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===============================================================================
----------3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions list----------
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Interactive Multiplayer
Frequently Asked Questions List V2.4
Maintained by Scott A. Krotz
e-mail: krotz@rtsg.mot.com
----------3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions list----------
===============================================================================
This is the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions list. It
consists of the following four sections:
SECTION 1 - 3DO Consoles and General Information
SECTION 2 - 3DO Founders and Company information
SECTION 3 - Hardware, Peripherals, and Specifications
SECTION 4 - System and Application Software
Each section answers specific questions about the 3DO, the 3DO company, and
3DO software and hardware.
This FAQ List was last modified on April 30th, 1994. The latest version
of this faq, along with other 3DO related materials, can be found at the ftp
site ftp.ee.pdx.edu (131.252.10.155).
================SECTION 1 - 3DO Consoles and General Information===============
[1.1] What is a 3DO?
A: The 3DO is, technically, a set of specifications created by the 3DO
company, which is itself a partership of seven different Companies. These
specs are the intellectual property of the 3DO Company, and are the blueprint
for making a 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. Manufacturing companies license the
rights from the 3DO Company to manufacture a system based on the 3DO Company's
specifications. Software companies license the ability to develop software for
the 3DO.
The closest analogy is that of the VCR; The VCR *technology* was
created by JVC, and any company can manufacture a VCR or VCR videocassettes
as long as they pay a small royalty to JVC. The 3DO *technology* was
created by the 3DO Company, and several companies have licensed the right
to manufacture 3DO systems based on this technology. The 3DO Company
itself does not manufacture 3DO systems.
Basically, a 3DO system consists of an ARM60 32-bit RISC processor as the
general processing unit, with a graphics engine based around two custom
designed graphics and animation processors. It has 2 Megabytes of
DRAM, 1 Megabyte of VRAM, and a doublespeed CD-ROM drive for main
storage. This is a simplified description of the system; See below for
detailed specifications.
Be sure to read the newsgroup rec.games.video.3do for ongoing discussions
about 3DO software and hardware.
[1.2] What can the 3DO do?
"It will be more stimulating to the human mind than any new technology
since printing." - Trip Hawkins
A: The Panasonic 3DO system can run 3DO Interactive software, Play audio
CD's (including support for CD+G), View Photo-CDs, and will eventually be
able to play Video CD's with a special add-on MPEG1 full motion video
cartridge.
With its controller port up to 8 controllers can be daisy-chained on the
system at once. A keyboard, mouse, light gun, and other peripherals may
also some day be hooked into the system (although they are not currently
available).
3DO Interactive software is a step beyond most current consumer multimedia
interactive software. With its powerful cel engine, the 3DO can display
full motion video, fully texture mapped 3-D landscapes, and other amazing
visuals, all in 24-bit color.
[1.3] What does the Panasonic 3DO system come with?
A: The Panasonic REAL 3DO player includes the 3DO system with an RF output,
composite video output, S-Video output, left and right audio outputs, and
cables for composite video and L+R audio. The 3DO system contains an FMV
port for attaching the optional MPEG1 full motion video cartridge (used to
watch Video CDs), one expansion port, and one controller port. Up to eight
devices can be daisy chained together on the controller port. The base system
also includes one seven-button controller with 11 foot cable and headphone
jack + volume control. The base system also includes two CDs: a 3DO sampler
disc and the game CD "Crash and Burn." The sampler disc contains an intro to
the system, demo programs, and information about upcoming titles. "Crash and
Burn" is a high speed 3-D texture mapped racing-combat game. A manual, setup
information, and promotional poster are also included.
For more information on the Panasonic REAL(tm) Interactive Multiplayer, call
(800)REAL-3DO.
[1.4] Where can I get the lowest price for a 3DO?
A: The retail price of the 3DO has recently been dropped to $499 (with many
retail outlets selling it for $449), so make sure not to buy a 3DO somewhere
that has not changed to the new price. Mail order outlets usually have
slightly lower prices than retail stores, and may have it for less. Prices as
low as $399 have been found. Ask on rec.games.video.3do for more info about
finding the current best place to purchase a 3DO.
[1.5] Is the 3DO a Panasonic product?
A: No. The 3DO system was developed and designed by the 3DO Company, and
Panasonic has licensed the right to manufacture the system from the 3DO
company. Panasonic has little to do with the design of the system, they
just build them. Panasonic calls their 3DO console the "Panasonic FZ-1
R.E.A.L. 3DO Interactive Multiplayer."
