amber 1988 $2.95 US. Canada The Magazine for Commodore and Commodore Amiga Users J LID, rren hl& lonely n^st tn thf ^t^«U? tit* ufflv ducklin# (fAlchsd Ihr stAc«fnt mmamfl s;iA?fiiid d Software Reviews 64 & 128 Impossible t/Hssion 2 AAfllGA Vampirei Empire •••and more mr Sl«ltp tD[gc»iPnnF^[i][-Dmagc3 ftnmsTsmsnmm itsAU-mBDmii THE MAST^iRS COLLECJION Welcome to the world of Bantross. Where monsters don't just /oo/r menacing. They lunge directly at you, ready to wound, paralyze or kill. Where whistling wind, roaring surf and echoing foot steps mix with the sound of your own heart pounding. Where earthquakes, floods and a treacherous baron wreak havoc on entire continents. Where you'll spir„chmng. need exceptional skill, cunning and magic |l ^^ to survive. w » JR' Youll wander through rrmL hold SK6S'&g=I" 3-D effects and in- credibly realistic first person views make the action even more ancient archives where toi'ches glow against danip walls. You'll venture into 40 levels of dun- geons. Journey to 16 different towns. Explore am>«terious JoTches flicker and crackle in the archives, 'Jahere youll acquire secret :, kno'iiiledgeand ■- strategic skills. labyrinth. Playgames of chance, arcade games and far more. The Legend of Blacksilver provides all the depth and challenge worthy of a skilled adventurer. Intrigue. Dangfer. Complexity. Unparalleled realism. All Others are tame by comparison. Advanced ijittt Book available. Details on package. HIE urwEt tmcii laom tm ami , Scores ()/ iiiiipi' give a global perspective. You V see geography change with earth- ' quakes andflood$. To order jour preview disk,<>end a check or nwncv order for S3.75 (Canada: add 500 (o: Legend of" Bhicksii\er Preview Disk.Softniail Codu 155-013, 2995 Woodside Rd., Ste. 400-383, VVoodsidc, CA 94062. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer expires 3/31/90, Valid only in continenml U.S. and Canada. Void « here prohibited. Specify: Conmiodore 64/128. •\pji!l'[| jtHJt(>rnpatiblt's.CoiiiniodorcfitU28, liS.M PC and tonipaiililei. Screcjjis iiam ■ ■-^- Ciinirnodort'. i'. l9SSK|i>\,lnc. How To Fill Perception. Finance. ^-' BLOW YOUR MIND FOR ONLY $9.97 WHAT A WAY TO GO, 128! LOADSTAR 128 is a totally new quaiterly softwai'e collection designed specifically for the Commodore' 128 by the editoi:s of LOADSTAR, the best-selling monthly disk for the Commodore 64. Eveiy thi-ee month you will receive a new 5 'A" disk filled with new 128-onlv progi-ams not found in oui- monthly LOADSTAR collection. USE THE FULL POWER OF YOUR 128 LOADSTAR 128 issue #1 contains eight gi-eat progi-ams for your C-128. taking advantage of the 128 featunes like the 80-column fomiat, lai-ger memoiy and a moi'e powei-flil BASIC. CONTENTS OF ISSUE #1 (.'IIAJIT 128-Ui'.si(,ni priikwsiiiiiiil l....ki]ij;ihii.l.,. CARBUYER'S SCIiATCHPAD .M;tkt' Ihi' lu'.-^l ik-iil mi yii\ir lu-tv vnr TKEASUKE TROVE.Uii..|u.. cird Mtlil.iii'f HJiini'. WIZAKU WlND-f),inlv Wi/iiids „s I br\ tr> lo hli.w yi\t inviiy. BOKIS ri-.y clusr. .Ill ii.iif levfls. QUESTORA (.Ti'iit iifiiphic advL-ntiirt' niinif. POTPOURRI Ti5l ynur knowledct iiiid (riMii hl- 80-COLirMN MONOCHROME CABLEliiiilil VUUI-..HI1 imM..- THE BEST SOFTWARE VALUE FORTHE128 LOADSTAR 128 is deliv- ered direct to you four times each year for only $39.95. That's only $9.97 an issue. So order today with the coupon below or call 1 -800-831-2694. Information, Excitement. ^ And Much. Much More... Every Month. pay-lb '"'" ^""^ 95 n ''■'■'>■ '•-'^■"cs,,^ -'*•'"<' ^(^<r, Cj(y _^ ~ -— — >___ ~~ " —Exp, ^°^s^v^^ — -^ ''■O.Box: CALLiukkmci 1-800-831-2694 CommotiOTb Commof'i'™ jpmcs. Ltd, rm POKER The latest multi-Dlaver multi- format PC game from Australia Is different to all forms of Poker. Aussie JOKER POKER features 90 player capacity, open-ended discard ability, selectable deck size and hands per player, password controlled gambling system with automatic accounts — and 5 free entry forms for the $200,000 Aussie JOKER POKER Contest. Each month December 1988 through April 1989 winners of 240 JOKER SOFTWARE games and 4 finalists will be randomly drawn from all entries received that month. With a guest, the 20 Finalists will be flown to Las Vegas to play Aussie JOKER POKER for a first prize of $100,000 In cash at the Golden Nugget. 1,220 Prizes Value $200,000 1,200 Joker PC software games at 529.95 to $49.95 dependent on disk format. Game prizes at sole discretion of sponsor. JACKPd $60,000 Cash Prizes for Aussie JOKER POKER Contest Grand Final: Highest Scorer: Second Highest Scorer: Third Highest Scorer: Lowest Scorer: 16 Consolation Prizes of $1,000 each to eliminated Finalists $100,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,500 AMIGA™ Aussie JOKER POKER is available for SIX major PC^ if your PC has a mouse or keyboard, a mono or color monitor and a 512K minimum ram (except Apple II and C64/128 use 64K and keyboard only) you and your family can practise at home for the Las Vegas final of the Aussie JOKER POKER contest. Piiic includes cjii ti.iwvI f or Finalists ^nd their jl^uesti IwonigtttB Ji:commoH:t^IionLii tn^ Golden Nu£^e1 •pX3,LIUU (approi retjil valuer $7S0 each suDjeci to depanure points,) All taxcfi and other expenses noi speclilled herein ar£ sole responsibility o1 wmncffi All winners will t>ei>allficd in writing Suggested retail prices: IBM & compatibles (CGA Board required) $39.95 Amiga & Atari ST $49.95 $16 000 Macintosh (mono only) $49.95 Apple II $39.95 C64/128 $29.95 It ordering Sytclephorie ad<l $3 shippings handling and check thai your PC meets tht minimum hardware requirements as r^ocash reJundsapply. Warranty is limilcd 10 (ree replacement o1 faulty products returned by prepaid po5l Aussie JOKER POKER Contest Rules 1. No purchase necessary to enter 2. Void wheie prohibited by slate or federal iaw. 3- To enter, simply complete anti return the the official entry form. 4. Limit five entries per family Of household. Five free entry forms and full contest rules are included with Aussie Joker Poher" or may be obtained by seniting a stamped self-addressed envelope larger than &W • 7V2' with ii hand written request to: Aussie Joiner Poker Contest En try forms. P.O Box 22381, Gilroy, CA95021-2381. Mail-in ropucsts Hmited to one per name, household or family and must be received no later than 3/3 1;89, WA & VT re sidents need not include return postage. Full rules also available from participating Mindscape retailers. 5. Monthly entries must be received no later than the last day ot the month in which a drawing will take place in order to participate in the month's drawing. Drawings will be held from December, 1988 through April 1989, inclusive, Finalenlriesmustbe received by 4/30/89. 6. Contest open to leKal residents of the U.S.A. and Canada (other than Quebec). 7. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received, 8. Contest subject to complete officia I ru les . AGamtiling Game Of SkB& Chance r C64/128™ Another Wonder from Down Under IBM, AppltA Mjcimosil. Amiga. Alail ST and CSiaSajrefrjdemaihsoi leciituccil Irjdomjfhs ollntcrra[ior\al Business Mschir^e*. Apple Computet. Inc . Commotiart Arftif^. Inc.. Alati. Inc.. and Commodore EleclronicsLtd. respecUMely ^ l^SEIJoherSoltv^a^e SEE YOUR NEAREST MINDSCAPE SOFTWARE RETAILER M I N 3 S C A P E I tl C EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR or if not ava liable order d irect on 1-800-24-JOKER 24 hour order service RETAILERS CALL: 1-800-221-9884 Commodore M A G A I DECEMBER 1988, volume 9. Number 12 N E FEATURES COMING ATTRACTIONS 92 In part two, John looks at upcoming releases from veterans like the Mediagenic family, SubLogic and SSI as well as soon-io-be- released titles from newcomers like Siient Software and First Row Software. by John Jermalne COVER STORY BUYER'S GUIDE TO THE BEST OF 1988 71 Our reviewers pick the best hardware and software products released during the year for the Commodore 64, 128 and Amiga, L 2 1 — tn b- • i U ' 6 1 7 1 ^^H 1 ^H SOFTWARE ON THE COVER 1. Animation: Apprentice by Hash Enterprises 2. Sporting News Baseball by Epyx, Inc. 3. Robot Readers by Hilton Android Corp. 4. Skate or Die by Electronic Arts 5. Superbase Professional by Precision Software, 6. Fligiit Simulator 2 by Sublogic 7. Moebius by Origin 8. Blackjack Academy by Microlllusions 9. Migt)t and Magic by Mediagenic 10. Battledroidz by DataSoft nc. REVIEWS 64 AND 128 SOFTWARE REVIEWS The Games: Winter Edition by Scott A. May Force 7 by Mark Cotone Impossible Mission 2 by Jeffery Scott Hall Paperclip Publisher by Bob Guerra Dragon's Lair by Mark CoSone 20 22 26 28 30 AMIGA SOFTWARE REVIEWS Vampire's Empire by Jeffery Scolt Hall Softwood File IISG by En/in Bobo Spellbound by Gary V. Fields VIordPlex by Gary v. Fields Ebonstar by Grafiam Kirjsey 32 36 38 40 42 DEPARTMENH LETTERS NEWS TIPS & TRICKS Hints for Fun and Utility Compiled by Louis F Sander Gold Mine Corrtpiled by Louis F. Sander CREATIVE COURSEWARE The "Power On" Report by Howard MiUman PROJECTS Sound Digitizer II byJohr} lovine INSIDE Q-LINK Downloading Help by Robert W. Baker ADVENTURE ROAD Staying Alive by Stiay Addams 4 8 AMIGA UPDATE Amiga Public Domain byGraham Kinsey Allen Hastings: Film Maker by Matthew Leeds 54 58 16 128 MODE A Plethora of 128 Stuff by Mark Jordan 67 GRAPHICS CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT 70 18 PUMPING GEOS G EOS 2.0 iy War* Jordan 96 44 48 PROGRAMMING Pokeless Sprites byjared Grotli Introducing Amiga CLI Part 3 by Mike Rivers A Beginner's Guide to Disk Files by Ivlark Jordan 104 106 110 62 HOW TO ENTER PROGRAMS 122 MAGAZINE ENTRY PROGRAMS 124 52 ADVERTISERS' INDEX 128 COMMODORE MAGAZINE 3 LEHERS To The Editor: There are some 480,000 amatem- radio operators in the U.S., and millions world- wide. For a specific technical reason, many own a Commodore 64, even in addi- tion to any other computer they may own. The Commodore 64 is the ideal system in- terface for amatem- equipment to perform packet radio, RTTY-teletype, TV, satellite relays, and other state-of-the-art commu- nication needs. Hams ready for upgi-ading to the FCC Ejctra class license can now obtain the new study course with sample examina- tions on disk for the Commodore 64 for $14.95 postpaid. Hams can contact me for further infomiation. Sincavlv, Dr. G. F. SchiUing I Amateur Radio Station A16I \ P.O. Box 2250 Hemet, CA 92343. To the Editor: I enjoy your