Games that arrive with single letter titles signify something of a mystery. Such is certainly the case with Acclaim Entertainment's D. As an on-line adventure filled with interactive action, you explore either Laura Harris' or her father's mind. Her father is the lunatic Dr. Richter Harris. You are searching for the true meanings behind the personalities and actions of these characters as you move through their subconscious states. Take the wrong path and you could well find yourself trapped in the insanity lurking within. This game was developed by Engine.RDA and employs the latest Shockwave server with push-animation technology. Shockwave technology comes from Macromedia and is currently a truly awesome way of delivering multimedia content to on-line environments. The site may be reached at http://www.acclaimnation.com.
Activision: ZORK INUNDATION
Zork--how that name conjures up the delights of Infocom, of Activision, of fantasy adventures that buoyed a fledgling computer entertainment industry with title success after title success. The Zork moniker continues to elicit anticipation! One of the most eagerly awaited new titles this year is the CD-ROM game from Activision--Zork nemesis. And to increase your desire to obtain this new game, Activision is going to pump big bucks into promos all over the place to support the sales campaign for this new title.
In this offering, you must journey into the realm of the Forbidden Lands. This is a doomed region that is located in the farthest, darkest corner of the famed Great Underground Empire. Trapped in the perpetual hell of the Nemesis are the souls of the Empire's four great alchemists. You must uncover the mystery of the Nemesis' curse and discover the secret of alchemy to free these trapped souls. You must discover the Elixir of Eternal Life, unlock the secret of the Forbidden Lands, or the alchemists will be imprisoned for eternity. And that, friends, is a horrible thought!
Watch for ads for Zork Nemesis to appear on several World Wide Web sites such as Yahoo, Nuke, Happy Puppy, Jumbo and The Spot. These ads are expected to reach nearly 3-1/2 million gamers. Also planned are extensive on-line promos, a national sweepstakes, a top-20 market radio contest plus print ads in consumer and trade pubs. The national sweeps will run from April 15th through June 30th. You'll have the opportunity to win a grand prize trip for two to the great castles of Wales. The package includes four nights and five days of first-class accommodations, round-trip airfare, select meals, castle entrance fees and a night in the historic Ruthin castle. You can enter the sweeps promos through ads in the print media, in-store counter cards at select retail outlets, or via the Activison WWW site at http://www.activision.com. The winner will be selected during the second week of July.
CH Products: SUPER JOY
Macintosh gamers are not only loyal to their machine, they are also vocal! Why, their complaints regarding a lack of game titles reach the very heavens. However, there are several companies that listen to these fine folk and actually produce grand products for the Macintosh family of computers.
One such company is CH Products and they have now released PRO THROTTLE(tm) for the Macintosh. This is an authentic jet style throttle that will be of special interest to flight simmers. This I/O device features an eight-way switch, 3 four-way switches, four push buttons and a total of 24 programmable functions. The unit offers a left-handed throttle jet grip that is designed to complement your favorite joystick and minimize key strokes. The unit provides both analog and digital throttle modes.
Additionally, the throttle's programmable forward and backward slide motion provides accurate engine control. Any Macintosh keyboard function can be programmed into PRO THROTTLE. The control panel software allows you to load any custom settings quickly and easily. Plus, not only does this puppy work with any game or app, there are numerous pre-programmed settings for the most popular Macintosh games already available for your access. At the company's WWW site, you can also find more and continually updated pre-sets. Head into http://www.chproducts.com/ to glom onto these super sets.The unit has a three-year warranty.
Maxis: ON THE ACQUISITION TRAIL
A company that develops action and arcade software has signed a definitive agreement with Maxis, Inc., wherein they will be acquired by the latter for an undisclosed price. The company is Cinematronics L.L.C. and they are based in Austin, Texas, and are best known for their photorealistic sims and 3D sfx. They developed Full Tilt! Pinball, 3D Pinball and Tri-Tryst, the latter for Virgin Interactive Entertainment.