[1.6] Who else is a 3DO hardware licensee?
A: Here is a list of the current 3DO hardware licensees:
LicenseeProductNotes
--------------------
PanasonicHome ConsoleFZ-1 is currently released(1)
SanyoHome ConsolePlanned release in August(2)
AT&THome ConsolePlanned release in late '94(3)
SamsungHome ConsolePlanned release in Oct. '94
GoldstarHome ConsolePlanned release in Jan. '95
Creative LabsPC CardPC card for IBM compatibles(4)
ToshibaPortableCreating a car nav system(5)
Atari GamesCoin-op Arcade GameGame(s) to be made are unknown
Electronic ArtsCoin-op Arcade GameGame(s) to be made are unknown
American Laser GamesCoin-op Arcade GameGame(s) to be made are unknown
NOTE: All release dates are tentative and subject to change.
(1) The Panasonic FZ-1 is the only 3DO console currently available. It has
been released in the US and Japan, and a UK release is scheduled for Fall '94.
(2) Sanyo has stated the Japanese release will come before the American
release, which is currently scheduled for August.
(3) The AT&T 3DO will optionally include a modem for networked games and
communication.
(4) For more information on the Creative labs PC card, see question 3.3
(5) Toshiba has announced plans to develop a portable version of the 3DO system
that can be installed in automobiles. It is believed to be a car navigation
system of some sort, and should be available in Japan in late '94.
[1.7] I thought the Sanyo 3DO console was cancelled? EGM says so!
A: This is incorrect. A news article came out in November '93 saying that
the Sanyo 3DO had been shelved, but it turned out to be false information.
EGM picked up this story and printed it. Both 3DO and Sanyo contacted EGM
to tell them the story was false, but EGM amazingly refused to retract their
story. The information about the cancellation of the Sanyo 3DO in the March
issue of EGM is incorrect. Sanyo has announced that they will release their
own 3DO console in August, and at a price "lower than Panasonics." No
specific price has been given.
[1.8] What's this I hear about a "reduced-cost" 3DO chipset?
A: 3DO has re-worked their chipset to reduce the cost of manufacturing. The
new chipset has no more or less functionality or speed than the previous one,
it simply combines several chips into one to reduce the cost of making it. The
new chipset should be available in quantity soon and is slated to be used in
the new Sanyo 3DO.
[1.9] Will each 3DO system be compatible?
A: Yes. You will be able to run all 3DO software on any manufacturers
system. However, each system can be customized to some extent by the
manufacturer to add their own special features.. for example the modem on
the AT&T console.
[1.10] Will I be able to play current 3DO software on the next generation 3DO
system?
A: Yes. Right now 3DO intends that you will be able to play current 3DO
software on any future 3DO compatible machine.
[1.11] Will I be able to upgrade my current 3DO console to a next generation
3DO console(through the FMV expansion port perhaps) when it is available?
A: Its not known if there will be the ability to upgrade current 3DO hardware
into next generation 3DO hardware. Very little is known about the next
version of the 3DO, and it is presumed that it is only in the early planning
stages at this point in time.
[1.12] Is the 3DO just going to be an educational system?
A: No. While educational and informational programs are going to be an
important part of the 3DO software library, there will also be lots of
games. Trip Hawkins is said to love games, and the system was designed
by game players almost certainly with games in mind.
[1.13] Is the 3DO just going to be a games system?
A: No. Childrens, educational, and reference/informational programs are
planned to be a large part of the 3DO software library.
[1.14] Is the 3DO the same as CD-I?
A: No. CD-I stands for "CD Interactive" and is a system developed by Phillips
Electronics. The two systems *are not* compatible and are totally unrelated.
[1.15] Which system is better, the 3DO or the Jaguar?
A: It isn't really known. Due to the bus design and architecture of the
3DO, the two systems cannot easily be compared. Only time and software
will begin to show the different abilities of the two systems.
People in the newsgroup rec.games.video.advocacy will almost certainly be
discussing this issue. Check there for more information, but only if you are
strong in body and spirit. :) System wars are well known for their ferocity.
[1.16] Where can I ftp 3DO related files?
A: the ftp site ftp.ee.pdx.edu (131.252.10.155) has 3DO related materials,
including the latest version of this FAQ, in the directory /pub/gaming/3DO.
New files can be submitted in the /pub/incoming directory.
