Letter from the Editor. Although it has been two months since the introduction of Inside Mac Games, IMG really began in late 1992. Like most Macintosh enthusists we were frustrated to see that none of the “big” magazines really provided any “inside” information on Mac games. Sure, we would go and buy those gaming magazines at the bookstore, only to find one piece of information about a new Mac game that had actually been released six months ago.
So, with the help of Jon Blum (managing editor & art director) and the other editors, we began in December formulating a concept, the format, how it would be distributed, and a name for the magazine. Speaking of names, I think we had about 20 names floating around (like Matrix, Digital Matrix, The Mac Games Journal, and other even weirder ones) until we finally settled on Inside Mac Games. We picked that name because it kind of personified exactly what we were looking for, a magazine that would look at the “inside scoop” on Mac games. For example, a magazine that would provide sneak previews, insightful reviews, information on new products, hints and tips, and much more. IMG was not created to be a consumer guide or bible for Mac games, but rather an “informative” guide to Mac games. We believe that YOU should be the only and ultimate decision maker when considering purchasing games. Another reason we created IMG was for you to get involved and to have fun with it. That's why we have contests for free games, game polls, a letters section, and more.
As you might imagine, a lot of work goes into making an issue of IMG. And with it come some expenses. We realize that by offering a free online version people might be hesitant or unwilling to subscribe. One person recently asked me, “Why should I subscribe? It takes me five minutes to download on my local board.” Well, we view the free version as our advertising, hoping that you will find it worthwhile and decide to subscribe. It is shareware that happens 12 times a year. The disk version is over 1.3 MB, compared to half that size of the online version. The disk version also contains more reviews and a lot more screen shots. Plus, if there's any room left, we include the Shareware Game of the Month and other goodies.
We have tried to make IMG as affordable as possible. Each issue of IMG is just $2. Unfortunately, something like this does take quite a bit of expense to produce. That is why we need your support. With your help, we will continue to bring you the great previews, informative reviews, and much, much more. So, much like PBS, we ask you to send in those letters, hints, articles, ideas, etc. and to please subscribe and help keep IMG alive and kicking. In return, we promise to bring you the best in Macintosh gaming news.
Tuncer Deniz
Managing Editor
Coming Soon
Probably the hottest rumor circulating around these days seems to be Origin's re-entry into the Macintosh game market. IMG has recently learned that Origin will soon release Ultima 6 for the Macintosh. Look for it in June or July. On a similar note, word is Origin is planning to port their highly popular space adventure game, Wing Commander, sometime in the near future. Origin—it's about time! • In a surprise move, Lucas Arts is in the process of porting their recently released Star Wars game, X-Wing. According to inside sources, George Lucas (a devoted Macintosh enthusiast) has given the go ahead to develop X-Wing for the Mac. As we speak, the development team is forming. Look for X-Wing in late 1993. • Contrary to rumors we heard last month, Access has finally elected to port their popular DOS golf game, Links 386. It will feature stunning 3-D graphics, photo-realistic fairways and greens, and lots of cool sounds. It is scheduled for am early 1994 release. • Now here's a strange one: An unidentified source told us that Graphic Simulations (makers of Hellcats and the pending F/A-18) has been contracted by the U.S. Air Force to develop a flight simulator for the Air Force's newest secret weapon, the spy aircraft dubbed Aurora. IMG contacted both the U.S. Air Force and Graphic Simulations, and both had no comment. • It looks like Microsoft once again will let Flight Simulator lag behind its PC counterpart like it did with version 1.0. Although Flight Simulator 5.0 will be shipping in a few weeks for the PC, IMG has learned that Microsoft will not update the Mac version to 5.0. Microsoft cites "lack of interest in the Macintosh gaming market." I guess Gates has more things to worry about these days—mainly the U.S. Government. • Lastly, IMG is proud to announce its first game title under the Gotcha label. It will be released on April 1st, titled April Fool's Day. If you have any rumors or tidbits about upcoming Macintosh games, please drop us a note. All sources will be kept confidential. We will be returning to the “real” rumors next month. —TD
Changes to IMG
IMG will no longer provide online subscriptions for America Online, CompuServe, or GEnie addressees. However, we are offering a special Internet version for Internet users. Please refer to the subscription form on the back of this issue. • IMG will also no longer be offering a B&W disk version, just color. • We now provide customer support on online services like CompuServe, America Online, GEnie, and the Internet. We also recently installed a separate phone line just for our customers. If you have subscription questions or problems, ideas for articles, tips, etc., please don't hesitate to call or fax us at 708/486-0636. To send a fax, just do as you normally would, no need to call us via voice before sending. • IMG will soon be on several CD-ROMs. We will announce next month where you can find the online version on Cd-ROM.
Free Software Contest
To find out how you can win some great games, look in sections “The IMG Game Poll” and “Subscription Order Form” in this issue.
Not in the On-Line Version
Due to file size constraints, we have shrunk this on-line version down a bit. We have removed reviews of Warlords and Oxyd. Also missing are about 10 or so screen shots and some of the IMG artwork. The disk version contains all the reviews, screen shots, and artwork.
Special Thanks
The editors of IMG would like to thanks all our writers, Neil Shapiro, Gregory Wasson, Steven Lundin, Bart Farkas, Sandy Kettenhofen, Daniel Augustine, Rod Whitten, Owen Linzmayer and all of you who have given us their support.
We would also like to thank:
Trey Smith, Jeff Morgan at Graphic Simulations • Mark Wall at Green Mountain Software • Pete Sipoidis and Andrew Sipoidis at Changeling Software • Mike Saenz and Norm Dwyer at Reactor • Howard Luxenberg at Inline Design • Michael Beninger at Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corporation • Eric Hook at Presto Studios • Andrew Welch at Ambrosia • Tom Byron at Spectrum HoloByte • Sally Vandershaff at Maxis • Scott McDaniel at New World Computing • Ann Emmerth at Mac Play • Vincent Karrella at Drew Pictures • Ron Haidenger at Advanced Gravis • Maureen Donnelly at Velocity Development • Kathy Gilmore at MicroProse Software • Daniel Ballew at Leviathan • Colleen Mogan at Amtex Software • Ian Gilman at Buena Vista Software • Karen Conroe at Three-Sixty Pacific.