magazine ver>' much. Al- though I am new to the ranks of your sub- : scribers, I can only wonder why your cov- I erage of the Amiga has expanded so, when there is an Amiga magazine already in print (AmigaWorld). It would make sense to save the space for 64/128 re\iews and progi-ams. That is the idea behind two separate publications, right? A Delighted but Puzzled Reader, James D.Johnston Mechanicsburg.PA Editor's Respoiine: Thank you for tlie compliments, Mr Johnston. Your confiision is apparently shared by others. Commodore Magazine is a subsidiar>' of Commodore Business Ma- chines, manufacturer of the Commodore 64, 128 and Amiga 500 and 2000. Then: are many Commodore- and Amiga-specif- ic publications available from third-party publishers {AmigaWorld is published by IDG Communications. Peterbomugh, NH). Commodore Magazine is the only magazine published by Commodoie, then- fore, we cover Commodore's complete line. To the Editor: I just received your September issue and read the news section, but to my dis- may I found you made a mistake. I am re- ferring to the page-long article on the Consumer Electronics Show. You state that "Carrier Command is a strategic ac- tion game for the Amiga and Commodore 64." I am afraid Rainbirf Software has de- cided not to release the 64 ver-sion. I would appreciate it if you would inform youi" readers. This infoiTnation was obtained via a software dealer, please infoiin me if it is incorrect. Sincerely, Robert Bogue Bay City, Ml Editor's Response: According to our source at Rainbird, Carrier Command for the Commodore 64 is scheduled for release in the November! December time period. The Amiga version has been available for a while. Yoursoff- ware dealer may have been under the im- pression that the two versions were to be re- leased simultaneously. Carrier Command for the Commodore 64 retails for $34.95. You i7iay want to leave a copy of this Let- ters column lying amund the house as a hint for Santa, Robert. To the Editor: The October issue had the "Quest for Sequels" aiticle by Shay Addams, as well as the section in the "News" about new re- leases torn Infocom. Infocom was bought by Mediagenic, which used to be called Activision, and that brings me to my question, With all the talk about sequels, and remembering that Acti\nsion released Hacker and Hacker 11, has there been any mention at all about a Hacker III? I would really enjoy another adventm-e in the same style as those first two, with their carefully tailored sensation of stumbling into something unexpected. All together now: "We want Hacker III! We want Hacker III! ..." Sincerely, Les heist Alexandria, VA Editor's Response: At press time Activision has no plans for a Hacker EH. But as we've said so often, if there's a product you want, let the company know. You can write to: Activision, 3885 Bohannon Drive, Menb Park, CA 94025. Commodore .Address letters for puhlinttinn (o; Ijetters Editor, (.'mnmadnrc Magmim; 12011 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA WM M A I N Publisher Julie Bauer Assistant to the Publisher Amanda K. Wappes Managing Editor Jim Gracely Editor Susan R. West Technical Editor Mike i^ivers Art Director Gwenn Knapp Assistant Art Director Wilson Harp Art Production Bob Clark Production Manager Jo-Ellen Temple Circulation Kenneth F. Battista ADVERTISING SALES Rebecca Cotton Leister Commodore Mogozine 1200 Wilson Drive Wesl Chester, PA 1 9380 (215)431-9259 Commodore Magaiine, Volume 9, Ny ruber 12. December 1988. Commodore Magazine is published monthly by Commo- dore Magazine Inc., 1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA 19380. U.S.A. US. subscriber rale is $35.40 per year; Canadian subscriber rate is $45.40 per year; Overseas sub- scriber rale is $65.00 per year. Questions concerning sub- scription should be (tirected to Commodore Magazine Sub- scription Department. Bos 651. Holmes, Pennsylvania 19043. Phone (800) 345-8112. In Pennsylvania (800) 662-2444. Copyright ff 1988 by Commodore Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. CBM, PET, VIC 20. and Commodore 64 are registered trademarks of Commodore Electronics Ltd. Super PET and Commodore 128 are trademarks of Commodore Electronics Ltd, Amiga' is a registered trademark of Commodore-Amiga, 4 DECEMBER 1988 PAST DELIVERY, FREE GAMES and LOWER PRICES OMLy FROM tcp & C^ Commodore' C^ Commodore OH The Complete IBM® Compatible Machine For The Whole Family! $699 C' Conrihiodore' w/o Optional Commodore 1084 Color Monitor 640K RAM/Duat Floppy Drives Dual Speed - 4.77 & 8MHz Parallel, Serial & Mouse Ports Built-in Monochrome/Color Video Card Includes MS-DOS 3.2 With Commodore 1084 Color Monitor. .....$995 With Samsung Color Monitor $899 With Hi-Resolulion Monochrome Monitor $769 Includes GE05 & Quantum Link C* Commodore < 128D I 40 w/ 1541 II Disk Drivf?!!!S!!!!!!ISI!ISI!!!!J.. $Boi 64C w/1541 Drive &1802C Monitor $519 128K Memory Built-in 1571 Disk Drive Detachable Keyboard $439 C= Commodore 1084 COLOR MONITOR rTTTiiTrT 640 X 400 Resolution 4 Operating Modes 128D w/Commodore 1084 Color Monitor $719 128D w/Magnavox 8762 Color Monitor $679 $299 FREE COMMODORE GAMES WITH ANY PURCHASE! See Following Pages For Details MAGNAVOX 8762 ■ 640 X 240 Resolution ■ 3 Modes ■ 1 Yr Warranty $249 MAGNAVOX 8702 ■ 350 x 330 Resolution ■ Tilt Stand ■ 1 YrWarranJy J5179 COMMODORE 1802C Color Monitor J5199 O Commodore' 1351 MOUSE Mouse & Joystick Operation tt»firk qt; GEOS Compatible Jjjviy, O Commodore* 1670 C= Commodore* 1764 MODEM 256KRAM EXPANSION F Commodore '^ 3i/2" DISK DRIVE $189 1200 BAUD DIRECT CONNECl ^"lin,-- E O Commodore® 1541 II 5i/4" DISK DRIVE $175 C SEE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR ORDERING INFORMATION TUSSEY COMPUTER PRODUCTS 1 '800'468'9044 ^ An n s Educational Software too! ALL GAMES STOCKED FOR QUICK SHIP! ACCESS Echelon $25.95 Leader Board S22.9S ACCOLADE Apollo IB... $17.95 Comics $19-95 4th 4 Inches $18.95 Hard Ball S9.95 MiniputI $18 95 TB9tD>ive $18 95 ACTIONSOFT Thjndei Choppet $18.95 Up Periscope $17.95 lACTlVISION Air Rally St9.95 Aliens $995 Gamemaker Package wiih ail Libraries S39.95 LaslNinja $19 95 Maniac Mansion $21.95 Music Slubio $19.96 Shanflhar $18.95 AVALON HILL NBA $2-1.95 BRODERBUND Cauldron $9,95 Karaleka 59.95 Lode Runner $9.95 SupattJike Challenge $12.95 Toy Shop $19.95 Ullima V NEW $34.95 CINEMAWARE Dalentier ol the Crown $21.95 SDI $21.95 The Three Stooges .,$21,'95 COSMl Del Con 5 $17.95 DATA EAST Commando $13,93 Karale Champ $9.95 KidNiki $18.95 Plaioon $16,95 Speed Buggy $18.95 DatJijoFt' Hunt For Red October ..$25.95 Ait HeaiityDungeon $26.95 Video Tills Shop S19 95 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS Pocket V/nter 2 $32 96 Pocket Fiiar 2 $19.95 Pocket Planner 2 $34.95 Digital Superpak 2 $57.95 Pocket Writer Dictionary .$11 .95 ts& ELELTROMC ARTS' JoriianvsBlrcl.NEW $19,95 Bard's Tale $24.95 Bard's Tale tl $24.95 Bard's Tale III NEW$24.9S Chessmastar 2000 $24.95 Demon Staikers $19.95 Deathtord NEWS(9.95 Double Dragon ...NEW $24.95 Dragon's Lair $19.95 Marble Madness $19.95 Mars Saga MEW $24.95 Master Ninja $19.95 Moebius $27.95 Modem Wars NEW $24.95 Pinball Construction $9,95 iScitmKSi; Scruptes NEW $24.95 SkaiaorDie .,$19.95 SkyFosll $19.95 Strike Fleet $19,95 WorkJ ToutGott $19 95 YeagerAFT S22.9S Wasteland NEW $24.95 C&VEHAN UflH-LTNPICS <^ ^.i^>^ Cavamm Ugh1yinpli:».J19.95 Monopoly. S19.95 ^ Championship Football ....$21 .95 GBA Basketball 2 on 2 $1 1.95 Top Fuel Eliminator 517.95 INFOCOM Beyond Zork 526.95 Hitchhiker's Guide $14,95 Impossible Mission 2....S23.95 ,NEW! 200 XJ Joystick S11..95 500 XJ Joystick $14.95 CaMornia Games $22.95 Charap'ship Wraslling $13.95 Create a Calendar S18.95 Dasiroyer 523.95 4ii4 Oil-Road Racing $23.95 L. A. Crackdown . NEW 523,95 Movie Monster 512,95 Slfeei Sports Baseball $23.95 Straol Sports Basketball .. $23.95 LANCE HATNER for the best: in sports strate^ simulation 3 in 1 Football.,..- $29.95 Bktball. the Pro Game .529.95 Co urtside College Basketball 529.95 MICROLEAGUE Baseball 524.95 Wrestling St8.95 Mi^OPROSE Slfeel Sports Football ..S23.95 Street Sports Soccer NtW 523.95 Sub Battle $23.95 Summer Games $13.95 Summer Games II S13.95 Winter Camas 513.95 World Games 513.95 FIREBIRD Elite $11.95 Guild of Thieves S22.95 Knight ORC S24.95 Star Glider 522.95 The Sentry $24.95 ll J^^B ., j^ mWk \ MINDSCAPE Gauntlet $22.95 Harrier Combat Simulator $t8.9S Indoor Sports 518.95 Paperboy $21 .95 Superstar Hockey $22.95 SIMON & SHUSTER SiarTrak: PrometliJanAdvS19-95 Typing Tutor IV $24.95 SPECTRUM HOLOBVTE Faton NEW 522.95 PT109 $24.95 Soko Ban $17.95 Airborne Rangers $21,95 F-15 Strike Eagle 521,95 Gunship 521,95 NATO Commander $22.95 Pirates $23.95 Red Storm Rising NEW $23.95 Silent Service $21.95 Stealth Fighter $24.95 Pool ol Radiance .new $24.95 Battles of Napoleon .NEW 532.95 B-24 $21 95 Eternal Dagger $24.95 Heroes of the Lance .NEW $24,95 Phantasie I, HI (each) $24 95 Queslron II ,.$24.95 Rings of Zilfin - $23,95 Roadwar Europa 524.95 Shard ol Spring $23 95 Wargame Const Sat $1 9.95 SUBLOGIC 1 tSOFTWABE BIMUI-ATIONSI Jot $25.95 Flight Simulator H $31.95 Pure Stat Baseball $22.95 Pure Stat College BB S22 95 Stealth Mission 531 95 SOFTWARE WORD PROCESSORS Fleet Syste.m 4 $47.95 Font Master 128 $33.35 Paperclip Ml $32.95 Superscript 128 S44.9S Term Paper Writer $29.95 Wrdwriter 128 w/spell. $31.95 SPRE/UJSIIEETS Swittcak: 128 w.'sdwys $32.95 DATA BASES Data Manager 128 .....$31.95 Periect Flier $19.95 Superbasa 128 $39.95 MISC. 128 SOFTWARE Mach 128 $31.95 Partner 128 $36.95 Sylvia Porter's Personal Finance Planner $29.95 CMS ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS Pkg. Price for all Modules: CI 28 version $124.95 C64 version S1 19-95 BUSINESS AND PRODUCTIVITY Vlzastare4 4K Integrated ProiJuciivity Package For The 64 NO W ONL Y $9.95 64 C DATABASES Bank Slrael Filer $19.95 Data Manager II $13.95 640 SPREADSHEETS Swiiicalc 64 wsideways ,.513 95 Sideways $12.95 640 WORD PROCESSORS Bank Street Wiiter $29,95 Font Master II $26.95 Paperclip w.'spellpacli $29.95 Paperclip III $31-95 Word Writer III $25.95 FINANCIAL & ACCT. Timawks Electr, ChBckbk.5U.95 Timeworks Money Mgr 514.95 MISCELLANEOUS Estes pwr supply tor C-64 $54.95 Thinking Cap $24.95 Fast Load S23.95 Bobs Term Pro $32.95 1 LiB-'»l ^^■ifl Batteries Inclui Paperclip Publisher . Berkeley Softwc GEO Publish cd ..