===============SECTION 2 - 3DO Founders and Company information================
[2.1] What does 3DO stand for?
A: Nothing, really. Some people have said it stands for "3 Dimensional
Objects," or "3 Dollars Only," (The current licensing fee per disc) but the
general consensus is that it means it is the next step after audio and video:
audio, video, "threedeo."
[2.2] Who developed the 3DO system?
A: Dave Needle and RJ Mical are named as co-inventors of the Machine. Needle
and Mical previously worked on the the design team of the original Amiga
computer, and on the design of the Atari Lynx handheld gaming system. The NTG
(New Technologies Group) company designed most of the 3DO technology/hardware.
[2.3] Who is Trip Hawkins?
A: Trip Hawkins is the founder and CEO of the 3DO Company. He is also the
founder of Electronic Arts, a well known software publishing company. Trip
is the driving force behind the creation and development of the 3DO.
[2.4] Who are the seven partners that make up 3DO?
A: Matsushita, AT&T, Time Warner, MCA, Electronic Arts, venture capital firm
Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and the New Technologies Group(NTG). NTG
was previously a separate company but has now merged into the 3DO company and
no longer exists as a separate entity.
[2.5] How does the 3DO company make money?
A: 3DO gets a small royalty for each 3DO console sold. They also get a
royalty on each 3DO software disc sold. The 3DO disc royalty is currently
at $3 per disc. Since 3DO does not directly manufacture the 3DO consoles or
software, it has little control over their retail pricing.
[2.6] What about 3DO's stock?
A: In mid-March, 1993, 3DO entered into the stock market with an initial
public offering (IPO) that values the entire company at around $300 million.
3DO has recently started a promotion offering 3DO hardware manufacturers two
shares of 3DO common stock for each hardware system shipped at or below certain
retail prices before Sept. 30, 1994. All of the current hardware licensees
are eligible to take part in this promotion.
[2.7] How do I contact the 3DO company?
A: Contact 3DO's public relations department at:
The 3DO Company
600 Galveston Dr.
Redwood City, Ca 94063
(415) 261-3000
============SECTION 3 - Hardware, Peripherals, and Specifications=============
[3.1] What Peripherals are coming for the 3DO?
A: Peripherals have been announced by Logitech and CH Products. Alps Electric,
Inc. has also signed on to create 3DO peripherals but has not announced any
products as of yet. Logitech is going to produce a mouse for the 3DO, and CH
Products an analog joystick. No release dates have been made public for either
product. A keyboard peripheral is also expected.
[3.2] Is there going to be a modem for the 3DO?
A: Yes, AT&T is planning on releasing both a 3DO console that includes a modem
and an add-on modem peripheral for modem-less 3DO consoles. The AT&T modem
will incorporate AT&T's VoiceSpan voice-over-data technology that allows
players to talk with the person they are networked with. (note: AT&T also
plans on releasing a 3DO console without a modem.)
[3.3] What about the PC 3DO card?
A: Creative Technologies is making a 3DO PC card. This card will allow
properly configured PC compatibles to play 3DO software titles.
Creative Technology will manufacture and market the card. No release
date or further information is available yet.
[3.4] Can the Panasonic 3DO control pad do diagonals? I sure can't get mine to!
A: Diagonals can be done on the Panasonic 3DO directional pad, but they take
excessive force. There is a simple solution, however, that allows diagonal
movement to be done easily. David Liu (davidliu@husc8.harvard.edu) says:
"One merely needs to partially unscrew the six screws which hold the
controller in place. Unscrewing only the three screws on the right side of
the bottom face of the controller three turns each restores much of the
control; loosening the remaining screws slightly can be used to tune the
sensitivity of the controller. The origin of the problem may be that the
rubber contact pad and the plastic control disk are pressed too tightly in
the factory-produced controllers, causing a slight warping of the rubber pad.
Loosening the two halves of the controller, however, remedies this problem."
Many thanks to David Liu for this quick and simple fix! Remember, although
this is a simple procedure, neither David nor I can bear any responsibility for
damage done to your controllers while attempting this fix.
There is also a slightly trickier and more involved method developed by Casey
Grimm that might be a better fix. It involves taking apart the control pad and
cutting a small part of the thumb pad. This fix can be found on ftp.ee.pdx.edu
for those who are interested.
[3.5] What is the resolution of the 3DO system?
