure designed for Mindscape bv Level Systems which stars the perenni¬ ally popular crew of the Starship Enterprise. As Captain Kirk, the player commands ship and crew on a last-minute mis¬ sion to Nimbus II where Sybok and his Galactic Army of Light have captured three Consuls to hold as bait for a Starship. The plan works, Kirk is captured, and the Enterprise is comman¬ deered for a trip to Sha Ka Ree, the “planet of Eden.” Kirk’s perennial nemeses and those bad boys of the universe, the Klin¬ gons, get wind of the trip and do their best to beat the Enterprise to her destination. There ensues a series of dangerous encounters for the Enterprise and crew, from the deadly Wormhole Effect to a Klingon minefield and then on to Sha Ka Ree for more trouble with the Klingon Commander Klaa. _ Finally a Star Trek game that feels right Star Trek fans have much to rejoice over in this computer game. They can take the control of the mighty Enterprise and interact with her crew. The graphics are loaded with digit¬ ized photos of the characters they know and love. They can test their mettle in tricky ma¬ neuvers in space and fight it out with the Klingons. There have been other Star Trek games, but this is the first time that a Star Trek game feels right. Kudos to the design team for a fine piece of programming that does justice to the TV series and movies. (Solo play; Keyboard; EG A/MCG A/VGA/Tandy; Not copy protected.) MS-DOS version reviewed; coming soon for Amiga, Macintosh. Recommended. (MSR $49.95) Anti-terrorist shoot-’em-up CABAL (***1/2/***) is a home version of Capcom’s own very successful coin-op game. Anti-terrorist action is the theme. As the world’s most highly regarded anti-revo¬ lutionary, you’re called upon to rid a Central American country of a powerful terrorist army. Alone or with a buddy, you face a barrage of enemy armament with your machine gun and grenades. (Additional weapons can be captured from fallen ene¬ mies.) In a series of ever more challenging sites from beaches to jungles, CABAL of¬ fers plenty of arcade-style shooting action as you fight to rid the country of terrorists and maintain your fighting reputation. There’s nothing complicated or unusual about this game, but it’s an enjoyable one for action gamers. (Solo or cooperative 2-player; Joystick or keyboard; EGA/Tandy/Hercu- les; Pause.) MS-DOS version reviewed; also available for C64/128 at $29.95. MSR $34.95 JOAN OF ARC: SIEGE&THE SWORD (****^****) is a Broderbund adven¬ ture with action taking you to France in the year A.D. 1429 as you relive history in the time of Joan of Arc. There are five action sequences including large battles in the open countryside, assaults on fortress walls, hand-to-hand battles with soldiers, etc. You’ll tale on the role of Charles Vll put¬ ting together an army, and, most impor¬ tantly, rest all your hopes on Joan of Arc. Only she can help you conquer and become King. Only as King can you collect taxes, engage in diplomacy with your enemies, and more. In addition to Joan, you have other war generals and courtiers to help you end the war. You must use these people to help you win. In all, there are 31 historically based characters as well as 73 authentic provinces and towns. The characters have various strengths and weaknesses adding to the depth of gameplay. As you decide on actions to take, you can either mirror history or rewrite it, remembering that as you initiate action in the various provinces, it will affect the outcome elsewhere. Strong adventure Steeped in heavy adventure playing in a historical setting, this will appeal to those who enjoy the genre. Adding to the depth of play, is the acting out of the various actions such as hand-to-hand combat, marching armies, etc. The graphics are richly detailed, giving you a true sense of what the scenes could have really looked like. Because there are so many options available to you as you play (up to 20 game options for each tum), you’ll find that are virtually limitless outcomes available as you change locales, characters, etc.In addition to being fine entertainment, there’s quite a bit of educational value here also as you learn about the struggle for France in the 1400’s, (one player; reviewed on Amiga; also available for MS-DOS and Atari ST) Recommended (MSR $49.y5) v_ Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 Miles Computing to present three new games at CES Intertwined, puzzles, animated jigsaws & undersea action. The epic story of a fool in search of wisdom lies at the heart of Miles Computing *s THE FOOL’S ERRAND, but it’s a story intertwined with over 80 puzzles. The graphic, word, logic and other puzzles are part of the story. Solutions give you pieces of the sun’s map, a puzzle itself which contains even more hidden puzzles. There are more puzzles in LI VING JIGSAWS for MS-DOS, which enhances the traditional pastime of assembling jigsaw puzzles. Pieces of puzzles contain animated images, including characters and objects that move from once piece to another as you position them. The third introduction is AQUANAUT, a strategy-arcade game for Amiga and Atari ST. The aim is to stop an underwater alien force with a team of Aquanauts, battling blood-sucking creatures and deadly mermen. CES introductions from New World Computing More Might and Magic joined by kingly adventure & combative cards. At CES next month New World Computing will show new versions of MIGHT AND MAGIC 11: GATES TO ANOTHER WORLD for Macintosh and Amiga. The company will also show two new programs, KING’S BOUNTY for Apple II and NUCLEAR WAR for Amiga. (Additional versions of both programs are in development for other computers.) KING’S BOUNTY sets the adventurer on a course of exploring four continents, raising armies, laying siege to castles, and hunting a band of master villains who have stolen the king’s Sceptre of Order. Randomly generated events will insure that no two games will have the same outcome. NUCLEAR WAR is based on the card game of the same name and is promised to be an entertaining and comical strategy/action game which is easy to learn. The player is up against four computer opponents in a battle to establish global supremacy for one country while fending off nuclear strikes, propaganda attacks, and such oddities as Space aliens, Cattletech, and 16-Ton Weights. New fantasy role-playing, wargame from SSI More AD&D adventuring plus WWII strategic wargaming debut at CES. Next month at CES, Strategic Simulations will introduce CHAMPIONS OF KRYNN, the first Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing computer game set in the “Dragonlance” game world. Available early in the new year for MS-DOS and Commodore 64/128 and later on for Apple II and Amiga, the program utilizes the same game system as “Pool of Radiance** and “Curse of the Azure Bonds.’’ New features include moon phases that affect a mage’s power and gods that grant special abilities to their clerics. SECOND FRONT: GERMAN YTURNS EAST (MS-DOS) includesover 150German and 200Soviet divisions and extends from Berlin in the West to Stalingrad in the East. Aimed at the advanced wargamer, SECOND FRONT covers the six-month span of Hitler’s Operation Barbarossa. CES introductions by Lucas film Games Enchanting, innovative fantasy adventure to be highlighted. We’ve seen portions of LOOM already, but the completed fantasy adventure game for MS-DOS, Amiga and Atari ST (MSR $59.95) is expected to be ready for a CES debut. Set in the mythical time of the Age of Great Guilds, LOOM makes an unlikely hero of Bobbin, a young member of the mysterious Guild of Weavers who finds himself playing a pivotal role in a mighty conflict between good and evil. Lucasfilm will also show new versions of THEIR FINEST HOUR: THE B ATTLE OF BRIT- A1N ($59.95) for Amiga and Atari ST. This re-creation of World War II air combat is already available for MS-DOS. Activision announces Game Boy title MALIBU BEACH VOLLEYBALL was just announced as Activision’s first game for the Nintendo Game B oy. It will be shown at next month’s CES and released during Data East to launch new series of games Fantasy role-playing slatedfor Amiga and MS-DOS. Early in 1990 Data East plans to launch DRACONIAN, a new series of fantasy role-playing games for Amiga and MS- DOS systems. No details about the series were available at presstime, but Data East promises that games in the series will have features that are different from other fan¬ tasy games. Imported games from UBI Soft on display at CES British titles highlight sports, adventure and action. UBI Soft is a new affiliate of Electronic Arts with four games to show at CES next month. PRO TENNIS TOUR features the four major world tournaments: Australian, French and U.S. Opens plus Wimbledon. The game is available for MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST (MSR $39.95 each) and Commodore 64/128 ($29.95) with three levels of difficulty on grass, clay or cementcourts. Futuristic adventure is the theme of B.A.T. (Bureau of Astral Trouble-Shoot¬ ers), set for release next spring for Atari ST, Amiga, MS-DOS andC64/128.B.A.T.charges the player with maintaining galactic peace and foiling the plans of an evil genius. IRON LORD ($39.95 C64/128, Atari ST, MS-DOS) is set in a medieval world where the playercan partake of feats of archery, arm wrestling, swordplay and dice-throwing to prove his or her birthright as the Iron Lord, Crusader of Justice. Digitized sound enhances the arcade- style strategy and action in PUFFY’S SAGA ($39.95 Atari ST, Amiga). Puffy and his girl¬ friend Puffyn are trapped in an alien world where they must travel through mazes while attempting to discover clues to find weapons and escape hidden traps. Late-breaking news from Mediagenic Arcade hit coming from Activ¬ ision, role-playing from Infocom. Just at presstime, we learned that Activision plans a home computer version of a current arcade favorite, POWERDRIFL Infocom, an¬ other division of Mediagenic, is working on Cl RCUIT’S EDGE, a role-playing game based on a book by the award-winning science fic¬ tion writer, George Effinger. Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 j^^Wgaming's heartbea t-M- iriKli WlIPl® tUJ(P>PMi SNEAK PREVIEW TurboGrafx-16 Software Pac-Man has legs! PAC-LAND (***/***) marks yet another return to the playing screen by Pac-Man, one of video gaming’s most enduring heroes. In this game from NEC, based on the Namco arcade game, we learn that Pac-Man has legs! It turns out that he needs legs to get out of the mazes where he usually hangs out and make his way around Pac-Land. In this new game, our hero has to travel through streets, forests, deserts, mountains and bridges to rescue a fairy princess from the Monster Mansion and return her to Fairy Land. This is a cartoon-styled action-adventure with fairly simple but effective graphics. The player controls the ever-cheerful yellow character as he makes his way through Pac-Land, avoiding the inevitable ghosts. (In Pac-Land, the ghosts are as likely to be riding a bus as just floating around.) Of course, there are fruits to be grabbed for extra points and power pills that allow Pac-Man to gobble ghosts for a short time. In addition, there are special hid¬ den features to discover within the game. Altogether, there are eight different levels (labeled “trips” through Pac-Land), and the player can start in any of them. If the player chooses to start on the first trip and successfully completes all eight, there is a second round of “Pro” trips. We believe that the cuteness and cartoon-like style of Pac-Land will appeal more to younger players, and that older players may Find it too juvenile. (Solo play; Pause; Continue feature.) Recommended for younger players only. Fast action, 3-D visual effects in classic arcade hit SPACE HARRIER (***1/2/***1/2) is the NEC Avenue version of Sega’s classic arcade hit. It is a fast-action, three-dimensional scrolling shoot-out in which the player controls the Space Harrier, a character who can run, fly and shoot his way through Dragon Land. The Space Harrier faces flying creatures and stationary obstacles, all of them poten¬ tially deadly, and some of them quite unusual. There are 18 levels of non-stop action, with a boss monster to be defeated at the end of each level. In every version we’ve seen for computers and game systems, Space Harrier combines interesting 3-D visual effects with fast and challenging play action. The same is true for this NEC version, which looks very good and plays well. For those who also own the Sega Genesis System and are interested in direct comparisons, both the Genesis Space Harrier II and the NEC Space Harrier have about equally challenging play action. However, the Genesis version has the definite edge in graphics and sound. NEC’s Space Harrier graphics are less detailed and clear than those of the Genesis version, and the music and sound effects are noticeably better in the Genesis version. (Solo play; Pause.) Recommended. P/ a y £ a // Qn NE Q Good racing game coming FINAL LAP TWIN (****^***1/2) is a split-screen game of hair-raising car racing from NEC . You’ll begin by choosing your car and then take on one of twenty tracks. You may want to try out a one-lap trial after selecting your car and track just to get the feel of it, as well as laming how to shift, brake, steer) Before the race begins, you can choose to go with an automatic or manual transmission as well as a V8 or VI0 engine. One the split screen, player one is on the top, player two below (unless you’re in a one- player mode). In addition, your current rank is shown, number of laps remaining, ta¬ chometer, etc. The Quest adventure There’s an interesting, and odd, feature in which you can race against a gang of baby four-wheel-drive warriors and champions from all over the land. It gives you the feel of a whole different game as you begin as a young man in a strange town.Then, you can move through the town, discovering items which may even help in upgrading your car. You’ll be challenged to races which will then take on a similarity to the “normal” Final lap races. Mainly a good racing game Regardless of the “Quest” feature which takes you on an odd little adventure, inster- spersed with racing, this is a very good racecar game, as the split screen gives a nice dimension to racing, especially with a friend. We really liked the fact that we could move within an automatic or manual transmis¬ sion, as well as the V8 or VI0 engine on each track. We would suggest you race with the automatic until you get a feel for your car, track, and the game. Regardless, it’s a very good racing game which any racecar fan should enjoy (one player; two-player simul¬ taneous) Recommended All too similar to others ORDYNE (**1/2/**) from NEC, fea- tures seven stages in a “shoot-’em-up” in which you blast off in search of Miss Kana who has been kidnapped by an outer space gang of bad guys. In a game in which the objects are very reminiscent of the figures in Fantasy Zone , you shoot from a little space¬ ship-type vehicle, picking up “power-up” items which can be turned in at the Space Inn for various things such as rapid-fire, etc. Nothing special As we looked at this right after looking at Fantasy Zone , we found this too similar in concept, without the added graphic back¬ grounds. There just isn’t enough here to make it stand out from so many others in the genre, (one player; continue feature) Not Recommended We'd like your comments! i What do you think of the changes we've made? Let us know as we attempt to give i you more of what you've been asking fort Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 WORLD CLASS BASEBALL (***1/2/***) takes us to the baseball stadium, NEC - style, allowing the choice among 12 teams. The main screen is a familiar one as you look out from above home plate to the action. Within that screen there’s a runner window, an inset which crops up when you have a runner on