$32.95 rks ,.539.95 l.$15,95 ..$25.95 ..$13.95 ....59.95 ..$13.95 ..$21.95 Broderbund Graphics Lib'ry l.llorl Springboard Certificata Maker .... ClipArtlorlll Newsroom Unison World Printmaster Plus I DISK-KOUNTS par boK 0(10 3.5" 5.2S" BONUS DS DD S6.9S MAXELL DSDD S179S $9 95 VERBiTIM DSDO S1995 S99S SONY D5 00 S19,95S109S l\i%SEy COMPUTER PRODUCTS P.O. SOX lOOfi SJAie COLLEGE. PA IG8(M 1-800-468-9044 CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON! NEW! 200 XJ .$11.95 500 XJ $14.95 The Boss $12.95 Bai Handle $17.95 3-Way $22.95 As a "thank you" to our many valued customers we are giving away one of these Intocom Adventure Games (your choice), with every order. This offer is good on any of the items in this ad, when ordered before December 31 ,1988. If you've never ordered from TCPbefore, this is a great op- portunity to get acquainted! ( I I M M Ck II (I K I AMIG AMIGA SOFTWARE PB0DUCT 1VITY :Con£lS8l... $59.95 111 $79.95 III... SJi^gs Deluxe Video 1,2 ; ■ -as Draw Plus • ' • 35 Logisjix : ' •• 35 Superbast ^ ■ < oo Vtzawnte jtjj 00 WordPertect $179.00 Word Perlect LiDraiy $69.00 ENTERTAINMENT Balance ot Power $?995 Bard's Tale II . .S37 95 Beyond Zorti $29.95 Biac* Lamp $18 95 ChesstnasterZOOO $27 95 Defer>der o( the Crown $2995 DejaVu $29 95 FA 'SHl9-c?D'.0'S $32 95 F ..$32 95 1- $29 95 P.-; . $59.95 Silem SerVTCe $24 95 Sub Battle Simulator $32 95 Superstar Ice Hockey . $32 95 Test Drive $24 95 The Throe Stooges ... $31.95 Tracers $24 95 Univitea . $29 95 For All Your AMIGA Needs Call tcp I 512KRAM " Upgrade $159 1010 EXT DRIVE ...$219 1680 MODEM $139 Call For Other AMIGA Products H GEOS 128 S39 95 -pi I • GeoCalctJS S39 9B JDCrKdCV Geo File 128 S39 96 — , >, 7| Geo Programmar S39 9S ^nifWOflrC Geo Publish $29 95 \J\J1. t WC/L £V>5 Geo Write 128 S39.95 Geo Spell 518.95 GUOS ...S34.95 GeoC.ilc ..$29 95 Goo Filo .529.95 Geodej S24.95 Deskpack S18.9S Fonlpack $18.95 Geo Write $29.95 Software orders over $100 and Accessories under 6 pounds will be shipped Federal Express (Even at these prices) You only pay TCP's standard shipping charge of $4.00 per order. Orders arriving before 3;00 Pf^ our time will be shipped out same day. If part of your order is backordered the remain- der will be shipped UPS Ground FREE! SECURITY ■ Your Credit Card is not charged until your order is shipped. ■ We insure your order a1 no extra cost to you. ■ Tussey is a linancially strong and well established company. CUSTOMER SUPPORT ■ Alter sales si^pport. n Knowledgeable staff, all graduates ot Tussey's "Computer Boot Camp". ■ Our advanced warohouse/maienals handling sysi&m assures your order is shipped OLt accurately & on time. B Our IBM 5360 allows tnstant order and inventory status. To order by mail: Wb accept money order, cenided check, personal check, Allow 2 weeks lor personal & compan/ checks to dear ShEppIng: $4 00 lor sollwaro FOR ALL HARDWAH^ A^JD ANY ACCESSO RY OVER 6tos Call ouf Toll Free Nuoter 1BO0-46a-9044 lorshjppir^ charges Add t3 00 per tXJ* snipped COD AcMrtionai shippir>g j-eq Jired on APO. FPO. AK , HI . arxl lorcign orders Terms: PRICES REFLECT CASH DISCOUNT. ADD 1.9% FOR MASTERCARD OR VJSA. _ . ALL SALES ARE FINAL "fSF. i^^l Delec'LJve items reptace<j or repaired at our ^_^^ [^ Wy j discrelwn. Pennsytvanta resKJenls add 6% sales tax Prices and terms suOject lo cfiangB wilhoui notice PRINTERS NEW LOWER PRICES !! SUPER GRAPHIXJR Printer IntsrfacB $32.95 w/Prinlet Irom Tussey $29.95 SUPER GRAPHIX Interlace w.SK butter down loadable fonts $54.95 ■ w.'Printer Irom Tussey $49.95 [su SUPER GRAPHtX GOLD $94.95 w/Prmler Irom Tussey $84 95 ill I OK1DATA180 $229 ■ Built in COMMODORE* and EPSON'Inlertace ■ 160 CP5 Print Speed Call For Other Okidala Printers Panasonic. Oflice Automation^^^wl \Jr-i 2 yr warranty 1080(11 $159 1091111 $189 1092! $319 1124 (24 pin) SCALL Save on Printers ^CITIZEIV 120D $139 180D $159 MSP-40 $289 Tribute 224 .$589 NX-1000 (1-14 draM6 NLQ) $159 NX 1000 Rainbow (color printer) $229 NX-1000C (Commodore inClace) ....$174 NX-1000C Rainbow (Commodore ln;erface' Color Printer) $229 NX-2400 (24 Pin Printer) $349 SEIKOSHA 2 yr warranty SP-180VC $139 SP-1200VC....$CALL SP-1200AI .$169 Regular Hours: 8:00AM - 11:00PM Mon-Fri, 10:00AM - 8:00PM Sat, 12:O0PM-8:OOPM Sun EST CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-468-9044 For Information Call 814-234-2236 FAX 814-237-4450 «CP NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS a '\xriag the week of August S2, 1988, MicroProse celebrated its sixth anniversary. A number of editors and writers from the U.S. and England were on hand to help celebrate the occasion and had the opportunity to talk about some future products. MicroProse is a company with a wonderfully colorful beginning. The much-publicized anecdote goes like this: In the summer of 1982, Bill Stealy and Sid Meier (both employees of General Instruments at the time) were playing a Bed Baron arcade game in Las Vegas. Stealy complained about the game, and Meier stated he could design a better simulation in a week. Stealy said if Sid could make it, he could sell it. About two months later (the ' 'week' ' was a slight exaggeration), during the vreek of August 22, 1982, Sid Meier walked up to Bill Stealy at a shopping mall and handed him Hellcat Ace. In early 1983 MicroProse ■■ released three titles: Hellcat l' Ace, Floyd of the Jungle and • Chopper Rescue. Later that \ year. Solo night was released. In 1984 F-IS Strike Eagle was released in the U.S. This year, P-IS Strike Eagle will receive a ' 'Diamond' ' award from the Software Publishers Association (SPA) for 500,000 copies sold. In 1988 MicroProse has already released Project: Stealth Fighter and Airborne Banger, has Red Storm Rising shipping now and is planning to ship MicroProse Soccer before the end of the year. (Both Project! Stealth Fighter and Airhome Ranger were reviewed in the September 1988 issue of Commodore Magazine. ) Project: Stealth Fighter was released for the Commodore 64 in the spring, and an Amiga version will be released sometime after the spring of 1989. By the time the Amiga version is released, it will be going by its new name— F-19 Stealth. Consumer confusion was the main reason given for the change. MicroProse Flying High "Wild Bill" SWaley, PresldBnt of MICROPROSE and Jim flracely, Managing Editor of Commodore Magazine. Bed Storm Rising is a submarine warfare simulation based on the book of the same name by Tom Clancy. The game's premise is that the Warsaw Pact countries have invaded Western Europe, and you must command an American nuclear attack submarine against Soviet submarines and surface ships. You can choose four time frames toplayin (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996), four difficulty levels, eight different submarine classes to command and a dozen scenarios ranging from training maneuvers to WW III This product is bound to become a classic very quickly. The controls, options, graphics and strategy involved create a riveting sense of action and suspense. Because you can play anything from a one-on-one battle to the complete World War III scenario, games can last from 15 minutes to tens of hours. (Bill Stealy claims that by holing up in his basement and saving the game each time he won he was able to complete one of the WW III scenarios in 13 hours), Watch for a complete review in an upcoming issue. MicroProse Soccer is the first product from the MicroProse UK division. This double-sided disk wUl feature the standard 11- player European game on one side and the nine- player U.S. indoor game on the other. The game is played from a bird's- ^e view with the ball risLng up into the viewer's eye on kicks. Inter esting features uiolude winds and weather patterns demo I saw was played in a thunder storm). This game wiU ship in October for the 64 and sometime in early 1989 for the Amiga. The UK division of MicroProse has also struck joint marketing ventures with a number oi U.S. software developers including Berkeley, Cosmi and Origin Systems. Richard Garriot and Chris Roberts of Origin Systems were at MicroProse to demonstrate Ultima V and Times of Lore, Times of Lore is billed as an introduction to role-playing and adventure games with a completely icon-driven interface. You travel through an enormous world gathering gold, magical items and potions in your search for a missing king, It is designed for beginners to introduce by Jim Gracely concepts such as combat, exploring, mapping, using potions and spellcasting. Ultima V is the latest and most advanced installment of the popular Ultima series. The story goes like this; Lord British was ambushed in the underworld and is presumed dead. You and your friends are a band of ' 'Robin Hoods" trying to do good in a land under a bad ruler and marshaU law. You must destroy the shadow lords who represent untruth, cowardice and hatred, and of course, attempt to discover the fate of Lord British, An interesting feature is that there is almost 30 minutes of musical score in the game with themes for various situations. On tiie machines that support MEDI (including the Amiga) the scores can be routed externally to a MIDI device. What can we expect from MicroProse in the future? Well, they don't t^ypicaUy talk about products unto they are ready to ship, but BEl Stealy did have this comment to make: "Ifyou liked Westworld— we've got a product. Stand by for my press conference next year." MicroProse has one other area of activity that is newsworthy. A coin-op (traditional quarter-play arcade game) division was started last October. This division, called MicroProse Games, is planning to ship their first game during the first quarter of 1989. While no details were given as to what the game would be, everyone consented that it would be some sort of flight-related product Eugene Lipkin, VP and General Manager of MicroProse Games, stated that the only rule they were Uving by was that the machine would be shipped to the arcade on a truck. He claims the product wUl be "one of the most unique products the industry has seen in the past couple of years." What is the basis for that kind of statement? A commitment to design. MicroProse Games was started Continued on page 10 8 DECEMBER 1988 ATHIN IHAN. COMPUTER GAMES THAT WILL IGNITE YOUR HOUDAYS. NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS ■ NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • Continued from page 8 from the ground up and has designed all of the hardware for their coih-op division. The hardware has a strong emphasis on graphics and is ideally suited for simulations. Two technical terms are used to describe the graphic capahiUties of a system; "polygons' ' and "frames per second.' ' The number of polygons in each frame determines how detailed the graphics can be, while the number of frames per second determines the speed and smoothness of the images. The MlcroProse Games hardware is capable of 2000 polygons at 30 frames per second. As a comparison, P-19 Stealth on an 80386 machine has 50 polygons Trith a rate of six frames per second. That's a 200X increase in polygons/second! MicroProse is currently speculating that they wiUbe one of the major coin-op companies by this time next year. Of course, everyone visiting MicroProse gets to go for a flight on the Miss MicroProse— "'^M Bill" Stealy's company plane. The plane is a U.S. Navy T-28-B two- seat fighter trainer with a 1425hp Curtiss-Wright prop engine and a maximum speed of 350mph. Believe me, after a flight in this aerobatic plane, flight simulators take on a whole new reality. In all, MicroProse is still flying high, and it looks like clear sailing into 1989. Q Jack Nicklaus' Championship Golf jfiuicolade has signed Jack Kicklaus to a three-year contract to produce computer goH simulations. The first offering, Jack Kicklaus' Greatest 18 Holes of Major Championship Golf, is scheduled to be released for the Commodore 64 and Amiga in time for the holiday season. The program features mcklaus' favorite IB holes, based on the recently released videotape from ABC Sports Video hbraiy. Players go up against Jack or four other computerized men and women. The Commodore 64 version retails for S29.95; the Amiga version sells for S44.95. For further information contact: Accolade, 560 S, Winchester Blvd., Suite 20, San Jose, CA 95128. Or caU: (408 ) 985-1700. Special Amiga 500 System Offered L'ommodore Business Machines, Inc. has announced a special holiday promotion on the Amiga 500. When you purchase a special Amiga 500 system from an authorized dealer between now and December 31, 1988, you'll walk out with a free VCR (retail value 1400). The special system consists of an Amiga 500 computer, 1084S stereo color monitor, and a Software Starter Kit (which includes entertainment, productivity, video and graphics programs). The VCR is a full-featured HQ VCR with wireless remote control. Commodore/Amiga dealers have details on the offer; call (800) 43-3000 to fmd the Amiga dealer near you. Offer good while suppUes last. Who Framed Roger Rabbit it was only a matter of time , Buena Vista Software has released Who Framed Hoger BatMt for the Commodore 64 and Amiga. The program incorporates (what else?) splendid animation and graphics plus music and sound effects in three separate game scenarios. You can race Benny the Cab through Tinseltovm, retrieve the missing will and get past the evil weasels at the cartoon Gag Factoiy. Retail price for the Commodore 64 version is $29.95; for the Amiga it's $44.95. For details contact: Buena Vista Software, 3800 W. Alameda Ave., Suite 325, Buibank, CA 91505. Phone: (818) 569-7397. AmiEXPO XimiEXPO was held in Chicago at the end of July. You would expect software packages to outnumber hardware packages at AmiEXPO, but in terms of the attention-gmbbers in Chicago, hardware won out. WewTek, as expected, drew the largest crowd with their already- famous Video Toaster, This video effectS(frame capture'genlock device which was made famous on PBS' Computer Chronicles is expected to ship in November, although Nevrt'ek had not put a firm price on it yet (due to volatile memory prices). Newtek was on the verge of releasing Di|iPalnt n, the first major upgrade to their HAM paint program, Magni Systems entered the Amiga marketplace vrith their Model 4004 Video Graphics System genlock system. Not only does this genlock blow away all other genlocks for the Amiga in terms of price (with the Model 4004 VGS starting at S1500), but it is also loaded with features. For example, an input signal is not needed in order to maintain a stable encoder. Magni considers the Model 4004 VGS to be the highest quality encoder available. ASDG was previevrLng their color scanner package, which consists of a hardware color scanner by Sharp and a software interface by ASDG. This package allows you to scan any color page and convert it to Amiga graphics. Continued on page 12 10 DECEMBER 1988 JUDGE A GAME Licensed by The Major League Baseball Players Association. BYns COVEH "If it were any more realistic, you 'd need a batting helmet'.' Gary Carter '^^^ The action-packed statistically enhanced computer game with all 26 major league teams, and all the stars like Dave Winfiel d , Ozzie Smith, Jose Canseco, Roger Clemens, George Brett, AlanlVammell and Fernando Valenzuela. g»»»SEK 1 tritf I UfK_j^«jj h!i?t| 1_I_SL'5: Updated roster/ Stat disks available every , V: season. fc 1988, Epyi, Inc. Screens from Cominodare version. The Sporting News is a federally registered tradesnarl! of The Sportinf News Publishing Company, a Tinits Mirror Company. The Sporting News liaseball is a tndemvk ot EPYX.inc. As the pitcher, you can throw the batter a curve, a high hard one. Pitch j^. him inside, outside. »?^ Even brush him back if he's crowding the plate, just remember, he's got great bat control. He might even drag a bunt on you. Throw it home or hit the cutoff man. Go for the great catch or play it safe. Steal a base? How about a pitching change? Just remem- ber. Anything the pros can do, you can do. If you're good. Available for Commodore (i4/!2$, Apple II & compatibles, IBM & compatibtes EPrx NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS Continued from page 10 ASDG was also showing XwluX, an Amiga 2000 card that has two sockets for any lEE 959 (ISBX) modules. TwlnX retails for S329, and ASDG has three modules that can be bought directly for S 199 each. Great Valley Products was showing off their Impact line of SCSI hard disk controllers and hard cards. Unlike other controllers, the Impact series serves as both memory cards (up to SMB per card) and as a SCSI controller card. The Impact line is the first SCSI card available for the Amiga that has built-in sockets for the 1.3 EPROMS that are necessary for autobootmg hard drives. GVP also bundles some very nice software that males installing a hard drive much easier. Creative MicroSystems Inc., makers ofKickstart Eliminator, introduced the Processor Accelerator. If you can't afford to splurge for a 68020 board, this could become your speed-up hoard of choice. Essentially it is a small board made by Thompson that holds a 16 MHz 68000 (running at 14,32 Mhz) and doubles your processor instruction speed. Since it sits on top of the 68000 socket, Amiga 500 and Amiga 1000 owners can easily take advantage of this board as well. The Processor Accelerator retails for S199,95, Ronin Research and Development, makers of the Hurricane line of 68020/68030 boards, were in the Expert Services booth. Since Ronin uses a daughter board to hold memory, only one slot is taken up on the A2000 system bus. For those who don't want to have to purchase their own 68020/68030, Ronin wUl ship a Hurricane with either a 16, 20 or 25MHz 68020 or a 16 Mhz 68030, The bare Hurricane board, without any processors, retails for S432, and the 68030 add-on board retails for S230. Memory And Storage Technology (MAST) were showing a couple of unique hardware products. Their featured product, Whomper Plus, is a hardware virus protector on a printed circuit board that plugs into the floppy drive(s). It has LEDs to tell you when you didn't write-protect the disk, and when the disk is being written to. You can tell it to automatically protect the whole disk from being written to, or just track zero ( where the boot blocks are located.) Whomper Plus does not ' 'detect' ' a virus in any way. It Just deals with prevention. Wliomper Plus protects one drive for the A500 or two drives for the A2000 and retaUs for S69.95. MAST was also showing Minimegs 500, a tiny 2MB board for the A500. Minimegs 500 uses 1MB DRAM chips and is unique because it has an LED that shows when the memoiy is being accessed, Minimegs BOO uses the ASOO's own power supply and retails for $199 with no memory installed. BiH Haws' macro-language ABEXX was the language making the most noise at AmiExpo.ABBXX provides the ability to integrate apphcations from different software vendors. Among the software products that support ABEXX, are MicToFiche Filer Plus by Software Visions , Cygn usEd Professional hy ASDG anilAMICTem byAMIC Development. Bill was also showing off WSHeE, his sheU program for the Amiga that supports aliases, piping, an unpUcit CD, residem commands, AKEXX and more, AREXX and WSHell both retaO for S49.95 each. American PeopleLink, (or PeopleLink for shore), widely recognized as the online service of choice for Amiga users, was also present in the exhibit hall. Steve Pietrowicz, author of the graphical conferencmg program ACQ was showing off its full capabUites including the sound effects included in version 3.0. Already over 4000 Amiga users have signed up to PeopleLink, and judging from the activitir at the booth, interset is stUl growing. The other main development at AmlExpo in the realm of communications was that AMIC Development was demonstrating AMIGTerm (based on the award- winning shareware terminal program AMIC PD TERM by David Salas ), which is a very powerful commercial terminal program. AMICTerm supports custom graphics commands; for example a circle command that will draw a real circle on the receiver's terminal screen. This feature is &bug8 step from the world of AUSI graphics! AMICTerm should be available by the time you read this, retailing for S59.95. ASDG also introduced CygnusEd Professional, an advanced text editor for the Amiga. One of the dynamite features CygnusEd Professional has is support for recoverable documents — the document that is currently being worked on will not be lost due to a crash, even if you have never saved it! Some of the other features in CygnusEd Professional include ABEXX support, very fast scrolling, support for up to 1000 by 800 resolution, vertical blocks and horizontal blocks, undo, macros and re-definable keys. CygnusEd Professional retaEs for $99.95. There were a few new graphics software products. Elan Design was showing their software InTlsion which gives those who own A-Squared's Live! digitizer added power. Invlsion adds many more live video effects, including mirror, colorize, invert, strobe, nuke and mosaic effects. Invlsion displays a fuU keymap graphically, and allows you to custom assign keys and/or mouse buttons to trigger any effect. You can mix up to three pictures at one time. Invlsion retails for $129. Syndesis was previewing Interfont, which allows you to transform 2D bitmapped fonts, like the Workbench fonts, into an Interfont 3D representation file that then can be ported into VideoScape3D ot Sculpt. 