A: The resolution displayed on screen is 640x480. However, the 3DO has an
internal resolution of 320x240 or 320x480, with each pixel being either 24-bits
or 16-bits. The 16-bit mode is almost always used for animations, while the
24-bit mode is used mostly for still pictures. There are no other resolutions
available. The internal resolution is interpolated into an anti-aliased
640x480 pixel display. The interpolation can be turned on and off via
software.
[3.6] Can the 3DO do real 24-bit color?
A: The 3DO can do 16 bit graphics with CLUTs(Color Look Up Tables) drawn from
24 bits, or it can do true 24 bit graphics.
[3.7] What does it mean when 3DO product literature says that the system
can "animate 64 million pixels per second?"
A: The system is capable of animating up to 64 million 16-bit on-screen
pixels per second. This is really 16 million internal 16-bit pixels
that are then interpolated as they are displayed on the screen to 640 by
480 pixel resolution, quadrupling the number of pixels displayed on screen.
[3.8] What are the detailed specs of the system?
A: According to information from an article about the 3DO in Popular Science,
the 3DO has an interesting design. Instead of a straightforward single bus
configuration, it seems to have a multiple bus configuration. This in theory
allows multiple components to be operating simultaneously, with less bus
contention problems than would be found in a standard single-bus design.
The heart of the system is two Graphics and animation processors which are
capable of rendering up to 64 million texture mapped pixels per second
(interpolated). The Graphics animation processors and the DSP are custom
designed by NTG, a division of the 3DO Company.
The block diagram shown below is taken from an article on the 3DO system in the
Dec. 93 issue of Popular Science Magazine.
Graphics Graphics
--------- animation animation
| 3DO | processor processor
| block | |32|____________|32|
|diagram| |________ ________|
M --------- |32|
o _____|__|_____
n __ Video _______ 1MB ______| |____ 2MB
i __ processor_______ VRAM __32__| |_32_ DRAM
t | |
o | |
r | DMA |____ Expansion __ CDROM
| controller |_32_ Port Control __ Drive
| |
A | |___ Control __ Control pad
u__ D/A __ Digital ______| |_8_ Port __ 3d goggles
d__ Converter __ Signal __16__|____________| keyboard
i Processor |32|
o ______________________| |
| ______ _________ |
|32| |32| |32|
Optional Video 32-bit RISC _____ Math Co- ___ ROM &
Video --> Video Decomp Processor _____ Processor ___ SRAM
Input Port/plug
Specs:
-32-bit 12.5Mhz RISC CPU (ARM60) made by Advanced RISC Machines
(Roughly equivalent to a 25Mhz 68030)
-640x480 pixel resolution at 16.7 million colors
-Two Accelerated Video Co-Processors with the following features:
+ 25Mhz clock rate.
+ Capable of producing 9-16 million REAL pixels per second (36-64 Mpix/sec
interpolated), distorted, scaled, rotated and texture mapped.
+ Able to map a rectangular bitmap onto any arbitrary 4-point polygon.
+ Texturemap source bitmaps can be 1,2,4,6,8, or 16 bits per pixel and are
compressed for a maximum combination of both high resolution and small
storage space.
+ Supports transparency, translucency, and color-shading effects.
-Custom 16-bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP) with the following features:
+ specifically designed for mixing, manipulating, and synthesizing CD
quality sound.
+ 25Mhz clock rate.
+ Pipelined CISC architecture.
+ 16-bit register size.
+ 17 separate 16-bit DMA channels to and from system memory.
+ On chip instruction SRAM and register memory.
+ 20-bit internal processing.
+ Special filtering capable of creating effects such as 3D sound.
-Separate BUS for video refresh updates (VRAM is dual ported)
-Super Fast BUS Speed (50 Megabytes per second)
-Math Co-Processor custom designed by NTG for accelerating fixed-point matrix
operations. (Note: This is *not* the ARM FPA)
-CD-ROM Drive with the following features:
+ 320ms access time
+ Doublespeed 300kbps Data Transfer
+ 32kbyte ram buffer
-2 megabytes of DRAM
-1 megabyte of VRAM (also capable of holding/executing code and data)
-1 megabyte of ROM
-36 Separate DMA Channels for fast data processing and efficient bus usage
-2 expansion ports:
+ 1 High-speed 68 pin x 1 AV I/O port (for FMV cartridge)
+ 1 High-speed 30 pin x 1 I/O expansion port
-1 Control port, capable of daisy chaining together up to 8 peripherals
-Multitasking 32-bit Operating System
-16-bit Stereo Sound
-44.1KHz Sound Sampling Rate
-Fully Supports Dolby(tm) Surround Sound
-32kb battery backed up SRAM
-Upgradable
==================SECTION 4 - System and Application Software==================
[4.1] What about the 3DO operating system?