base. There’s also a small overview of the entire dia¬ mond. As the hitter, once you hit the ball, you’ll automatically run to first. Addi¬ tional bases run or taken by a steal are up to you. As the pitcher, you can alter the speed and course of the ball by manupu- lating the turbopad. You can adjust the position of your outfielders and even dive for a catch. Within the edit mode, you can change the starting order of your team. That will stay in memory until you turn the machine off. Similar to Genesis In many ways, this is similar to Tommy Lasorda Baseball for Genesis with similar screens, even the flyball that comes up at you in a way you can see the stitching. While this has some voice, the Genesis baseball game announces all balls, strikes, and outs. This one has much less voice through the game. You do have nice control of the fielders, enabling an action- backed game as you attempt to throw that runner out. Overall, it’s a solid game of baseball (One player; two player simultaneous requiring TurboTap) Recommended J ---^9 / TurboGrafx-CD System First-ever game system CD-ROM unit also plays standard audio CDs and new CD+Gs. We’ve had quite a lot of fun playing with our new TurboGrafx-CD System ever since it arrived from NEC. The package was larger than we had expected. Although we knew that the TurboGrafx-CD System includes the TurboGrafx-CD player and a game interface unit, we were not aware that the package also includes a molded, hard plastic system car¬ rying case designed to hold the CD player, game interface, TurboGrafx-16 game con¬ sole, one TurboPad and assorted cables. The carrying case, which accounted for the large size of the package, turned out to be a welcome bonus that we think most Tur¬ boGrafx-16 owners will appreciate as much as we did. Mating the CD player and game interface to the TurboGrafx console is a very simple operation. Once the three units are connected, the whole assembly fits neatly into the carrying case and needn’t be separated again (unless you wish to use the CD player separately as a standard portable CD player). Also provided with the CD system are a power supply, software sys¬ tem card and audio/video cable set (MSR $399). Note that with the CD system attached to your TurboGrafx-16, stereo audio and direct video outputs provide the same enhanced sound and picture quality as afforded by the TurboBooster accessory. In other words, if you have or are considering the purchase of the TurboGrafx-CD System, you will not need the TurboBooster. Digital audio with video control panel We’ve been avid consumers of digital audio compact discs (CDs) for a number of years now, so we were as eager to play music CDs on the TurboGrafx-CD as we were to play the first video game on CD-ROM. You can use the NEC CD player separately as a standard portable or connect it to an amplifier to play CDs on a home stereo system. But it’s much more fun to leave the CD player attached to the game interface and TurboGrafx console, allowing you take advantage of this unit’s video control panel on your TV screen. The TurboPad can be used to command a full variety of control functions from simple “play” or “pause” to programming a custom sequence of tracks from a CD. All you have to do is move a hand among icons on the screen. The video control panel also displays moving sound level indicators, track number playing, elapsed time and more. Enjoying the new CD + Graphics (CD+G) Technology The most exciting part of the video control panel is the single word “graphics,” because it is a gateway to new technology. The TurboGrafx-CD System is one of only two CD players currently marketed in the U.S. that is capable of displaying the graphics coded onto music CDs marked “CD+G.” We happen to have a pair of demonstration CD+Gs acquired at a private CES showing by Warner New Media about two years ago. These CD+Gs showcase what were then considered potential uses of graphics on a music CD: lyrics in several languages, artist interviews, digitized photos, guitar chord ings and general pictorial accompaniments. Although we’ve been able to listen to these CDs many times (CD+Gs can be played on any CD player), we hadn’t seen the graphic accompaniment since the Warner New Media demonstration. It was exciting to hear AND see these CD+Gs on our own TV. Now CD+Gs are commercially available at the same price as standard music CDs, and we watched and listened to “A Tribute to Woody Guthrie,” which features performances by Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Bob Dylan and several others. This was a borrowed CD+G, and it turned out to be an excellent test of the enhancement which graphics can add to the listening experience. To be honest, this is not a CD which we would purchase because we’re not fans of Woody Guthrie’s musical style. Nonetheless, we found ourselves ( Special CES reception mesmerized by the combination of Guthrie’s songs with images from the Dust Bowl years when thousands made their way west to California from Oklahoma, Texas and other states in that region. The ability to play CD+Gs is a wonderful bonus for those who buy the TurboGrafx-CD System. First-ever video game on CD-ROM FIGHTING STREET (**1/2/**) is the first NEC game on CD. The game is based on “Street Fighter,” the arcade game by Capcom. It was designed by Hudson Soft, a company that has done many games for the NEC PC Engine in Japan and several for the NEC TurboGrafx-16 in the U.S. so far. The object of the game is to defeat two of the best street fighters in each of five countries: Japan, China, U.S., England and Thailand. The player can choose to start in any of the first four countries. Fighters must be de¬ feated in two of three matches to move on, and all eight fighters in the first four coun¬ tries must be defeated before the player can face the final challenge in Thailand. Fight¬ ing moves include the usual kicks, punches, jumps, and a few special moves. Unfortu¬ nately, this game does nothing to showcase the potential of the TurboGrafx-CD System. There is no more depth of play in Fighting Street than we would expect in the average TurboChip game. Graphics in this CD game look just about the same as in a TurboChip game instead of looking significantly better. Music is good and does not have that “computer generated” sound which is char¬ acteristic of most video games. However, voice synthesis is poor considering the sound quality that a CD is capable of reproducing. The voices don’t sound real, and much of what they say is difficult to understand. If you want a kicking and punching game on your TurboGrafx, you already have a choice of China Warrior or Vigilante on Turbo¬ Chip, the latter a much better game than Fighting Street. If you’re looking for a good reason to purchase the TurboGrafx-CD System, Fighting Street certainly doesn’t provide it. The TurboGrafx-CD has enormous potential for graphic and sound quality with great depth of play. Fighting Street gives no more than the faintest hint of that potential. (1 or 2 players; Pause; Con¬ tinue feature; CD system required.) Not recommended. (MSR s50-$60) Editors , subscribers , software designers to get together in Las Vegas for awards We’re repeating our special C.E.S. reception by popular de¬ mand! Those of you who joined us in Chicago in June all had a good time. Now it’s time for those of you who will be in Las Vegas for C.E.S. in January to join us for some gaming, great conversation, and the presentation of our Awards of Excel¬ lence! You’ll have a chance to meet the CE editors, as well as software manufacturers and designers in a suite only for subscribers. To get your invitation ... The date is Sunday, January 7th but you MUST show an invitation at the door to gain entry. Please write, send us a fax, v v ■ — 10 or call Computer Entertainer NO LATER than December 28, 1989 to receive your printed invitation. If you call ... For quickest response, PLEASE use our Voice Mail system to order your invitation. Call 1-800-228-4336. You will punch in #10. Leave your name and address and well getyour invitation right out to you. Come join us at this very special event as we acknowledge the best in the industry and have a lively conversation or two! See you there! Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 NEC announces agreement Cinemaware to produce Turbo- Chip and CD-ROM games for TurboGrafx-16. Although regular CE readers have known of Cinemaware*s agreement with NEC to produce TurboChip and CD-ROM games for the TurboGrafx-16 since October, NEC recently made the official announcement of the agreement. The announcement included six game titles, two on CD-ROM and four TV Sports titles on TurboChip game cards. Development of the CD titles, It Came from the Desert and Lords of the Rising Sun , is already underway. The first is a role-playing game done in the style of an interactive movie. It Came from the Desert pays hom¬ age to the “B” horror movies of the 1950s, casting the player as the hero who must convince the residents of Lizard’s Breath, California that giant radioactive bugs are threatening to obliterate the population. The game, currently available for Amiga, fea¬ tures two interwoven scripts with multiple storylines. The new CD-ROM version is being produced by video taping live actors, digitizing the images, and dropping them into appropriate backgrounds.The CDgame will also use real sound, with lines of dia¬ logue spoken by human voices. Cinemaware is designing the CD-ROM version of Lords of the Rising Sun in a co-production with JVC. This will be a role-playing game based on 12th-century Japanese military history. The player chooses the role of one of two brothers of the Minamoto clan and then undertakes a quest to become Shogun. Four sports games from Cinemaware Cinemaware also plans four TV Sports TurboChip games for the TurboGrafx-16. The games are designed to emulate TV sports broadcasts, complete with an an¬ nouncer and TV-like perspective. TV Sports Football will be the first of the series, and it will put the player on the bench as a coach or on the field in offensive or defensive posi¬ tions. This game and TV Sports Basketball will support up to five players at a time. TV Sports Boxing and TV Sports Baseball will be designed for one or two players. Additional development agreements NEC also announced that two other Ameri¬ can computer software developers have signed agreements with NEC to produce games for the TurboGrafx-16. The compa¬ nies are ICOM Simulations (developers of Deja Vu and Shadowgate and Incredible Technologies. No game titles for the Tur¬ boGrafx-16 were announced by either company at this time. TurboGrafx-16 Software ] Galactic dancing comes to TurboGrafx GALAGA 90 (****/***l/2) from NEC is a very satisfying home version of the Namco coin-op classic that’s still a favorite with many gamers. The game is an update of the “Space Invaders” game type in which the player attempts to eliminate hordes of descending aliens by shooting at them from a ship that can be moved within the lower third of the screen. The main difference between Galaga and “Space Invaders” is that the aliens in the former have more interesting moves (swooping, circling and diagonal attacks) than the straightforward march¬ ing phalanxes of the latter. In the NEC version, the screen is alive with graceful but deadly aliens moving against an outer-space background made more attractive with planets, asteroids, space stations and such. Play moves through 29 rounds grouped in seven levels, with bonus rounds of “Galactic Dancing” between levels. There are “extras” in the form of capsules which the player’s ship can collect to achieve warp speed and pass through to a higher dimension. It is also possible to combine ships into Dual orTriple Fighters which have more Firepower. At the end of the game, a summary screen gives the score, numbers of shots and hits, and the percentage of hits. Graphics in Galaga90 are beautifully detailed, musical background is delightful, and the game is great fun to play. No fan of the arcade game should miss this new version of the classic. (Solo play; Pause.) Recommended. (MSR $42) Heroic Blue Dragon finds two heads better than one DRAGON SPIRIT (***1/2/**1/2) is another NEC conversion of a Namco coin-op. This game features one of the two most fre¬ quently used themes in video games: rescuing a princess. (The other theme, of course, is saving the Earth.) The princess in question is the fair Alicia, being held against her will by Zowel, Demon of Darkness. Fortunately for Alicia, the spirit of the dragon dwells within one young man in her kingdom. Taking on the persona of the Blue Dragon, the young man takes on the forces of evil with weapons of scorching breath and fireball bombs. The player controls the Blue Dragon as he flies up the screen, making his way through eight different lands to reach the Stronghold of Zowel. He flies over plains, erupting volcanoes, jungles, deserts and glaciers and through caves with moving walls. There are power-up items to be found which can give the dragon a better chance against Zowel’s evil hordes. For example, the heroic Blue Dragon finds that two heads—or even three—are better than one when he smashes a blue egg, earning an extra head and increased firepower. Graphics in Dragon Spirit are very crisp, clear and colorful. Sound and music are mediocre. Despite the unique idea of turning a blue reptile into a flying hero, gameplay turns out to be too similar to many other vertically scrolling games full of shooting and bombing. The game seems interesting at first, but its lack of originality soon becomes ob¬ vious. Most gamers are likely to find this one boring after repeated playing sessions. (Solo play; Pause.) Not recommended. (MSR $45) i\ , 4 . * Hisses Popular title in mediocre translation FANTASY ZONE (**/**l/2) is a game which is familiar to Sega owners but is a disappointment in its TurboGrafx-16 due to the fact that we frankly expected a greatly enhanced and dazzling version because of this “state-of-the-art” machine. It isn’t. NEC takes us to a land 4,000 years from now where Opa-Opa must stop all sorts of intergalactic thieves from conquering Fantasy Zone. As you attempt to wipe out the enemies, recover the stolen coins in order to buy expanded powers. v_ Computer Entertainer December, 1989 No better than original for Sega 8-bit Frankly, we found the graphics no better (if not a bit worse) than the original Fantasy Zone released for the Sega 8-bit machine back in October, 1986! And, Sega’s Fantasy Zone II (also for the 8-bit) has more dazzling graphics than this one. The gameplay is similar, but the sound effects are also sub-par. Overall, we were very surprised that this machirCy being touted as beirg “so powerful” does not give us a great new version of this popular title, (one player; two-player alternating; continue feature) ( .. : T\irboGrafx-16 Software Golfers can now play a few rounds POWER GOLF (***1/2/***) is the NEC game of golf, which we found ourselves comparing to Sega Genesis* Arnold Palmer Golf as we just looked at that one last month. This game has some very nice graphic features, but the Genesis game offers a bit more in depth of play and adjustments you can make. This game has just one course to play on (APG has 3)but you can choose among three players. There’s also a nice feature which allows you to pan overhead above the entire hole (this in addition to a small inset which shows the same thing). You can also inspect the green up close. There is an arrow which you can adjust to change the direction of your swing (a series of three taps on the button, like its Genesis cousin - this one is a bit easier to master). In addition, you can choose your club for any shot. The graphics are nice with the golfer’s view changing based on where you are on the course - very realistic as we found ourselves up against a tree once or twice and the view showed that. There was a