3D. Interfont fully supports the ColorFonts standard, Interfont retaUs for $119.95 as a stand alone product, or S79.95 as an upgrade tolnterchange. Byte-by-Byte, makers of Sculpt/Animate 3D announced the arrival of Sculpt 4D. Scott Peterson, President of Byte-by- Byte said that Sculpt 4]) is a high-end professional version of Sculpt/Animate 3D, New features include a metal texture, increases in rendering speed, a new scan line algorithm, better anti- aliasing and cleaner images. Mindware International was introducing PagePllpper Plus, which is an animation program with many screen special effects like wipes and dissolves, plus fidl AMM support and an interactive script editor vrith a powerful help system. Readysoft, makers otThe 64 Emulator were pre-announcing the Amiga version of the famous videodisc arcade game Dragon's Lair. The Amiga version currently spans sbc floppy disks (andtheReadySoft representative said that number m]AAincrease). Fortunately, the representative told me that those viho have extra memory vrill be able io load parts of the six disks into RAM for faster play. The Amiga version will be shipping in late October and will retail for $49.93. Starvision was introducing ■World Atlas, a geographic information and educational database program which provides data on 165 countries, WorldAtlas contains facts on such things as population, religion, money, border countries, Industrial and mUitary facts and much more. An editor is provided. The features in World Atlas include the abUity to perform comparisons between all countries hsted in the database over the last ten years. World Atlas will be available in October. m 12 DECEMBER 1988 ONE MISTAKE .. ANorrs U THE BIG PANCAKE You're at the foot of one of the world's highest mountains. And you're not snapping pictures. P Because this is the FINAL ASSAULT. The only mountain climbing game in the Alps or anywhere else. IF YOU'RE AFRAID OF HEIGHTS, FORGET IT. You'll experience the terror and elation of one of the most grueling sports ever. And you'll be tested every step of the way... '"' <:■ 19SSEpi'xJnc. Commodore 64/128. Amiga. Apple IIGS, A;^ Atari ST, IBM fi compalibles. Screens from Atari ST. Did you pick the right course? (There are six treacherous possibilities.) What about supplies? If you run out of soup, you'll be stuck with snow sandwiches. Rons KDSEl jaas^ssasss^ Forget your spikes or ice picks? You could end up a permanent part of the scenery. Toma^the stakes even higher, play with anEPYXhigb performance joystick If you have nerves of steel, even when you're dangling 40 feet off a cliff, you might just be one of the lucky few to plant your flag at the peak, THE GAMES SUMMER r I t^HADNTER m^ £ You're in Seoul, Korea sweating alongside the world's greatest athletes. Or the Canadian Rockies facing finely- tuned challengers who've waited a lifetime for a shot at the gold. You're geared up. You're set. You're playing The Games, SUMMER EDITION: Eight events that test youp powep, skill anil Buts. Relive the heart pounding excitement experienced by the 1988 US. Olympic team. Sprint down a 110 meter track, clearing hurdles in a fraction of a second. Or jam your poie in the plant- ing box and vault over a cross bar. Hold a handstand in the Rings competition, straining every muscle in your arms. Follow up with a perfect triple twist in the diving event. Then try for another medal or two in Sprint Cycling, HammerThrow, Uneven Parallel Bars or Archery. It's your chance to make history. The only computer games to earn an official licensefrom the 1988 US. Olympic Team. WINTER EDITION: Set world records without leaving liome. Race down a snowy slope or jump off one. Ski a slalom or cross- country course. Speed skate, figure skate, cruise the luge at 95 raph. Then see what the judges think of your heroic efforts. To keep your pulse racing regardless of temperature, The Games feature exciting sound effects, dramatic camera angles, first person views and 3-D imagery. Plus the traditional pageantry , colorful flags, opening, closing and i'' awards ceremonies -- staged in realistic settings. Take on the computer or your friends. {Up to eight can play, each representing a different country.) And to make the action even more heated, play with an EPYX high performance joystick. mi ■You'll find that The Games will eep you in the mountains, in the water and on the edge of your seat all year long. unodorc 64/128. Apple II & Compatibles, idntosSi. IHM & Compatibles, .-Vmiga. 988 EPYX, Inc. AUTHORIZED I'URSUANT TO 36 U.S.C, SECTION 380. .Sirrecns from Conijnodore and IBM. Compiled by Louis F. Sander WJ'sre are the very best entries in our world-famous 1988 JLm. Programming Contest! First Prize of $100 goes to Karl Johnson III, for his 64 Sixpack Plus. Carlos J. Velazquez wins the $50 second prize for Reach! IMPORTANT NOTICE: As submitted, the listing for each contest entry fits tightly on a single saeen; many lie^words are typed with no spaces between them. But when we prepare the list- ings for print, spaces are inserted between keywords, to make things easier to read. So when you type almost any one of these pmgrams, you will get errors because some tines don't fit the 80<baracter limit. Wfien you etwounter such a line, just delete the spaces between keywords, and everything will be well. Trust me. Next month, we'll go back to our more usual potpourri of tips and tricks. Send your submissions to: Louis F. Sander PO. Box 101011 Pittsbmgh. PA 15237 If you put your name and address on every piece of paper, you'll avoid the heartbreak of being an ' Address Unknown! ' 64 Sixpack Plus: This utility for the 64 gives life to the "dead" function keys, adds a no-scroll featui^e, and allows quick cui-sor movement to the bottom-left comer of the screen. It also allows screen color adjustments with easy key combinations. Written in machine language for speed, Sixpack Plus can be used with BASIC and many machine language programs, in- cluding the DOS 5.1 wedge utility program. Pi-ogi-ammei-s can change the ASCII values in lines 39 and 40 to customize the hmction key commands. Each can be up to 15 charactei-s long, except for F7 (that one-screen contest limit, you know!). But if you add another line of DATA statements and in- crease the 204 in line 20, F7 can be made to print longer strings. Here's a guide to the features: 1. Fl pi-ints the keyword DATA 2. F3 prints L0AD"$",8 3. F5 prints VERIFY"=^"',8 4. F7 prints LIST 5. SHIFT and SHIFT LOCK act as No-Scroll keys when us- ing the LIST command. 6. [CTRL DOWN] moves the cursor to the bottom left "home" position. 7. SYS 51968 makes the cm-sor disappear temporarily, let- ting you use [COMMODORE B| to change the border color and [COMMODORE S] to change the screen color. Press RETURN to get your cm-sor back when you're finished. Simultaneously pressing STOP and RESTORE will disable Sixpack Plus; it can be reactivated by executing SYS 51968 or SYS 52005. Karl Johnson III Houston, TX ?R FDR J=f^lQ68 TO J+2Pf4:READ K :POKR J,K:NEXT ""^ SYS "^aPIWSiEND :^1 DATA 72, nfi, 72, 152, 72, 8, 32, 228, 255, 2ni,iqi,?P(R,?,23R,^2,208,201,174, 12 DATA ^,?-^8, ^1,208,201,13,208,235, If^q, 0, m, 1 98, /10, 1^4,168,104, 17(5, ](^4,162 31 DATA =^8, 160, 203, 142, fi, 3, 140, 7, 3, 1 20, 1*52, 7^,142,20,3,140, 21, 3, 88 34 DATA '16,72,173,14] ,2,201,1 ,240,249, 1^14,76,26,167,165,197,201,64,240,22 35 DATA 201 ,7, 240, 21, 165, 215,201,133, 240, 32, 201, 1 3d, 240, 28, 201, 135, 240, 24,201 3fi DATA 1 Ifi, 240, 20, 76, 49, 234, 166, 145, 224,251,2 08,8,162,24,160,0,24,32, 240 37 DATA 25=^,76,4^1, 234, 166, 154, 224, 3, 208,247,56,233,113,10,10,10,10,24, 105,152 3P DATA 113,251,169,203,133,252,160,0, 177, 251, 240, 225, 32, 21 0,255, 200, 208, 24fi 39 DATA fi8, 65, 84, 65, 32, 0,0, 0,0, 0,0,0, 0,0,0,0,76,79,65,68,3 4,36,34,44,56, 0,0 40 DATA 0,0,0,0,0,86,69,82,73,70,89, 34,42,14,4 4,56,0,0,0,0,0,76,73,83, 84,0 Reach! This is an unusual fast-action game with great play ap- peal and considerable addictive potential. It lacks color, sound, sprites and gi'aphics, but it sure doesn't lack much else! In play, single-moving digits appeal- along the bottom of the screen, waiting for you to launch them by pressing the spacebai'. When you press it, the moving digit jumps upwai'd to the top of the sciieen, where it sticks to the first thing it touches — either the bai" at the top of the screen or a previously-launched digit. The object of the game is to amass a high score by positioning the digits along the top bai- in optimum positions. Youi' score on any "launch" is detennined by the launched Cunlinued 0)1 jiai;e 123 16 DECEMBER 1988 %. ;^L'fc.. ..-.-■ -i.. t See shrapnel flying through the air like it's the 4th qf^ uly, without a picnic. ■ If you're still floating when it s all over, you'll' be honored in a glorious, well-deserved victory ration. Commodore 64/128. Amiga. Aran ST. IBM rCandcompDlible? ii.mli'ship is a traiJc mark of Vtjlimi Hrsdli^ u^6 under license r Milton Bradley .'\ll rights reserved^; Screens from At.vi ST Battleship. So real. you'll taste the salt water. Sink your opponettt faster '^id easier tisin^ au EPYXbigh^ ":.Jfii perfomiancef^ - -■ j^. joystick. ^ . ■ --'/" Compiled by Louis F. Sander ffere are more wonderful game tips for your 64 or 128. Many J. J. of them also work on the Amiga, Atari, Apple or IBM ver- sions of the softivare. With only a month between issues, we have no way to test every tip that we print. And many of the tip.