MicroProse: BECOME SUPER CIV'D
One of the most successful games of the past few years has been MicroProse' Civilization. Dreamed up by Sid Meier, the title sold hundreds of thousands of units and plunged gamers into god-like states where they controlled the destiny of mankind. Now, MicroProse has enlightened the lives of mere mortals once again. They've released the next iteration of this classic strat--Sid Meier's Civilization(R) II for PC CD-ROM machines.
Ahhh, the goals remain identical to the original game--either conquer the entire world or colonize space itself. You participate in the greatest events of Earth's history, making everything from social and economic decisions to engaging whatever ideas are necessary to become the most successful of all of our planet's leaders. In fact, not only can you become Emperor, but now there's the opportunity to become, well, more divine! Many of the ideas and suggestions from gamers, dating back to 1991, have been incorporated into this new release. There are more units to choose from, plus more technology to bring into play. You'll also find more sophisticated combat systems, plus better trade routes so you can ply commerce among the minions. Plus, all new SVGA graphics offers a far more visually exciting game.
There's even a multimedia version of the Civ encyclopedia so you'll have a fun and easy-to-use reference right at hand to help you make those important decisions. Sid and MicroProse also decided to include a map editor, plus some really enlightening present scenarios that include the Roman Empire and World War II. This allows you more game customization for even more game play. In fact, the game sports an entirely new look, thanks to the isometric view and new icon designs and maps.
For those who have access to the World Wide Web, there's also a cool contents tie-in to Civilization II. The 28 Wonders of the World are brought to life in the game via full-motion video. At the Civ home page, located at http://www.microprose.com/civII), you'll find references to some of these sites located in the game. You must match the new Wonders of the World and you might win anything from a limited production T-shirt to free, final copies of the game. Watch for an upcoming review by Mudgeon in Inside Games & Entertainment Update--he's pretty darned excited about this title and we cannot entice him from his magic game tower, even for a pint of Sam Adam's Cream Stout!
Microsoft: CD IS STUDDED WITH STARS
Popping cool with a one-click Internet link, and stuffed with the likes of Mary Chapin Carpenter, John Coltrane, Sarah McLachlan, Pat Metheny Group, Randy Newman, Sergei Prokofiev, Sky Cries Mary, and Soundgarden, Microsoft has released their new Microsoft Music Sampler for Windows 95: An Enhanced CD. This product was brought to reality as a part of the company's CD Extra technology as proof Windows 95 is a fantastic platform for the production, and the playback of, CD titles. You'll find bilingual lyrics, CD audio running simultaneously with multimedia as well as the aforementioned net link. There are also interviews with the music stars onboard the CD, 178 photos, 115 sound clips, 11 videos and 82 CD covers. This CD is the result of more than 1-1/2 years between Microsoft and the stars and their record labels.
ReadySoft: WIN CASH (KNEW THAT WOULD GET YOUR ATTENTION!)
The BrainDead 13 super contest is now up and running at the ReadySoft WWW site. Proceed in an orderly fashion to http://www.readysoft.com and see what you can do to win $13,113.13. That's correct, money! Plus, the site also has a draw for $1,313.13 that is separate from the bigger money. And you'll find free audio clips, free artwork and -- wow, this is great -- a free screen saver! Why, you honestly can't go wrong here, with the chance to win big bucks and obtain free stuff. The contest rules and entry form are all located on the WWW site.
Sierra On-Line: COMBAT CYBRIDS--SAVE EARTH
Now released for Windows 95 CD-ROM platforms is Sierra On-Line's next big hit, EarthSiege 2. This is a robotic combat sim that finds you battling Cybrid forces to save your home, Earth. You'll find all-new RAZOR aircraft and awesome HERCs to help you in your missions in the air and on the ground. The SVGA graphics are totally awesome and offer new terrain and world types that include traversable rolling terrains.
You are in charge of a Herculean squadron. And what is a Herc, you might ask? A Herc is a pilotable robot that is capable of totally eliminating an enemy Cybrid with a single shot. As Earth is under attack, such a powerful tool is an extremely handy element to possess. You shall find yourself fighting in a variety of different environments as you attempt to stave off the Cybrids' plans for total planet--and mankind's--destruction. The Hercs are all new in design with upgraded weapons, Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhancements and improved damage systems. Go forth and fight not only for Earth, but to relish in the glory of your success!