A: The 3DO OS is a fully-featured 32-bit multitasking operating system written
specifically for the 3DO by NTG. Developers *must* use the OS for a variety of
reasons, the main one being to maintain compatibility with all 3DO consoles and
future next generation 3DO consoles. The OS is loaded from an application's CD
when the system starts up, and is not in the consoles ROM. Contrary to rumors,
there is no way to bypass the OS and "hack" directly on the hardware.
The 3DO OS consists of two parts:
1) A multitasking kernel with drivers for peripherals, a complete file system,
and support for physical storage.
2) Several software "folios" that provide a link between application software
and the 3DO hardware, and are designed to allow software compatibility as new
versions of the hardware are developed. The following six subsystems make up
the entire "Portfolio" of 3DO OS system calls:
The Decompression Folio
- supports software and hardware decompression of audio and video data.
The Math Folio
- performs many of the high level calculations.
The Graphics Folio
- provides access to the 3DO's cel and display subsystems for doing graphics
effects and animation. The effects include warping, transparency, lighting
effects, anti-aliasing, and texture mapping.
The 3-D Folio
- system code for creating 3-D effects and doing complex calculations.
The Audio Folio
- supports the creation and manipulation of sound effects and music. This
includes proprietary algorithms called "3D audio imaging" that create the
illusion of sound coming not only from the left and right, but front and
back (when wearing headphones). These algorithms can also produce Doppler
effects and reverberations.
The File System Folio
- manages the file system
[4.2] How is 3DO application software developed?
A: 3DO Software is developed on high-end Macintosh computers via an easy to
use toolkit and development station created by the 3DO Company. The develop-
ment station consists of a special 3DO that has several debugging features and
is interfaced to the Macintosh computer. The toolkit contains emulation
software and programming and authoring tools that include a source level
debugger, 2D animation and imaging software, 3D modeling software, and video
and file translation tools as well as Macromedia's Director, MacroModel, and
Three-D. Software licensees also get a vast "content library" from the 3DO
partners: 170 CDs carrying 111 gigabytes of music, sound effects, photos, film
clips, clip art, and text references, all available to knit into their ╫K╫╦⌐H¿HhErÜΩB╜▌üÑ s the 3DO's NVRAM structured?
A: The 3DO's non-volatile static ram is structured like a file system. It
cannot be written to directly by an application, OS calls _must_ be used
to read, write, create, or delete files in the NVRAM. Any program, however,
can read, modify, or delete any other programs files if it wishes too. 3DO
strongly suggests developers not write software that deletes other programs
files without the permission of the user.
[4.3] How do I become a 3DO developer?
A: For information on becoming a 3DO developer, call the 3DO New Developer INFO
Line at (415)261-3202.
[4.4] Will 3DO software be censored at all?
A: No.
[4.5] Will 3DO software have a ratings system of some kind?
A: Yes, at the current time 3DO is going to have an optional rating system
that will be administered by the software publisher. The publisher will
determine what audience is suitable for their title, and then place the
appropriate rating on it. The ratings are as follows:
A green circle with an "E" in it: Everyone, suitable for all ages.
A yellow diamond with a "12" in it: Games suitable for persons 12 and up.
A yellow diamond with a "17" in it: Games suitable for persons 17 and up.
A red octagon with "AO" in it: Adults Only.
[4.6] Who is developing software for the 3DO?
A: Reportedly over 550 companies are licensed 3DO developers, with more than
550 third-party development systems installed and 200 software companies
worldwide actively developing titles. Some of the more well known companies
developing for the 3DO are Electronic Arts, Origin, Virgin Games, Dynamix,
Acclaim, Konami, Interplay, Crystal Dynamics, Psygnosis, and Microprose.
[4.7] What software is going to be available for the 3DO?
A: Here is a list of 3DO software from Enrique Conty:
I've compiled a list of 3DO software, from brochures and other official
releases, and net information. Feel free to inform me of any additions
or corrections.