^ requiie skill as well as plain knowledge. So don't be too upset if every nugget doesn't work exactly as described. Send your own gartie tips to: The Gold Mine P.O. Bax 101011 Pittsburgh. PA 15237 Use a separate sheet for each game, and con]bine all tips for one game onto arte sheet. Please include your name and addrvss on each sheet. And whatever you do, remember— Gold Mirw Rules! Alternate Reiility: The City: A character's experience is gained partly from combat and partly finm items found. To advance a character quickly, save youi" potions; using potions in the same game they are found will often have bad results. James Jackson Chicago, IL Breakthru: On the first level when you get to the tunnel, you can drive up on the wall and you won't be hit by anything in the tunnel! Never touch the ceiling though, as you'll immediately be killed. On the second level, the lower bridge is easier to cross because it has fewer and shorter breaks. Doug Cross Sellersburg, IN California Games: lb score high in Suifmg, follow these direc- tions to do a 360-degree turn in the air: 1. Build up speed; get ahead of the "tube." 2. Ride off the wave. 3. Push your button and move the joystick left. 4. Re-enter the wave at the opposite angle you left. Justin Stephenson Evansville, IN Championship Wrestlinjr: Kick and punch your opponent until his energy is low. Give him an airplane spin until the computer automatically drops him. If he is still standing, push the joystick toward him to give him the custom move youi" v\Testler comes with, or give him another airplane spin. When he falls, pin him. Nathan Jones Baltimore, MD Defender of the Crown: When you begin play. Conquer sur- rounding lands and build up yom- army, including a catapult, as soon as possible. Once you have a good-sized anny, attack one of the Normans. Don't delay in raiding a Nornian castle by joust- ing, raiding and the like, becau.se that gives too much time for the NoiTTians to conquer morc land and Saxons. Don't attack Saxons until later in the game, because they are a great help in delaying Nonnan attacks. Also, leave the Nornian castle on Cornwall for the last, be- cause it is much easier to defeat and can only attack you on one side. Remember, attacking one Norman at the beginning of the game is much easier than ha\ing to deal with all three Nor- mans later. When jousting, get used to the amount of time that is avail- able to make your shot. When you know when to shoot, press the button while pulling the joystick downward. If you miss, you can sometimes save yourself by lowering your pole and pressing the button. (Remember — don't hit the horse). Ramon L. Colirmvo Los Angeles, C A Deltii Patrol: Here are some hints for various stages of this game: Stage 4: Don't shoot the second and fourth attack waves (they decrease your credits). Get the fish weapon, but do not get the protector. Stage 9: Don't shoot the thii-d and fourth attack waves. Stage 10: You must get the multiple-fire icon so you can get past stage 12. Stage 11: Instead of moving aixjund the asteroids, which is al- most always fatal, stay where you begin and keep firing. Stage 12: Kill off the fii-st attack wave; it will get you a ci'edit. Stage 13: Don't shoot the second and fourth attack waves. Stage 14: Stay in the middle of the screen and keep firing; you should get 20,000 points or more. Stage 15: The fifth wave decreases your credits. Contributor Unknown Fist: When you enter a room with an opponent who seems too powerful for you, just back out or Hip out of the room. When the 18 DECEMBER 1988 Gold Mine I opponent's scroll disappears, walk back in. Repeat the process until you think you can beat him. Todd Gunnerson Canaan, NH Gunship: If you enjoy this popular simulation as much as I do, then having even one of your engines shot out can be a real downer. It can happen in any region, from Southeast Asia to Western Europe, and all it takes is one bullet. If this happens to you, and you just can't get the ship off the ground, jettison one or two of youj- stores (Sidewindere, FFARS, or Hellfires). This light- ens the load on the last strnggling engine and will allow you to I lift off. Happy Flying! Jason O'Brien Medford, MA Hardball!: If you want an edge over the computer in hitting, here is how to get it. First play one-player mode with no Alt. Be the visiting Champs. Substitute yom- pitcher for a non-pitcher such as O'Brien. Then exchange positions with O'Brien and Darien. Substitute Darien in pitching mode with another pitch- er like Moulini, then switch O'Brien with another second base- man like Jimenez. The result is that the pitcher has to bat for the computer, but youi' pitcher doesn't hit. Daiien hits instead! Thomas Obamwski Kew Gardens, NY Karateka; On the second level entering the castle, a biixi comes out before each new guard and takes two arrows unless you de- feat him. When the music warns he's coming, tiy switching to keyboard mode. This will give you an advantage, since the key- board is more responsive than the joystick. Jay Lockkar Address Unknown Kung Fu: On the fouilh level there is an easy way to kill the Evil Twins: punch the one on the left in the stomach, Contributor Unknown The Last Ninja: In the Wilderness cross the Wastelands and kill the Samurais before you cross the water Then when you get the Magic, you won't waste time kilHng your enemies. Tom Moore Schereruille, IN Legacy of the Ancients: A Sapphire Coin and a Jeweled Crown are located at the bottom of the Pirate's Lair Dungeon. The Sap- phire Coin is used to open the Lost Displays, which allow you to go to the Pegasus, the Fest and the Four Jewels Dungeon. The Jeweled Crown is used the next time you speak to the caretak- er—he will give you an Iron Key. Peter Liang Ann Arbor, MI Legacy of the Ancients: The Seeds are located south of the 'Mip in the Castle. When you use them, the Seeds will allow you to be invisible so you can escape. However, if you attack a Guai'd or open a Chest while you are invisible, the effects of the Seeds will wear off. Peter Liang Ann Arbor, MI Cunlmued on page 124 THE.MASTERS COLLECTION FOR THOSE WHO ALWAYS WANTED TO SEE THE WORLD... BUT DIDN'T SPECIFY WHICH ONE. Drop in on outer space and explore an eerie moonscape of monoliths and chasms. You're drilling release explosive vapors on a space station where nothing is quite what it seems. Walls disappear columns are really elevatore, pyramids generate energy: 1 it's a complex w)rid wth rules all its own. ..And you'll need all the ingenuity '^^^you can muster to master itssecfite. Amifta, Atari ST, Commodore 64/128, IBM &compi!tibl(s. CiW88Epyx,IiicSacai from IllM. Game pfuennt licensed from Incentiw . Software Ltd (UK.)© 1987 SoftwnieLid. COM MODOR E M AGAZ I N E 19 64 AND 128 SOnWARE REVIEWS" Reviewed by Scott A. May The Games: Winter Edition Computer: Cominoclore 64 Publisher: Ep\-x (iOO Galveston Dnve Redwood City. CA S)4063 Medium: Disk Price: ^i'1% Charged with the 01>Tnpic fever of Calgar>' and Seoul, EpjTC presents The Games: Winter Edition. On the heels of five successful titles, the tradition con- tinues. Although it repeats some events finom the previous Winter Games, this is much more than just a rehash of that title. In- cluded here are seven events, newly de- signed in cooperation with fomier U.S. Olympic fbam membei-s. It is also the first computer game to be licensed by the U.S. Oljmpic Committee. In less creative hands, so many van- | ations on a single theme would spell soft- ware overkill. But Epra keeps the com- petitive spirit as fiiesh today as it was five years ago. As always, it's a mixed bag of good and bad, some events stronger than others. But taken as a whole, these selec- tions represent an imdgorating challenge on pai- with the best of the series. Once again up to eight playei-s may compete in The Games, each representing a countiy of their choice. Following the ex- ceptionally well-crafted opening screens, players ai^e presented with the familiar options menu. Here you may compete or practice any or all events, view the World Records, select number of joysticks and view opening/closing ceremonies. When all players have signed in, The Games: Winter Edition begins. The Luge The luge is to a bobsled what a jet is to an airplane. Players compete one at a time in this event, choosing fi-om fow imique tracks of various diificultj'. Eye/hand cooitlination means every- thing in this fast-moving event. Scoring is based on speed, and speed is achieved by i keeping the luge dead center in the track. Three meters at the bottom of the screen — steer, drift and position — monitor your movements. Despite the detailed graphics and ani- mation, playere should control their luge with the meter display. Use your peripher- POSITIOM DRIFT STEER CONTESTAMT 8B.8B 32.63 Included here are seven events, newly designed in cooperation with former U.S. Olympic Team members. al vision to watch foi' cuj-ves in the track and changes in direction. The event breaks from realism with the inability to crash your sled— going over the edge or simply toppling in the middle of the track. Knowing you can't crash re- moves some of the thiill. Cross Countn Skiing This event allows one player to compete against a computer pacer or two players to face off head-to-head. Play en? are given a choice of 1, 2 or 5 km i-uns. Here players are intix)duced to the fa- miliar "rhythm method" of joystick con- trol u.sed repeatedly in the EpxTC Games series. The key to success is to simply move the joystick right and left in con- junction with yom" on-screen skier's legs. Holding the fire button causes the skier to "step up" when losing gi-ound on hills and "double pole" when descending. Speed and endurance ai-e the name of this game. Not exactly a thiill ing event, playei-s should select the longest course for the greatest challenge. In spite of beautiful graphics and animation, it still pales in compaiison to the Biathlon event in Winter Games. Figure Skating This beautiful and complex event is un- fortunately the game's weakest. Players custom design their own rou- tines, beginning with music to skate to: fast, medium or .slow; rock, jazz, romantic and new wa\'e. Next, as the music inlays in the backgiTiund, choreogi-aph your routine fiiom the eight mo%'es available. Up to ten individual moves may be perfoiTned in a single routine. After mapping out your performance, move to the aitina and recreate your mas- terpiece on ice. The animation her'e is ab- solutely