SONY PRESENTS A SUNNY REPORT
The numbers have been added up and the results are in--one million units of the Sony 32-bit PlayStation game console have been sold in the U.S. since its launch September 9, 1995 or 76 percent of 32-bit unit sales. The sports category has been leading the way; NFL GameDay has sold more than 300,000 units, with NHL Face Off in excess of 200,000. In the next two months, NBA ShootOut and MLB Pennant Race will come out.
A survey conducted of 17 major retailers reported that according to Sony, prior to the PlayStation game console's introduction, the 32-bit category accounted for just 10 percent of the total 1995 hardware sales. From September through December Sony held the front-most position and the 32-bit category recorded 25 percent of all game console sales, then in January, the total dollar sales number grew to 53 percent.
TOP 20 PC GAMES
Folk who surf the net also enjoy downloading a variety of demoware, freeware and shareware titles. Thanks to the work of the Internet PC Games Chart site, this week more than 2,000 web'ers voted for their favorite, downloadable games. Should you wish to become involved in this highly interactive experience, you, too, may also participate by sending email to pcgames@worldcharts.nl. You'll not only succeed in obtaining the information on how to have your vote counted, but you'll also receive the next chart sent directly to you. Here are this week's top 20 downloaded games:
1-Duke Nukem 3D {shareware} 3D Realms
2-Descent 2 {the demo} Parallax/Interplay
3-Quake/test {the demo} id/id
4-Stars! 2.0{shareware} Star Crossed
5-Descent {shareware} Parallax/Interplay
6-Nethack 3.1 {freeware} DevTeam RP 1 [1186] 137
7-Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness {demo} Blizzard
8-Extreme Pinball {shareware} Epic/Electronic Arts
MetaTools, formerly known as HSC Software, has added to their unique and super-productive line of products. Now shipping are Bryce 2 and Final Effects AP. The former is a 3D landscape and terrain generator that has won several awards. The latter is a set of 16 video and animation sfx plug-ins for the Macintosh version of Adobe Premiere. Some of the effects that you can now create include rain, snow, stars and other particle effects. Bryce is starting to win over developers who are engaged in WWW projects.
MICROSOFT UPS THE ANTE
Why, it certainly did not take long for Microsoft to counter the plethora of Netscape announcements made last week. Here is a breakdown on what's cooking in Redmond, WA. First, explanations were offered that explain how to take the company's OLE controls and build apps for net use through a new family brand called ActiveX. The ActiveX components are, as a group, smaller and faster than Microsoft's OLE components, and what's nifty about them is that the next iteration of the Internet Explorer Web browser (v. 3.0 which will release this summer) will run ActiveX controls. Also, a plug-in for Netscape Navigator will enable these same controls to run in that browser environment, unmodified. A WWW type of interface is also going to be available as an add-on for Windows 95 and carries the code-name of Nashville that will support shared editing of docs and real-time chat. There will be an upgrade charge for this app.
To ensure that ActiveX Controls and Java applets will cooperate, the company has written a JavaScript-compatible scripting language which, rumor has it, will also be offered to Netscape for inclusion in their browser technology as well. Microsoft fully intends to port their ActiveX technologies to the Macintosh through an agreement with Macromedia. Their C++ v. 4.1 was also announced and will be available with support for the Internet Information Server and third-party ActiveX Controls.
nFX Corp.: ANIMATION ON THE WEB
One of the latest technologies to control graphics and animation on the World Wide Web, brings real-time, interactive, living graphics to multimedia and the Web from nFX Corporation with their Cartoon-O-Matic Web site. The technology, involving radically different multimedia and Internet authoring tools, was developed at MIT. In contrast to the current multimedia and Web site graphics, these tools provide the capability for real-time generation and control of images for the on-line, World Wide Web and PC-CD/ROM multimedia environments. Folks just need to use the nFX Active Viewer or nFX WebMation(R) Plug-In for Netscape Navigator(R). Then images can be viewed, modified, and animated, and new images can be created in real time. New images are created through interaction with the user or from data representing events taking place in or outside the system.