nice “thwack” of the ball when we hit it. It’s a good golf game, although the diehard golfer would probably like to see more courses offered, (one to three players) Recommended Sega Genesis Software Familiar title comes to Genesis SUPER HANG-ON (***^***) brings motorcycle racing to Segg y s Genesis in which you can race in two different manners. The first, the arcade mode, is a race against time in one of four continents (level of difficulty is different for each continent). There are a number of stages on each course and you must finish each stage within a certain time limit in order to advance. That is accomplished through checkpoints. The second, and potentially more challenging, way to play is in the “original mode” in which you race against opponents who appear at each level and are awarded prize money according to your score. With the money you can buy better parts for your cycle as well as hire a mechanic. With these options, you can take your cycle to a high-tech level of performance. Once you’ve created your special souped-up model, you can save it and access it later via the password system. There are four different choices in background music before you takeoff on the race course in either racing option. The controller, in addition to guiding your cycle into and out of turns, acts as your brakes, accelerator, as well as a turbo option which can accelerate your machine to over 300 km/h! A familiar yet appealing title This game, in one form or another, has been around for awhile but still is popular for racing fans. Certainly the gameplay is reminiscent of any other motorcycle racing game, but the graphics capabilities of the Genesis gives this a colorful approach. The feeling of speed is here, and the lean of the cycle is the deepest we’ve seen...even with the cycler’s leg balancing against the pavement The added feature of the “original” mode adds more challenge and planning so you are not “just racing” against the clock and other drivers. Overall, a nice job has been done on the game, (one player; password) Recommended Relentless action in enhanced version RAMBO III (***l/2/***l/2) gives Rambo fans owning a Se ga Genesis a chance to infiltrate Soviet-occupied Afghanistan to rescue Colonel Trautman. You’ll encounter hand- to-hand combat, machine guns, enemy tanks, helicopters and more. In addition to the machine gun you’re carrying, you’ll have to rely on your knife, bow and arrow explosives, and time bombs. There are six missions as you attempt to get through jeeps full of enemy soldiers, watch towers, snipers, etc. The action is non-stop as the enemy is coming at you from every direction. After completing certain missions, you must fight a bonus battle pitting you and your bow and arrow against the enemy. Good luck as you try and shoot down one of their massive helicopters with your super-charged arrow! Great effects The sound and graphic effects are quite good with explosives going off all over the place. The helicopters are huge with an great opening scene at night as Col. Trautman is caught trying to cross the border by a low-flying Russian helicopter. This is a straight-ahead “shoot- ’em-up which will be enjoyed by all who like the challenge of trying to gun down the enemy before they gun you down. This version has been very nicely enhanced in not only graphics but gameplay as well trom the original version available for the Sega a-bit machine, ^one . player) Recommended 12 ' Results of 4th annual “North Pole Poll” revealed Retailers & parents agree: another Nintendo Christmas Two hundred retailers and 400 consumers throughout the U.S. took part in the fourth annual “North Pole Poll” conducted by the Wirthlin Group, an independent public opin¬ ion and market research firm. Retailers and parents were asked to predict the five most popular toys for this Christmas. For the fourth year in a row, retailers predicted that the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Nintendo Game Paks would earn first and second place, respectively, in holiday season sales. Parents agreed, but gave Nin¬ tendo Game Paks the nod in First place over the NES, although by an extremely small margin. The retailers’ Top Five was rounded out by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures in third place, followed by Nintendo Game Boy and the Mattel Power Glove. Parents said that their children’s third most-requested toy is the peren¬ nial Barbie, followed by Micro Machines and Nintendo Game Boy. Another interesting result of the survey found parents saying that 61% of the adults now participate in video game play in homes where the NES was originally purchased for the children. New games for 1990 from Konami and Ultra Seven new games planned, including cartridges for NES & Game Boy Konami and its subsidiary, Ultra Software, recently announced several new game titles to be released in 1990 for the NES and Nintendo Game Boy plus a pair of new Konami hand-held games. Konami’s NES lineup will expand by one with Super C, and Ultra will add Snake's Revenge and Mission Impossible (MSR $43.95 each). The Nin¬ tendo Game Boy will gain a pair of new games in 1990 with NFL Football ($24.95) from Konami and Skate Or Die ($29.95) from Ultra. Rounding out the list of new games for the firsthalf of 1990 from Konami is a pair of hand-helds: Bottom of the Ninth and Bayou Billy ($19.95 each). Two more titles added Sega announces arcade hit and version of popular computer game for Genesis. Two more games have been added to the rapidly expanding Sega Genesis lineup. This month the company plans to release a Gene¬ sis version of the popular coin-op game, Truxton. Next month, watch for a conver¬ sion of the computer game, Zoom \, a maze- style action game licensed from Discovery Software. We expect many more announce¬ ments from Sega at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next month. These will be covered in our Janu¬ ary, 1990 issue, along with the vast quanti¬ ties of other read-it-he re- first i terns that long¬ time subscribers have come to expect in our big post-CES isstrc. Computer Entertainer - December, \ 989 r Nintendo Software ~\ Zap speedy aliens in space TO THEEARTH (* A is Nintendo's latest addition to the Light Gun Series of games. It’s another variation on the familiar save-the-Earth theme. This time the aliens are called Raggosians, and they’ve unleashed a deadly bacteriological assault on the Earth. The player’s task is to formulate the anti¬ bacterial agent needed to neutralize the Rag- gosian attack by picking up the mineral components of the formula on Uranus, Sat¬ urn Jupiter and Earth. Between planets, the player guides a Tempest spacecraft through the dangers of onrushing enemy craft, UFOs, meteors and other hazards. The player zaps the speedy aliens in space, always watching energy levels to stay alive. Special bonus items can be earned with certain shots, in¬ cluding smart bombs and barrier shields. The end-of-game screen gives the player’s score along with numbers of shots and hits and a percentage accuracy rating. To the Earth is a very straightforward shooting game with little to recommend it except for very fast action and good 3-D effects as objects hurtle toward the player’s ship. There isn’ t nearly enough variety to keep the gamer interested for more than a few playing ses¬ sions (if that long). The game looks good but has no depth. (Solo play; Pause; Continue feature.) Not recommended. (MSR $39.95) Familiar Japanese monster comes to the videogame screen GODZILLA (★★*/**★) is the first game released in the U.S. by Toho Co .. Ltd , and features the well-known Japanese monster, Godzilla, going against a legion of space monsters. Initially, you begin with a “ring field” in which you make chess-like moves across the board, trying to advance Godzilla, as well as your other defender, Mothra (a butterfly¬ like being) through the hexes to the next Ring Fields. Within each hex (field), you must use one of your defenders (they alternate) against the enemy fire within that field. There are eight battle stages with loads of different monsters who attack in each. Once Godzilla finishes a move (attack), the enemy monster moves, followed by your next move, this time by Mothra. All the while, you are attempting to reach the enemy base successfully. The battle stages include seven types: wilderness, volcano, jungle, ruins, sub-space, Mecha City, and base headquarters. Nice graphics of good size One thing that struck us was the good-sized and colorful graphics. Godzilla fills about 1/ 3 of the screen and Mothra is a quite beautiful butterfly-like object with gorgeous, almost transparent wings. Some of the enemy monsters are quite large and well-detailed as well. Backgrounds definitely give you the feel that you’re “somewhere else in space.” The gameplay, while fun, is nothing unusual to others in the “shoot-’em-up” category in which you must kill the enemies before they kill you. The ring fields and the strategy needed to make your way through them adds a bit to the game, taking it out of the strictly “me too” genre. By the way, since it can take you quite a while to make your way to the enemy base, there is a password system built-in so you can go have dinner, do homework, or get some sleep, before continuing, (one player; password) Recommended All too familiar scenario makes this one a "pass" TWIN EAGLE (AA^Al/2) is, in our opinion, a very inauspicious debut for Romstar as it suffers from a terrible “me-tooism,” and not a good one at that. The premise is about as simple as it gets...a vertically scrolling “shoot-’em-up” in which you pilot a helicopter through enemy territory avenging your brother’s death. You can also play in a cooperative two-player mode where you and a buddy avenge the death advancing through fi ve stages of land, sea, and ai rbattles before reachi ng the enemy fortress. Fly the helicopter, shooting down the enemy while they attempt to shoot you down. Along the way, you must attempt to pick up hostages. Boring There is simply nothing new or different here to hold your interest more than a few minutes. The graphics are very ordinary, reminiscent of several other games we’ve seen. Save your money, (one player; two-player cooperative; continue) Not Recommended Another Space “Shoot-’em-up” VINDICATORS (**^**1/2) finds you in the year 2525 as alien space stations approach Earth. You must wipe out 14 of these space stations with Vindicators, the battle tank of the future from Tengen . Youy’ll begin by customizing your tank and, once you’ve infiltrated a station, youy must find and destroy its control center. The enemy includes tanks, armored vehicles, robots and more. Throughout the station pick up fuel cannisters as well as Battle Stars which can be used to “buy” items such as increased shots speed, power, range, etc. If you destroy all the enemy stations you’ll face the evil Emperor in a final showdown. Fast and furious action There are enemies coming at you from every direction, with all sorts of weapons. Keep moving and be alert for fuel, as well as the keys to move to the next levels. You’ll have to get used to how to direct your directional pad in steering your tank as it will seem a little odd, especially if you’re moving “down” the screen as the “up” portion of the pad will be what you press as that directs “forward” movement."Once you get familiar with that oddity, you should be okay...just don’t look at the pad as that is what will throw you off. You’ll look down on the action with graphics that have nicely detailed backgrounds and various shapes which you ’ll learn to identify as the enemy vehicles, etc. It’s a pretty good action game, but with no great “twist” to lift it above many others out there, (one player; two players; continue feature) Parker Brothers announces expansion Boardgame maker sets sights on computers and Nintendo. Parker Brothers, well known to children and their parents for such enduring boardgames as “Clue” and “Monopoly,” has just announced that the company will venture further into electronic entertainment in 1990. With three games for the Sega Master System already available (“Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?,” “King’s Quest” and “Montezuma’s Revenge”), Parker Bros, will begin producing game programs for computers and the Nintendo EntertainmentSystem(NES) in 1990. The company’s first title for computers will be Trivial Pursuit for MS-DOS systems, with additional titles and formats expected to be an¬ nounced soon. The first Parker Bros, game for the NES will be Heavy Shreddin , a snowboarding SpoftS gimc. A Second title for the NES is expected to be auTiutfriCtd either in January at Hie Consumer Electronics Show or in February at the Toy Fair. V___ Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 SNEAK PREVIEW Nintendo Software Shoot for the Skyscraper ROLLERBALL (A**/***1/2) from Hal America brings home all the excitement of a pinball arcade. The cartridge is a dual combina¬ tion of “Skyscraper,” a fairly typical pinball game for one player, and “Matchplay,” a head- to-head pinball flipper battle for two. “Sky¬ scraper” scrolls downward to reveal additional screens of action, a familiar setup for video pinball games. However, the designers at Hal put a different twist on Rollerball by setting a separate area above the starting screen that can only by reached by hitting a special “slot” near the top of that screen. Nailing that “slot” at the top of the Skyscraper gives you the thrill of pulling the handle on a slot machine in Las Vegas as you go for the points or to end the game. Political pinball? Combat with your best pinball buddy is Rollerball'% version of head-to-head flipper ac¬ tion in the “Matchplay” game. The simultaneous two-player action gets wild when the game shoots pinballs to both opponents, and you tally as many points as you can on the vertically split screen. Remember to keep politics out of it, though: the “Elephant Player” and the “Donkey Player” have nothing to do with George Bush or Ted Kennedy. The expressive faces of these on¬ screen characters merely indicate how well you are doing against your opponent The graphics in the game are sharp and allow you to concentrate on game f4ay rather trying to figure out what this bumper, or graphic is. Rollerball is a simple contest, but it offers lots of fun and excitement (Solo or 2-player competitive; Pause.) Recommended. 13 ( ATARI ST NOVEMBER Bubuian n (PSY) CxithtgefPSY) x-Fienduh Freddy’* Big Top (MIN) FUih Dragon (PSY) Join of Are (BRO) Killing Game Show (PSY) x-Pimei (MIC) xProTenmi Tour(UBI) Szvxge (MED) x-SuperHang-On (DE) DECEMBER APR (TEN) After Burner (SEG) Aquaventun (PSY) B1 aneroids (TEN) Gore (PSY) Kriital, The (CIN) Port of Radiance (SSI) Shadow of ihe Beast (PSY) Shinobi (SEG) Vindscaion (TEN) Xybou (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Arkanoid II (TAI) Bad Dudes (DE) Colony, The (MIN) Double Dragon II (MH) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Dragon Force (INS) Federation (SPO) Galactic Conoueror (TI) Guardians of Infinity (PAR) Guerrilla War (DE) Harpoon (TS) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Adv (LF) Infestation (PSY) Licence to Kill (BRO) Matrix Marauders (PSY) Nevermind (PSY) Operation Wolf (TAJ) Platoon (DE) Qux (TAJ) Rici Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman UU Golf (MH) Shoot'Em Up Construe Kit (ACO) Stryx (PSY) Their Finest Hour (LF) Total Eclipse (SPO) Wavne GrcUky Hockey (BS) Weud Dreams (MED) Wizard Wan (PAR) JANUARY 1990 Dragons of Flame (SSI) Loom (LF) Wmdwalker(ORJ) FEBRUARY P ire stone (PSY) march StarTrek V: Final Premier (MIN) FIRST QUARTER Space Rogue (OR!) COMMODORE 64H28 NOVEMBER x-Baide Chess (IP) x-Dragon Wan (IP) x Knighu of Legend (ORJ) x Life Force (KON) x Mean Streets (ACC) x-Sgt Slaughter Mat Wan (MIN) x Thud Ridge (TS) DECEMBER APR (TEN) B1 asteroids (TEN) Blue Angels (ACO) Castlevania (KON) Cycles, The (ACO) Rolling