perfect, featuring a gr-aceful fe- male skater- spotlighted befoi^e an anxious crowd. Even the shadow cast by the light shift.s and changes effoiilessly. Pi-etty graphics do not make a gi^eat event, however'. Figm"e Skating suffer's fixim a number of flaws. The most appai'- ent is weak documentation, w'hich man- ages to stumble all over itself hying to ex- plain the impossible. And what it doesn't want to e.xplain, it simply leaves out. None of the skater's moves, for example, are even mentioned in the manual. What must have sounded good on paper went woefully amy on the computer ' scr-een. Player's ai^e r*equired to memorize when each move is to Ix' executed in time with the music. Uirfortunately, all players I chor-eograph the routines one after- an- other By the time the last player's hit the ice, they have little hope of i-emembering I their moves, let alone when to execute them. Conlin ued nn page 1 08 20 DECEMBER 1988 X-i n TAKETHEUaV )TOl]ROWN HANDS What can you do about the drug problem in America? Play LA. Crackdown. ■f I That's what. " You're the vet- eran detective. Your assign- IlifiiarehuuM: tHJihatftti'saim'fitr.,- Al^i^-'iiL lO LW uncover a major ring bent on dis- tributing an evil synthetic drug. You've got the highest of high- tech surveillance vans to work from. You've also got a rookie to work with. We're talking "rookie" rookie. Zero experience. You'll need to architect his every move. Witch him photograph clues. Plant bugs.1ail suspects. And question everyone from seedy thugs and crooked chemists to slick international heavies. You'll also need to draw on every strategy brain cell available. If you're not thinking every minute, you might just spend all evening waiting on a street comer for a suspect whds never coming. LA. Crackdown. If you think your nervous system can handle the surprise action and tricky men- tal clues, there's only one thing you need, to do. Move to LA. L.A.CRACKDOWN CitmTWHhn'tlt/lJS. mt^ i'Dm/Mitihli's, Apple It & corrifialibli's mePYX' 64 AND 128 SOFTWARE REVIEWS" Reviewed by Mark Cotone Force 7 Computer: Commodore M Publisher: DataSoft 19808 Noixlhoff Place Chatsworth.CA 91311 Medium: Disk Price: $19.99 If imitation is sincerely a form of flat- tery, then I bet I can name a couple of entertainment entrees that software pro- grammer Ken Grant is absolutely crazy about. Ml-. Grant is the designer of a new action-strategy game from DataSofl called Force 7, and after a session or two with his contest, you'll probably get the feeling that he's spent more than a few afternoons at the arcade hall feeding quarters to a Gauntlet machine, and more than a few evenings at home running and rerunning a copy of the Aliet^s movie through his VCR. For if you were to flise these two divergent hits together, you would get the look and feel of Force 7. And it's quite an exciting combination. The game's action takes place on Karis, a fictional planet out in the far reaches of the galaxj'. A few months ago Karis sent out an urgent distress signal, but before any concrete details could be related about this assault, communications sud- denly went silent. Duly alarmed, you, the commander of Force 7, a special crack combat unit, hustled your troops into the hibernation capsules of a waiting star ship and blasted off to solve the Karis mystery. Alien Nation Annihiliation Improving Force Score Before you go and blindly lead your crew into a disastrous death trap, take a moment or two to devise a tactical game plan. Reflexes alone wdll not beat these alien breeds. The i^orce 7 instruction man- ual includes a Strategy section which is sure to lay a good foundation for maneu- vering and attacking. Below, Tve also add- ed a few tips of my own to help you along. • Whenever one of your surrogates happens upon a room filled with ammuni- tion or food, take the time to bring down each member of the crew so that they can all eat their fill and reload their weapons. Your prudence will be rewarded during crunch time, when you don't have to wor- ry about anyone being fatigued or low on supplies in the heat of battle. • Although Alien Leaders can materi- t^^^nf^^TT m iiaauaii T-i:i:?l!f;Kfa'J=('IIiE SC0REt0ei489 HU.^ . BSKH ■oi-a The floor plan is a maze of rooms, corridors, doon/vays and dead ends infested with the most bizarre variety of grotesque killers imaginable. As the game begins, you and your crew of sbc have just shaken off the cobwebs of the suspended animation sleep. Yom' goal is to search and rescue any and all of the planet's human inhabitants who may have survived. As your team is preparing to teleport to Karis' surface, an alaiTning discovery is made. Dming travel, it ap- pears as if your ship encountered a dense meteor storm, destroying all but a single Hfe support suit. This means that only one team member can beam down at a time, an unfortunate twist that severely height- ens the danger of the mission and conve- niently transforms the game into a work- alize anywhere — ^with a penchant for shovring up at the most inopportune times — their enormous size prohibits them from pursuing your men through a doorway. Whenever your Motion Detector warns you of an approaching Leader, move inside a room, fend off any menaces that might be roaming about, and wait by the door If the Leader appears in the room with you, quickly duck out into the hallway and shoot back through the open door to cut him down, ff, on the other hand, the Leader rises outside the room, simply remain stationary and use the same doorway from youi" inside position. • In this rescue mission, although you are obviously trying to keep all of your soldiers healthy, it is vitally important that you remember to keep at least one of the three crew Blueprint Readers alive. Without their assistance, it is impossible to be teleported from floor to floor In ex- able one-player contest. On Kaiis, the search m\\ center on a six-level fabrication plant, the only stronghold where colonists could have pos- sibly survived. The floor plan is a maze of rooms, corridors, doorways and dead ends infested with the most bizan-e variety of grotesque killers imaginable. Not only must you work at plotting a com-se to the endangered humans, but you will also have to find some way of blasting or dodg- ing a never-ending swarm of invaders in- tent on having you for lunch. The most common enemy will be the Alien Soldiers, relentless crab-like crea- tures that move in patterned masses, con- verging and cornering any crew member who happens into their line of sight. Back- ing these killers are groups of breeders named Beating Heaits, repulsive-looking monstere whose only known purpose is to spawn more murdering Soldiei-s. And even in death this enemy remains danger- ous, for when they are killed their acid look instantly bums holes clear through the floor; smoldering cavities whose mere touch can mean lights out. Frightened? Wait. The flin's only beginning. Even more puissant are a flock of inde- structible bubbling balls of fire known as Lava Monsters. These hall monitors roll around trying to cateh you and fiy you alive. And then there's the most threaten- ing menace of all, the Alien Leadere. Insect-like freaks looking remarkably Continut'd on page 112 treme cases, it may even be necessary to sacrifice another soldier to protect your last Reader It may sound cmel, but the alternative is a failed mission. • When you are teleporting onto a new level for the first time, always drop your- self into an area that affords some protec- tion and/or escape routes. Who knows what will be waiting for you when you ma- terialize? Ammunition supply rooms and food storage areas are labeled on the over- head computer maps and are usually one ofthe safest bets. • This final point is mentioned in the manual's tips, but it's important enough to be reiterated. Whenever you enter a room full of Alien Soldiers, you can be sure a reproducing Beating Heart is at work nearby. She should be the number one priority for destruction. Only after you track and annihilate her will the Alien Soldier generating stop. g 22 DECEMBER 1988 CAUFORMAGAMES: :] t7iT«l y WlTrX1=T^l*TtTl : 4V SniE OF INTENSmC ^^ -.,.^- /^ .*^. Jp*^ :t^.- ^ '^-i ^It ahftbeach blanket bingo. These are radi- cal games. Games that take the honorable tradition of Summer Games" I and II, Winter Games," and World GamesT wax it down and load it on the roof. Try shredding the face of a totally tubular wave. Join the airforce in a BMX bike race. Screech around on skates and then rocket off the skateboard ramp. You'll be playing for sponsors like Ocean Pacific, NHS ta Cruz, CASIO, Costa Siirjittg. A i^)r/ tUvfitkd by^y . ilj-baki(fBanzais Kjth a fondness for ripping, grinding. nKdskmdding. t^i IjiiiiicIi a fete/h I iifl'-llii-lili :l ill! ymr slitiU'lmin} titckvit lli^h. Ami K'ttilf yaii'ir up llterp. dance fnv the croti'd. Del Mar, Kawasaki, and Spinjammer. Fer trophies _ and an overall cliampionship. \ So get air. Go crazy California games by^ Welcome to the state of California. 1- ; ilk OmilvUhlrs, IBM& Ctimtmlil'lrs. Amiga !CC0S4^) P?