Folks can interact with sample images on the Web through nFX Living Art Server(R) at http://www.xfx.com. Additionally, users will be able to download stand-alone versions of the examples seen on the nFX Web site. These stand-alone applications will allow manipulation of the images in real-time, instead of waiting for the nFX server to generate and download the new image. New models and nFX Active Viewers will be added regularly...cool!
Novell: ON-BOARD THE SUN TRAIN
Another major networking and communications company has decided to license Java from Sun Microsystems. The latest addition to the Java crowd is Novell, Inc., who also sent a message by saying nothing about any Microsoft Windows NT/Netware integration plans. The license is for server technology, unlike previous licenses with other third-parties where the language will be incorporated into browsers. Java Virtual Machine for Netware will be developed by Sun as the result of this agreement, with Novell to ship the product later this year.
BUNDLED PACKAGE FOR VISUAL COMPUTING
A bundled package is the result of the combined team work of Philips
Professional Solutions, Corel and Adaptec that addresses the rapidly growing recordable CD-ROM market. The new technical area is called visual computing and is met with open arms from the new Philips division which plans a major
thrust in recordable drives. Projections are that sales will soar as industry-wide pricing falls from $1,000 today to $500 by year's end. The CDD2000 CD-Recorder is bundled with Corel's CD Creator 2 software and an
Adaptec SCSI bus-master adapter card, following a recent trend toward
bundling complete packages with recordable CD-ROM drives. Philips is pricing an internal unit at $995, with plans to quickly drive that price lower. That would also follow a dramatic trend for recordable drives.
Sun Microsystems: SUN PULLS OUT NET STOPS
Sun Microsystems has decided to forge full ahead on their plans to ensure there are alternatives to Microsoft for productivity rights on the Internet. Rumor has it that Sun is about to release their Solstice World Wide Web server software, plus a new Internet mail server, Java programming tools for enterprise apps, plus Netra Web 64-bit server hardware. Obviously, if such comes to pass, Sun has decided that more than the kudos being received for the Java programming language are going to be needed for long-term Internet success. With their Java Workshop v. 1.0, with support for Sun's Solaris and Microsoft's Windows 95 and Windows NT, users will obtain a set of xplatform Java development tools that'll enable Java apps and applets to be integrated into WWW sites. This suite will include a browser, compiler, debugger, project manager and source editor. For enterprise client/server apps based on Java, there will be the Internet Workshop v. 1.0. To aid with all manner of Internet productivity, the company will also form Sun Internet Practice. This will be a consulting group that will offer interested parties all manner of design, development and management services.
ON-LINE STUFF
Apple Computer: NEW WWW SITE FOR YOUTH
There's a WWW site created for kids, by kids. Called the Youth Central Web site, and sponsored by Apple Computer, the site was opened during the Kids & INteractive Media Conference in Santa Monica. The founding creator of the site is Alex Hempton, a 14-year old from San Diego, CA. The site may be reached at http://www.youthcentral.apple.com. The site features interactive chat rooms, message boards, surveys and special contests. This site is the result of efforts by youngsters and teenagers who have a variety of interest, including Net browsing.
AND THE BEAT GOES ON...
The drum beat is getting louder every day as the various phone companies compete for their control of the market and are always looking for ways to integrate various services. Take AT&T which is investing $137 million in DirecTv, and has added direct satellite television entertainment offerings to its lineup of telephone, online, and wireless communication services to consumers. Additionally, AT&T is negotiating with an unspecified number of content providers to later offer a suite of data services aimed at businesses that will also be delivered by direct satellite. This announcement comes after the telephone company, which in January took a 2.5% interest in DirecTv
for $137.5 million, said it will begin offering direct broadcast satellite service to customers in Hartford, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Los Angeles and Dallas beginning May 1. Then AT&T will add 13 states in June-July and the entire nation by mid-summer.
Some of the perks that are being deployed to entice new comers are: 0% financing for up to one year on equipment purchased with the AT&T Universal Card; a month's free service after 12 consecutive months as an AT&T and DirecTv customer; one free month of USSB programming on sign-up; redemption of AT&T True Rewards points to purchase equipment, and a free pay-per-view movie each week for one year from AT&T and DirecTv.