Thunder (TEN) X-Sentinel Worlds I: Future Magic (EA) Slarflight (EA) TV Spans Pootball (ON) Xybou (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER ABC Monday Night Football (DE) Bad Dudes (£>E) Bailisux (PSY) Blood Money (PSY) Captain Fizz (PSY) Double Dragon II (MH) Face Off I (GAM) Falcon (SPE) Ferrari Formula One (EA) Ghoatbusten II (ACT) Heavy Barrel (DE) Licence to Kill (BRO) Orel Henhiscr't Strike Zone (MH) PT 109(SPE) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack G Norman UU Golf (MH) Super Hang On (DE) War in Middle Earth(MH) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) Weird Dreams (MED) JANUARY 1990 Metal Gear (KON) Super C (KON) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlei (ULT) FEBRUARY Blades of Steel (KON) Double Dribble (KON) AMIGA NOVEMBER x Bad Dudes (DE) Carthage (PSY) x Cycles, The (ACO) FI6 Combat Pilot (EA) Flash Dragon (PSY) x Joan of Arc (BRO) x If It Movea, Shoot It! (BRO) AVAILABILITY UPDATE It Came from the Desert (CIN') Killing Game Show (PSY) Neuromancer(JP) x Nevermind (PSY) Pod of Radiance (SSI) xPio Tennis Tour (UB1) x RoboCop (DE) Savage (MED) x Sumer Hang-On (DE) TV Sports Basketball (ON) DECEMBER APR. (TEN) Aqua venture (PSY) Bias rereads (TEN) Blue Angels (ACO) Gore (PSY) x Leisure Suit Larry U (SIE) Shinobi (SEG) Slarflight (EA) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle! (ULT) Vindicators (TEN) Xybou (TEN) FOURTH QUARTER Arkanoid II (DIS) Anure (ARC) Barbarian II (PSY) Colony, The (MIN) Dr. Doom's Revenge (PAR) Dragon Force (INS) F-19 Stealth Fighter (MIC) Federation (SPO) Fidelity Cheumaster 2100 (ST) Ghostbuslers II (ACT) Guerrilla War (DE) HardBall II (ACO) Harpoon (TS) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Action (LF) Indiana Jones Last Crusade/Adv (LF) Infesution (PSY) KyBoa (BS) Licence to Kill (BRO) Magic Johnson Basketball (MH) Matrix Marauders (PSY) Operation Clean Streets (BRO) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Shark Attack: G Norman Ult Golf (Mil) Sky Shark (TAI) Stryx (PSY) There Finest Hour (LF) Total Eclipse (SPO) Weird Dreams (MED) JANUARY 1990 Ajax (KON) Blades of Steel (KON) Double Dribble (KON) Dragons of Flame (SSI) Harley Davidson Rd to Sturgis (MIN) Loom (LF) StarTrek V Final Frontier (MIN) Super C (KON) Windwtlker(ORI) FEBRUARY Firestone (PSY) Pirates (MIC) MARCH Metal Gear (KON) FIRST QUARTER Knights of Legend (OR]) Space Rogue (ORI) APPLE Utile NOVEMBER x Knighu of Legend (ORJ) Pine Dream (LF) War of the Lance (SSI) Where in Time/C Sandego (BRO) FOURTH QUARTER Batman (DE) First Over Germany (SSI) Heavy Barrel (DE) Indiana Jones St Temple of Doom (MIN) Manhunrer New York (SIE) RoboCop (DE) Superstar Ice Hockey (MIN) JANU ARY 1990 Degeneration (BRO) APPLE IIGS NOVEMBER x Anaent Land of Ys (K YO) x Fast Break (ACO) x Jam Scanon (BRO) Renegade (TAJ) Third Courier (ACO) DECEMBER Blue Angels (ACO) Captain Blood (MIN) Hostage (MIN) Indoor Spores (MIN) Superstar Soccer (MIN) FOURTH QUARTER Double Dragon II (MH) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Halls of Montezuma (SSG) Indiana Jones St Temple of Doom (MIN) Life St Death (ST) Quarters taff (INF) Qu(TAI) Rastan (TAI) Zoom! (DIS) JANUARY *90 Windwalker (ORJ) MACINTOSH. NOVEMBER x-Halla of Montezuma (SSG) x-Playm aker Football (BRO) x Space Rogue (ORI) DECEMBER Captain Blood (MIN) Hosuge (MIN) x-Leisure Suit Larry n (SIB) FOURTH QUARTER Arkanoid Construe Set (DIS) Arkanoid U (DIS) Cimer Com mind (MED) F-19 Stealth Fighter (MIC) Fidelity Chcssmasrer 2100 (ST) Harpoon (TS) Kamov (DE) Omega (ORJ) Scepue (DIS) Surglider II (MED) Ultima IV (ORI) Wayne Gretzky Hockey (BS) JANUARY 1990 StarTrek V Final Frontier (MIN) Windwalker (ORJ) MS DOS NOVEMBER x-Atner Civil War V 3 (SSG) x Bandit Kings of Ancient China (KOE) Blood Money (PSY) X-Blue Angels (ACO) X Budokan (EA) X-Colonel's Bequest (SIE) x Dragons of Flame (SSI) F14 Tomcat (ACT) Forgotten Worlds (CAP) X HajdBaU 11 (ACO) X If It Moves. Shoot It! (BRO) x Jackal (KON) x Keef the Thief (EA) x Leisure Sun Larry III (SIE) x Mean Streets (ACC) x Neurom nicer (IP) Qu (TAJ) x RoboCop (DE) Savage (MED) x StarTrek V: Final Frontier (MIN) x-Tank (SPE) x W,ndwalker (ORI) DECEMBER APB (TEN) Action Fighter (SEG) x Alien Syndrome (SEG) Bsulci of Napoleon (SSI) Cartoonen (EA) Code Name Ice Man (SIE) Conquest! of Came lot (SIE) Dealhbringer (SPO) x Gold of the Americas (SSG) Gore (PSY) Harley Davidson Rd to Suirgis (MIN) Indianapolis 500 The Simulation (EA) x Kristal, The (CIN) x Manhole, The (ACT) x Rick Dangerous (MED) Second Front (SSI) Sorcerian (SIE) x Slarflight 2 (EA) x-Swotd of the Samurai (MIC) x Thunder Blade (SEG) x TV Sports Football (CIN) Wotfpack(BRO) FOURTH QUARTER A-10 Tank Killer (DYN) ABC Monday Night Football (DE) Arthur Quest for Excabbur (INF) Baal (PSY) Bailisux (PSY) Bubble Bobble (TAJ) Clubhouse Sporu (MIN) Conspiracy Deadlock Files (ACO) Dark Side (SPO) David Wolf: Secret Agent (DYN) Death track (ACT) Deja Vu 11 (IS) Die Hard (ACT) Double Dragon II (MH) Downhill Challenge (BRO) Dragon Wan (IP) Eye of the Storm (ACO) Federation (SPO) Galactic Conqueror (TI) Harpoon (TS) Heat Wive (ACO) Hybris (DIS) Journey (INF) KyBos (BS) Matrix Marauders (PSY) McdiWarriot (ACT) Menace (PSY) Nevermind (PSY) Orel Herahiser'i Strike Zone (MH) Overrun (SSI) Quartern iff (INF) Rambo 111 (TAI) Rasun (TAJ) Rick Davis World Trophy Soccer (MH) Scooby Doo(MI) Shark Attack: G Norman UU Golf (MH) Shogun (INF) Star Fleet U (INS) Storm across Europe (SSI) Super Hang On (DE) Weird Dreams (MED) Zork Zero (INF) JANUARY 1990 Aquaventun (PSY) BarbarianII (PSY) Blades of Steel (KON) Castlevania (KON) Double Dribble (KON) Infesution (PSY) Loom (LF) Metal Gear (KON) Super C (KON) Teenage Mount Ninja Turtles (ULT) FEBRUARY Carthage (PSY) FIRST QUARTER Knighu of Legend (ORJ) Prmoe of Penia (BRO) Shuffle puck Cafe (BRO) ATARI 2600 FOURTH QUARTER Double Dragon (ACT) I tin Warriors (AT) Motorodeo (AT) Off the Wall (AT) Radar Lock (AT) Road Runner (AT) Sentinel (AT) Shooting Arcade (AT) Street Fight (AT) While Water Madness (AT) ATARI 7800 NOVEMBER x-Commando (AT) x Double Dragon (ACT) x Rampage (ACT) FOURTH QUARTER Barnyard Blaster (AT) Ikan Wirrion (AT) Jinks (AT) Mat Mania Challenge (AT) Mean 18 Golf (AT) Ninja Golf (AT) Plane! Smashers (AT) Sentinel (AT) White Water Madness (AT) Xenophobc (AT) ATARI XE GAME SYSTEM FOURTH QUARTER Commando (AT) Deflektor (AT) Mali Maze (AT) Super Football (AT) Tower Toppler(AT) Xenophobc (AT) HI STEW DO NOVEMBER Alien Syndrome (TEN) All Pro Basketball (VT) x Black Bus 11 (Hot B USA) Or u router (HT) Cluh at Demon Head (VT) X Flying Dragon (CB) X Goall(JAL) x-Godzilla(Toho) x King’i Knight (SQ) x Road Runner (TEN) x Romance of Three Kingdoms (KOE) x Sesame Street ABC (HY) Spy Vi. Spy II (KS) x-To the Earth (NIN) x Twin Eagle (ROM) x-Vindicatoo (TEN) Wild Boys (BAN) Win Lose Or Draw (HT) DECEMBER Afterburner (TEN) Arch on (ACT) Cybemoid (ACM) Dig Dug D (BAN) Ghostbuslen II (ACT) Iron Sword (ACM) Kings of Beach (ULT) Knight Rider (ACM) x NES Satellite (NIN) Rescue Embusy Mission (KS) RoboCop (DE) x 720 (MIN) Shadowgaie (KS) Shinobi (TEN) x-Sdem Service (ULT) Super Pitfall II (ACT) Tombs and Treasure (ACT) Toobin’ (TEN) Willow (CAP) FOURTH QUARTER Abyss, The (ACT) Bueball Simulator (CB) Battle of Olympus (BRO) Boy A His Blob (ABS) Code Name: Viper (CAP) Demon Sword (TAJ) Diehard (ACT) Double Dare (QT) Glove Pilot (MAT) I Stewart Super Off Road (TW) Marvel's X Men (UN) A Short Oider/Eggsplode! (NIN) Super Glove Ball (MAT) Super Password (GT) Target Renegade (TAJ) Terror of Tech Town (MAT) Top Gun 2nd Mission (KON) Twin Cobra (AS) Unser’s Turbo Racing (DE) JANUARY 1990 Btgfoot (ACM) Championship Bowling (ROM) Double Dragon II (ACM) S Eyes (TAX) Fantasy Zone (TEN) Jack Ntcklaus Greatest 18 (KON) MTV'i Remote Control (HT) Police Academy (TEN) RoadBlisten (MIN) Xybou (TEN) FEBRUARY Batman (SUN) Rollerball (HAL) Super C (KON) Super Mario Bros 3 MARCH Fun House (HT) Hunt for Red October (HT) Moppet Adventure (HT) NES Four Score (NIN) Snake's Revenge (ULT) Super Spike V'Ban (NIN) Vegas Dream (HAL) FIRST QUARTER Gilhgan's Island (BAN) I Can Remember (FP) Jeopardy Silver Anniv (GT) Magic Johnson's Fast Break (TW) Perfect Fit (FP) Phantom Fighter (FC1) Princess Tomato (HS) Snoopy's Silly Sports (KS) StarTrek V (BAN) Super Spy Hunter (SUN) Super Sushi Pinball (CSG) Terminator (SUN) U Force (BRO) U S Championship Volleyball (NIN) Wheel of Fortune Family Ed(GT) World Champshp Wrestling (Fd) APRIL Minion Impossible (ULT) Pm Bot (NIN) Snake RreiieVRoU (NIN) SEGA MASTER SISTEM NOVEMBER Dead Angle (SEG) Dynamite Dux (SEO) Scramble Spire (SEG) Super Golf (SEG) Tennis Ace (SEG) DECEMBER Basketball Nightmare (SEG) World Games (SEG) JANUARY 1990 Golden Axe (SEG) UltimaIV (SEG) FIRST QUARTER 1990 Arcade Command Stick (SEG) SEGA GEXESIS OCTOBER x Arnold Palmer Golf (SEG) x Ghouls T9 Ghosts (SEG) NOVEMBER x Rambo III (SEG) x-Super Hang-On (SEG) DECEMBER Alex Kidd Enchanted Castle (SEG) x Forgotten Worlds (SEG) Mystic Dcfencfcr (SEG) Revenge of Shmobi (SEO) Tnuion (SEG) JANUARY 1990 Golden Axe (SEG) Zoom (SEO) FIRST QUARTER Arcade Command Slick (SEG) CyberbaB (TEN) SECOND QUARTER Hard Yardage (ACT) Tongue of the Fat roan (ACT) NOVEMBER Deep Blue x Dragon Spud xFiniaiy Zone x Fighting Sueet/CD x-Galaga 90 Monster I air/CD Moto Roader xR-Type x World Class Baseball World Court Tennis JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1990 Final Lap Twin MilitaryMadness Ordyne PacLand Space Hamer NOTE Programs nousd V have shipped as of press time but may not yet be distributed nation-wide Projected shipping dales are provided by manufacturers and subject to charge /•• " ; ————-- © 1989 Computer Entertainer and Video Game Update. $25.00 annually in U.S. Funds for 12 issues, published monthly. Foreign airmail $38.00 in U.S. Funds. Send payment to Computer Entertainer, 5916 Lemona Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91411. (818) 761*1516. Computer Entertainer accepts no advertising from any software manufacturer. The philosophy of this newsletter is to provide the reader with honest evaluation of products on the market It is our intention to act as an independent watchdog, providing critical commentary and analysis. The opinions are solely those of Computer Entertainer andarenot influenced by the manufacturers. To describe a program, we may use existing literature from the manufacturer, but that will have no bearing on the rating system. Any reproduction, duplication, or re-publication of this copyrighted work without written consent of | Compute/ EfitirUirun ia strictly pruhifcit&d. Any violation of applicable copyright laws will tie vigorously prosecuted ana subject to civil and criminal penalties. This worn, may l not be changed or altered in any way. 1^“-—-—- Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 SUBSCRIBER BUYING SERVICE Program Cost Ancient Land of Ys (GS,MS) 32.90 Blue Angels (MS,Am*,GS*) 36.40 Blue Angels (Co*) 28.80 Budokan (MS) 36.40 Cabal (MS - 26.10; Co-22.30) Cycles, The (Am - 32.90; MS - 28.80) F-16 Combat Pilot (Am,ST,MS) 36.40 Forgotten Worlds (Am-28.80;MS*-26.10;Co-22.30;Gen-47.90) Hardball II (MS-28.80; Am*-32.90) Joan of Arc (Am,MS,ST) Mean Streets (MS-43.60;Co-28.80) Pocket Rockets (Am-28.80;MS-26.10;Co-22.30) Populous (ST,Am,MS*) 36.40 Rambo III (Gen) 44.50 Rollerball (NES) 36.75 Sands of Fire (Mac) 36.40 Star Trek V (MS, Am*,Mac*) 36.40 Super Hang-On (ST,MS*-28.80;Am-32.90;Gen-44.50) Thunder Blade (MS-28.80;Co-26.10;Am,ST-36.40) To the Earth (NES) 33.60 Twin Eagle (NES) 39.70 Vindicators (NES) 42.30 Sys/Format Quantity Total RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SO YOU DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! 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Don't forget to get your invitation for our Reception if you're going to be in Las Vegas for CES (see page V_ Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 r From: BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 715 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE A NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Computer Entertainer 5916 Lemona Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 Self Mailing folder. Fold here. Read it here first: exclusive CES previews! Electronic Arts & affiliates to debut impressive variety of new titles. The Electronic Arts booth at CES is likely to be an active one. Along with several current titles, EA plans to give everyone a First look at five upcoming releases for MS-DOS systems. Rodney and Lester from “Skate Or Die” are set for a return appearance in SKI OR DIE(MSR $39.95), amulti-eventgame featuring a snowboard half-pipe, aero aerial ski jump, innertube thrash, snowball throwing and a downhill blitz. Up two four human players will be able to take to the links in PGA TOUR GOLF ($49.95), or a single player can team up with a com¬ puter-controlled PGA Touring Pro. This simulation will let players customize their ideal golfer, choose clubs and balls, and enjoy a fly-by TV perspective of the action. Boxing is the subject of LOW BLOW ($49.95), a game that will let players battle their way to the championship against seven heavyweights. OSPREY ($49.95) is the working title of a combat helicopter simulation with player’s choice of Apache, Blackhawk, Osprey or experimental LHX choppers. EA will also show a historically accurate strategy game of the Roman Empire with the working title of CAESAR ($49.95). Players can direct navies and armies, engage in diplomatic negotiations, participate in a chariot race, stage a gladiator event or even try to seduce Cleopatra. Along with these new titles of its own, EA will share space with the independent publishers whose products are distributed by Electronic Arts. The showings of EA affiliates are covered separately throughout this issue. Interstel’s new programs at CES Man-to-man combat simulation and animated adventure featured. D.R. A.G.O.N. FORCE (MSR $49.95 Amiga, Atari ST) is the newest strategic simulation by Interstel, and it will put players in command of an elite strike force assigned to high-rise, top-secret missions around the world. The player chooses a seven-man team from 14 professional soldiers for 12 missions including cocaine lab raids, hostage rescues and others. Team members gain strength and experience with success, but they can also be wounded, taken prisoner, or killed in action. Interstel’s second CES offering will be AT EARTHRISE ($49.95 MS-DOS), an animated graphics adventure which asks the player to avert disaster at an abandoned mining station on an oul-of-control asteroid headed toward Earth The program will include on-line hints. CES introductions from Cinemaware Pro sports & unique flight simu¬ lator to be shown. Cinemaware’s TV SPORTS will become a series in 1990. TV SPORTS: FOOTBALL, already available for Amiga, MS-DOS, Atari ST and coming soon for Commodore 64/ 128, will be joined by TV SPORTS: BAS¬ KETBALL and TV SPORTS: BASEBALL for Amiga, MS-DOS and Atari ST. The basketball game will feature full-court 5- on-5 action, a 28-team league, a 24-game schedule and post-season playoffs. Up to four players can participate simultaneously. Baseball will include a 26-team league with variable length season, different levels of difficulty, instant replay, an All-Star game and more. Cinemaware will also show WINGS, a unique flight simulator which we saw in development a few months ago and previewed in our October, 1989 issue. WINGS puts the player into a World War I biplane for a chance to discover the romance of early flight, complete with secret bomb¬ ing missions, strafing of enemy aerodromes, and battles with the fabled Red Baron. This program for Amiga, MS-DOS and Atari ST allows a seat-of-the-pants approach to flight simulation: no huge manuals or endless hours of practice required to enjoy the fun of flying. V__V 16 Computer Entertainer - December, 1989 bbbsii I1I11S 1 1 "--v.-.; ;a Hi Vr-- IVv-'^ '/>