Software available (you can pick these in stores NOW):
TitlePublisherType
20th Century Video AlmanacSoftware ToolworksReference
BattleChessInterplayChess
CPU BachMicroproseEducation
Crash & BurnCrystal DynamicsRacing/Shooter
Dennis Miller - It's News to MeSanctuary WoodsCanned Video/comedy
Dragon's LairReadysoftCanned Video/Adventure
Escape From Monster ManorEA/Studio 3DOAction
Fatty Bear's Birthday SurpriseHumongous Entertainment Education
Fatty Bear's Fun PackHumongous EntertainmentEducation
Horde, TheCrystal DynamicsAction/Strategy
Incredible Machine, TheDynamixPuzzle
Interactive AerobicsIntelliplayFitness/Workout
It's a Bird's LifeSanctuary WoodsEducation
John Madden FootballElectronic ArtsSports
LemmingsPsygnosisPuzzle
Life Stage, ThePanasonicVirtual House
Mad Dog McCreeCrystal DynamicsCanned Video/Shooter
Night TrapVirgin GamesCanned Video/Puzzle
Oceans BelowSoftware ToolworksEducation
Pebble Beach GolfT & E SoftwareSports
Putt-Putt Joins the ParadeHumongous EntertainmentEducation
Putt-Putt's Fun PackHumongous EntertainmentEducation
Putt-Putt Goes to the MoonHumongous EntertainmentEducation
San Diego Zoo: The AnimalsSoftware ToolworksEducation
Sewer SharkVirgin GamesCanned Video/Shooter
Stellar 7DynamixAction/Shooter
Super Wing CommanderOriginFlightsim
Total EclipseCrystal DynamicsShooter
TwistedEA/Studio 3DOPuzzle
Woody Woodpecker Cartoon Vol1-3 Universal Home VideoCartoon
Software in production (not yet done, but officially announced):
TitlePublisherType
3D AdventuresAcclaimAdventure
3D FootballAcclaimSports
7th Guest II: The 11th HourTrilobyte/VirginPuzzle
Air WarriorGameTekFlightsim
Alien TrilogyAcclaim3-D Action
Alone in the DarkInterplayAdventure/Action
Baseball: CatchingIntelliPlayEducation
Baseball: Defensive PlayIntelliPlayEducation
Baseball: HittingIntelliPlayEducation
Baseball: PitchingIntelliPlayEducation
Chaos ControlInfogramesShooter
C.I.T.Y 2000 ParisAditusMystery
Cool KnightReadysoftMusic
Cool SpotVirgin GamesPlatform
Cowboy CasinoIntelliPlayEducation
Creature ShockArgonautAction/Arcade
Crime PatrolCrystal DynamicsCanned Video/Shooter
Demolition ManVirginAction/Arcade
Dennis Miller - It's Geek to MeSanctuary WoodsCanned Video/comedy
Dragon TalesMindscapeRPG
Dragon's Lair IIReadysoftCanned Video/Adventure
Dragon Knight IIIMegaTechAdult Adventure
FalconSpectrum HolobyteFlightsim
Family FeudGameTekGame Show
FIFA SoccerElectronic ArtsSports
Football: Defensive BackfieldIntelliPlayEducation
Football: LinemenIntelliPlayEducation
Football: QuarterbackIntelliPlayEducation
Football: ReceiverIntelliPlayEducation
Frommer's M'media Travel GuideFrommersReference
GradiusKonamiShooter
GriddersTetragonAction/Strategy
Humans, TheGameTekAction/Strategy
Inspector Danger's Crime QuizDigital ProductionsPuzzle
Interactive Aerobics?Exercise
Jurassic Park InteractiveMCA/Studio 3DOAction/Adventure
Lost Files of Sherlock HolmesElectronic ArtsAdventure
Mad Dog Mcree II: The Lost Gold American Laser GamesCanned Video/Shooter
MaelstromReadysoftStrategy(?)
Mega RaceThe Software ToolworksRacing
MicrocosmPsygnosisShooter
MiekoDigital ProductionsEducation
Orion Off-RoadCrystal DynamicsShooter
Out Of This WorldInterplayAdventure
PatAankPF MagicFuturistic Pinball
Peter Gabriels Explora 1?Interactive music
Peter PanElectronic ArtsPaint/Education
PGA Tour GolfElectronic ArtsSports
PowerslideElite Systems?
Rap Rock n RollI & IIParamount Interactiveinteractive music
Real Pinball?Pinball
Red BaronDynamixFlightsim
Return to ZorkActivisionAdventure
Return FireSilent Software?