A WARM RESPONSE TO A FRIENDLY GHOST
Results are in regarding the weekly animated series, Casper--it’s the number one animated children's program after five weeks of airing.
CompuServe: WONDERFUL WOW
With a flat monthly rate of $17.95 for unlimited access to its services and to the Internet, CompuServe has debuted its new on-line service called WOW. The new service is targeted at home computer users and each sub will include six user accounts, each with their own email address. There will be different "views" for adults and children and the Internet access will be via a WOW-branded version of the Internet Explorer from Microsoft. One main difference between the two user versions will be that the children's view will not provide electronic shopping or chat rooms. There will be 24-hour customer service that's available every day of the year, including specific support for the service's younger users.
Cowles: PUBLISHERS GATHER THOUGHTS TO SUCCEED ON-LINE
Magazine publishers, both traditional and on-line, are gathering information to enable them to make it economically feasible to offer digital publications on-line. Some of the conclusions from this report are: it might be smarter for the smaller pubs to form strategic alliances, even with their competition, to help with the costs of creating an on-line presence.
Advertising, TV and cable networks are able to offer the talent and resources to succeed, and in some niche markets upstart publishers could pose an additional threat to these more traditional magazine brands. Magazine editors are particularly well-suited to succeed in this interactive medium with their ability to offer perspectives, not just information.
It has already been proven that publishers that pour money into sites that look great, do not necessarily profit from this concept... yet. To look at the Internet mainly as a place to provide information to users in a new form is a mistake. It is a multi-dimensional medium with extraordinary potential to save money in customer communications and to market one-to- one and one-to-many worldwide.
This study prompted many more questions than answers. As a result, the sponsors of the report, Cowles Business Media and The Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, have agreed to place both the report and a "live supplement" on Media Central, a Cowles Business Media Web site (http//:www.mediacentral.com), where media professionals and others will be able to add their own views, thoughts and questions in an effort to establish an ongoing dialogue.
EarthWeb: INTERNET COMES TO TV
HyperTV(TM) has been introduced by EarthWeb. This is a Java(TM)-based app that lets TV programs provide enhanced content via the Internet. This content corresponds to the video broadcast in real-time and the app itself will be available to Internet users at absolutely no cost. TV broadcasts that are either analog or digital are supported, so no change to existing programming is required. There are also momentous possibilities for the use of this technology in the classroom. What occurs is that HyperTV streams WWW page addresses, known as URLs, via the Internet to your computer. The URLs correspond to what is being televised to the TV set. Best of all, no special hardware or decoders are required, just a Java-compatible browser, such as Netscape. There are two-way communication possibilities as well. This means viewers could respond to polls and advertising. Plus, HyperTV can operate on any computer.
Gartner Group: THE QUEST FOR TECHNO INFO
One of the leading reasons folk logon to the Internet is to glean as much info as they can regarding info technologies. So, the Gartner Group's @vantage on-line service will now be developed for Internet consumption through a new agreement with Netscape Communications Corp. The finished product will very much operate as a commercial on-line service, with Netscape building in data security for transactions and content management.
FORE!!! WOMEN
The Internet site devoted to devotees of golf, GolfWeb, announced the launch of a new section devoted entirely to women GolfWeb URL: http://www.golfweb.com.
On a monthly basis, GolfWeb will offer columns and discussion groups focused upon women. Content plans include: tournament coverage, profiles of famous players, tips on instruction and etiquette for both beginners and advanced golfers, features on health and fitness, advice for women golfing for business or pleasure, information about family golf, guides for travel and resorts, lists of schools, fashion, and networking. GolfWeb will also provide outreach to women's golf and sports associations, and links to other Internet sites focused on women.
HEARST SAYS WOW!
CompuServe’s WOW!, the new consumer online information service for home use, will now be able to offer selected content from the HomeArts Network, Hearst's site on the World Wide Web. HomeArts features an extensive amount of original content created and updated every weekday by HomeArts editors that includes all aspects of home life with news, features, columns and how-to advice on such topics as decorating, gardening, cooking, home repairs, health, family and relationships. A popular feature is the Dad's Corner, which provides helpful insights and serves as a forum for parents to share information and discuss the challenges of rearing a child. The content for WOW! will be specific to match the appropriate WOW! community and address the particular needs and interests of its members.