Road RashElectronic ArtsRacing
Rock and Roll RacingInterplayAction/Arcade
Rise of the RobotsMirageFighting
Santa Fe TrailCrystal DynamicsCanned Video/Shooter
Scavenger 4PsygnosisCanned Video/Shooter
Scorched EarthElectronic Arts?
Seawolf SSN-21Electronic ArtsSubsim
Sesame Street: NumbersElectronic ArtsEducation
Shadow CasterOriginRPG
Shock WaveElectronic ArtsFlightsim
Silly Classix!... At the Museum VideoactVCartoon?
Space AceReadysoftCanned Video/Adventure
Space PiratesCrystal DynamicsCanned Video/Shooter
Space ShuttleThe Software ToolworksSimulation
Star Control IICrystal DyanamicsAdventure/RPG
Star Trek: The Next GenerationSpectrum HolobyteAdventure
Star Trek: TNG Technical ManualParamount InteractiveReference
Street Fighter II CompleteCapcomFighting
SyndicateElectronic ArtsStrategy
Theme ParkBullfrogStrategy/Sim
Tigernaut: Beyond the Stars??
Tom Kite: Consistent GolfIntelliPlayEducation
ToonTime!.. In the classroomVideoactVCartoon?
Universal Studios OrbitalMCAAdventure/Strategy(?)
VirtuosoElite Systems?
Way of the WarriorNaughty Dog SoftwareFighting
Who Shot Johnny RockAmerican Laser GamesCanned Video/Shooter
Whole Dog Almanac, TheDigital ProductionsEducation
Japanese Titles in production or released:
TitlePublisher
Burning SoldierPack-in Video
Chiki Chiki Machine RaceFuture Pirates
Doctor HauzerRiverhill Soft
FireballJapan Data Works
Kyoto MysteryPack-in Video/Panasonic
Mask of the Black Death, TheHumming Bird Soft/Panasonic
Nontan To IsshoVictor Entertainment/Panasonic
Professional Mah Jong Gokuascii/Panasonic
Shogi SpecialAscii
TakeruFun Project/Panasonic
TetsujinSynergy/Panasonic
Theatre WarsHakuhodo/Panasonic
Toki O Koeta TegamiThinking Rabbit/Panasonic
Virtual QuestAsk Kondansha
Ultraman PowerBandai
Software list compiled by:
Enrique Conty conty@cbnewsl.att.com or jester@ihlpm.att.com
[4.8] Sometimes I hear "popping" and "clicking" noises while playing Crash and
Burn and other games. Is something wrong with my 3DO?
A: No, nothing is wrong with your 3DO. There was a bug in the 3DO OS's audio
library that caused a clicking sound sometimes when audio samples were played.
This can be heard in games like "Crash & Burn" and "Total Eclipse." The bug
has been fixed and should only be present in early 3DO games.
[4.9] Hey! I played The Horde, saved a game, and now all of my other non-Horde
saved games in NVRAM are gone! What happened?
A: The Horde currently deletes all other non-horde saved games in NVRAM when
you save a game. Amazingly, this is not a bug.. the game was designed to do
this to give players the maximum amount of ram for Horde saved games! Crystal
Dynamics is aware that this is a problem for many people and will allow people
to exchange their NVRAM devouring copy of the horde for one with less of an
appetite. To do so, follow these directions from Crystal Dynamics:
UPS will not deliver to a P.O. Box . Please _mail_ your
Horde (3DO) CD along with the 3"x5" index card or piece of
paper with your name and full street address to:
Crystal Dynamics
P.O. Box 7046
San Francisco, CA 94120-9324
The new version will only allow you to save four games, and will allow you
to delete NVRAM files when it is full. For more information about the new
version, call the Crystal Dynamics Customer Service line at (415)473-3434.
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This has been the 3DO Frequently asked questions list. It is maintained
by Scott A. Krotz, krotz@rtsg.mot.com. Although I attempt to keep the FAQ
as accurate as possible, some information may be incorrect. I have no
affiliation with the 3DO Company other than being a satisfied customer and the
information in this FAQ should not be taken as an official statement from the
3DO Company.
Special thanks to Blake Stone, Stephen Landrum, Enrique Conty, Dave Platt, and
Tim Nichols for their help in creating and/or maintaining this list. The
information and/or help provided by these people has been a great assistance in
making this list as complete and correct as possible.
Send all corrections, comments, and ideas for additions to me, Scott Krotz
at krotz@rtsg.mot.com.
============================================================================