If you think you recall reading something earlier here about WOW! you’re correct. This editor reported to you about WOW!’s kid-proof service that will not allow youngsters to access areas that are for adults-only.
H.O.T. COUPONS ARE COOL
OK you shopaholics, now the newest and largest electronic coupon web site, H.O.T. Coupons(tm), is on the Internet at http://www.hotcoupons.com. What you’ll find there are coupons that offer local savings on a national basis, and folks can print out coupons redeemable near their homes, by their offices or before they travel.
A Geo Query Search Engine is used that enables customers to download coupons for local, regional and national products and services throughout the United States and Canada by simply entering a zip code or the city of their choice. Coupons are available for everything from dry cleaning, car service, local restaurants and over 200 other categories of products and services.
MCI: MCI TRIPLES CAPACITY ON THE WEB
Competition is great among the telephone carriers--so much so that MCI announced MCI Internet 2000, a concept that triples the capacity of its internetMCI network. Not satisfied to remain the world’s largest carrier, theses efforts will result in a $100-million business that is expected to reach $2-billion by the year 2000.
In the first phase of MCI’s plan, the capacity of its Internet backbone network will triple by mid-April by upgrading the speed of its network from 45 megabits to 155 megabits per second. This brings folks more capacity and higher-performance. Currently, MCI offers its customers free Internet software and a choice of dial-up service options. MCI’s long distance customers are eligible to receive five hours of free Internet service a month with each additional hour costing $2.50, or unlimited monthly Internet access for $19.95. Interested folks can reach MCI at 1-800-550-0927. MCI will combine efforts with the Microsoft Network (MSN) Internet/online service this by 2nd Q’96. Other plans are for MCI to expand its local dial-up Internet service to reach 250 U.S. cities by Q2’96 and cover 300 U.S. cities by year-end. By May folks will have the capability to access the Internet via high-speed ISDN.
MCI: AND THE BEAT GOES ON...(AND ON AND ON)
Yep, just like I said, now MCI has announced MCI WebSite Services, offering a turnkey service for businesses that want to quickly create an Internet presence without the worry of operating and maintaining a website. The concept is that MCI manages all aspects of the web site including content creation, security, performance, operations monitoring, 7x24 technical support, and a simplified approach for conducting commerce. Additional information on MCI and its services is available viewing MCI on the World Wide Web at: http://www.mci.com.
The Microsoft Network: GOING OVER ONE MILLION
No, this is not the latest claim by a burger franchise. This is the claim by Microsoft that The Microsoft Network has now enrolled over 1 million members during their first seven months of operation. This parlays into the fact that such enrollment stats make MSN the fastest-starting Internet on-line service, ever. Also, the fact that there are now members in nearly 200 countries, with access points in 50 countries, truly makes MSN a worldwide operation. You can reach the MSN WWW site at http://www.msn.com/.
Of additional interest is that the former veep of creative development at Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment, Mr. Bob Bejan, has now joined Microsoft and is the new executive director for the domestic version of The Microsoft Network. He is going to be responsible for all of the programming and content for MSN.
NetManage, Inc.: NEW BROWSER SUPPORTS 3.0 TAGS
Now fully supporting HTML 3.0 tags, NetManage Inc. has released their WebSurfer 5.0 browser. This new browser is available for download from the company's WWW site at http://www.netmanage.com and includes support for in-line VRML and AVI video. Plus, you'll find Object Linking and Embedding Controls within this new product. Additionally, Netscape plug-ins are fully supported.
Prodigy: NEWS ON PRODIGY
Prodigy announced several new deals with Southam New Media of Canada, Newsday and the Tampa Tribune.Prodigy will provide its classified ad technology on the Web sites that these papers have offering them stand-alone Web operations without having to build the necessary infrastructure. Prodigy has a classified system that marries relational database features with text-search capabilities that can handle every category of classified ads found in traditional newspapers, including real estate, automotive, employment and merchandise, both in-column and classified display. Newsday Direct is at http://www.newsday.com.
The Tribune operates Tampa Bay Online at http://www.tampatrib.com.