*-T^"» [»QtiE«»U m uusb-niis&iiiii Gtamsot uag s />./' Sit down and grab on! You're driving the fastest and most beautiful machine on 4 wheels! So kick up the engine revs, down- shift the gears, hear the tires squeal and grab the pavement— on your computer! Hot car Hot music. Hot scenery— beaches, cities, snowy mountains, deserts and the blonde next to you will tempt you to take your eyes off the road. At close to 300 KPH, our advice to you is a 4-letter word. DON'T. Out Run. One of the big- gest arcade hits ever, and Fne ultimate motor-sports simulation. Now you can bring the action home! With 4.4 liters under the hood, you're driving a beast of a machine only top drivers attempt to drive. Can you handle it? Maybe. Maybe not. Space Harrier, You are Harrier, the extra-terres- trial warrior. Space is your battlefield. Your mission is to save the Land of Dragons from the vicious followers of the vile one- eyed mammoth, Grab your laser blaster because fhis game is 100% action, non-stop clashes, power- ful combat scenes. Alien Syndrome. Genetic lab overrun by hideous qrqanic mutafions! Scien- tisfs captured! Activate the lab's self-destruct mecha- nism! Break in and blast away ihe slimy hordes and she biggest, mostgro- tesque mufants guarding the doors. Can you do it before the bomb explodes? DISTRIBUTED BY M I N D S C A P Viijl yourrfttQ,ttf orcolM,800-221,96B't (or VISAQrtd MflilerCord ordeti To purchase by mail, __ mont, order for S3J 95 (Oul Sun). S29 95 (Spoce Homer and AI.en Syndrome; . (C6J i CI ?a) , end S49.95 lOui Run ond Spoce Ho.rioi ■An.igoondAtqriSTl Iprui 53.00 handling lo Mrndscopo. Inc PO Bo< 1167, Norlhbrook.il 6X165 Alio" 3-5 w«eks for dd,vi id your cord nurnber and eopiratiori dccle, theck ai . .t _ I. .1 ir}, 539,95 [Al*oSvr>- eiy. Luwyen like this tyred ut\iss licence Irom SeoQ Enierprpsei Ltd.. Jopcn. Oul Run ii □ tirodemork of Sega Enterpnws. Ltd, Commadore 64 and Commodore Ub are regislered trndemcrks ol Commodore tie ctronjcs. Ud- AFari is a registered rrademcffk ond ST. 520ST. 10-40ST, and Mega are trorfemarks of Aton Corporolion. Amiga is a registered trademark and KicitstoH is a Iraderncrk oT Comrnodore Amigo, Inc. \BM is a Irademark o! IBM Corporation. Made in U.5 A. Streen ihols represenl Atari ST ver&ion; oihefs maj' vary. B4 AND 128 SOnWARE REVIEWS" Reviewed by Jeffery Scott Hall Impossible Mission 2 Computer: Commodore 64 Publisher: Epvx 600 Galveston Drive Redwocxl City, CA 'Mm IVIedium: Disk Price: $29.95 Just when you thought you had saved us torn the evil mastermind Elvin, along comes Impossible Mission 2 from Epyx, and this time he is planning to take over the world! While the title sci-een is dis- played, you will hear Elvin's sinister greeting: "Another visitor! Stay a while, stay forever!" accompanied by excellent background music. You, as the agent's top sleuth must enter the high-rise complex and stop Elvin from destroying us all! Not Just Another Deranged Lunatic When you think of Elvin two words come to mind: psychotic genius. He is smart enough to be the leading ex'pert on robotics, computers and codes, yet evil enough to want world dominance. There- fore, he is entrenched on the top floor (probably because of the lack of oxygen to his brain) of an eight-stoiy "tower-of- doom." Inside this tower Elvin has constructed his own itwms laced with sLx different kinds of robots: secmity (shoot high elec- trical beams at any movement near him), minebots (drop mines which detonate when stepped on), pestbots (ride lift plat- forms to mess up the player's strategy), squatbots (use them as stepping stones to leap higher in the air), bashbots (will ei- ther push you off a ledge or smash you into an object), and suicidebots (the same as a bashbot, but will kill itself with you), lb top everything ofl', each room is a maze in which you must maneuver to find cer- tain important objects vital to your mis- sion. So just what is your mission? An Agent's Job is Never Done When you first start the game, you will find yourself in one of foui' different pas- sages inside Elvin's tower of doom. Each passage contains six different floors, in which you will find one room to explore. ' You must ride an elevator to get fi-om floor Impossible Mission 2 combines a unique blend of strategy, arcade action, graphics and sounds to conne up with one of the best game sequels ever. to floor Your job must be carried out in four parts (as if one weren't enough), each vitally important to the next. First, you must assemble a three-digit security code for each passage connecting to a different area of the tower Do this by standing in fixint of an object in a room while pressing the joystick forward. This causes a box to appear over the agent's shoulder with a horizontal time line indi- cating how long the seaixh will take for that particular object. Once the search is complete, you will find a passcode number, a security terminal command icon, an ex- tension of time, or you might \sind up empty handed. Second, you must seek out and open El- vin's safes and recover the musical se- quence which is locked inside. You will find six different pieces of music located throughout the complex and two duplicate pieces to throw you off guard. Once you have a musical sequence, you must either record it before moving to the next pas- sage or lose it forever (thus preventing you fi:x)m completing the game). Third, you must tie these musical se- quences together to form a full melody which opens the express doors to an eleva- tor that will lead you to Elvin's main con- j trol room. ' Finally, you must find the correct com- puter terminal in Elvin's control room that will disarm the missile launch codes before the world (and you) are destroyed! Sounds simple enough for someone with | your qualifications, right? Oh, but we've overlooked one important detail: time. All of the above-mentioned requirements must be completed before the missiles launch, allowing you precisely eight hours to stop them. If all of this sounds just too difficult (wimp!) then perhaps we should take a closer look at our best friend. The Pocket Computer Lucky for you the agency knew what they were up against when they asked you to stop Elvin. They have equipped you with a highly sophisticated pocket com- puter with many great functions to help in your quest. Youi- pocket computer can per- form the following fiinctions; locate you in Elvin's complex by showing your cuiTent position, help you assemble the passcode which allows you to move from one pas- sage to another, record and play back musical sequences, and show exactly how much time you have to complete the mis- sion. Just how secure are you? Your Security Blanket Inside each room Elvin has constructed, you will find at least one security terminal to help make your life less stressful, lb ac- tivate a terminal, stand in front of it and press the joystick forward. This will call up the security screen with six different options. These are: reset lift platforms, move floor segments left or right, deacti- vate robot(s), turn lights on in darkened ConlintieJ im page 66 26 DECEIVIBER 1988 Red §tor Rliiin You're captain of an American nuclear / attack submarine. \'^f' And your ship is a" "^^ that stands betwe the Russian bear and HH^omination. Experience the pulse^lHTOlIng tension of Red Storm Rising. . . a frighteningly realistic blend of contemporary high technology and classic military strategy. Based on Tom Clancy's #1 and created, with the author, by famed programmer/designer Sid Meier -the mind behind F-15 Strike Eagle and Silent Service. For the Commodore 64/128 systems and soon for IBM/PC compatibles and App Suggested retail price, S44.95. Red Storm Rising. Find out if you have what it takes to tackle the Russian bear. 180 Lakefront Drive Hm Based on the tx»k Rod Stotm Ri ^author. Copyright 1986 by Jack Ryan Enl Software t 1988 by MicroProse Softwafi aryland 21030 64 AND 128 SOFTWARE REVIEWS" Paperclip Publisher Computer Commodore 64 Publisher: Elec'ti-onic Ails 1820 GatL'wav Drive San Mateo, CA fM404 Medium: Disk Price: $49.95 Desktop publishing is an application that taxes a computer's memon' and processing power as much as any data- ttase or spreadsheet program. Just imag- ine the calculations required to keep 50 pages of text and graphics in current memorj' while accurately displaying page layout on your screen and quickly refresh- ing the on-sci"een image to reflect changes to either element. Considering the inher- ent limitations of a 64K, eight-bit ma- chine like the Commodore 64, some would argue that desktop publishing is an appli- cation better left to more powerful pei-son- al computers. Fortunately, the designers oi Paperclip Publislw realized that, de- spite a few limitations, the 64 is a ma- chine that, programmed creatively, can handle almost any job. Paperclip Publisher comes with a clear- ly written, well-organized manual that in- troduces you to the prcgi-am and takes you on a "guided tour" of its major fea- tures. Five tutorials are included to take you from the initial design of a newsletter, to finishing touche.s and, ultimately, to cranking it out on youi- printer, lb help you get started, sample text files are in- cluded on the progrtun disk, as well as sev- eral examples of clip art. In addition, five fonts — Courier, Helvetica, Times, Side- w^ays and Sjinbol — each in foui* sizes, are included with the progi'am. After making a back-up copy of the pro- gram disk (Paperclip Puhlixher is not copy protected), specify the printer you'll be us- ing, and creating a work disk, you can be- gin to design and lay out the pages of you:" publishing project. Your page can be ei- ther letter size (8" x H"i or legal size (8" X 14"! , or you can specify a custom page size (smaller than 8" x 14") by clicking on length and width arrows that alter the page size in 'A-inch increments. (The smallest page size you can ci-eate will de- pend on your choice of a default printer.) Similarly, vertical tmd horizontal margins can be adjusted in '/-i-inch increments by clicking on a second set of arrows. HE POWE Revolutionary Pagi .-iTiBB.-rarflMirnM Fortunately, the designers realized that, despite a few limitations, the 64 is a machine that, programmed creatively, can handle almost any job. Before adding text or graphics to your blank pages, you must create boxes into which your page elements w'ill be poured. Like most Paperclip Publisher functions, boxes are created by selecting the appro- priate tool or icon from the right side of the screen. The length and width of each box can be easily adjusted to create col- umns and graphic frames ol' any size. The boxes you create to hold text can be linked together so that text will flow appropriate- ly from column to column, and even fi-om page to page. While Papi'ivlip Puhlixher can handle documents of up \a 50 pages, a single document may contain only 60 boxes, so for pi-actical applications your document's maximum number of pages will usually \ye considerably less than 50. The text you use to fill your boxes can be prepared in advance using any of sev- eral popular word processors, or created with the program's built-in text editor. While the text editor isn't designed to take the place of your favorite woi-d pro- cessor, it does provide a simple means to enter and edit short passages on the fly. It is here in the text editor where you may Reviewed by Bob Guerra also add bold, italics, underlining, super- scripts, subscripts and several other use- ful and decorative enhancements to your text files. What's more, headlines of up to 250 characters can be added using the program's '"Quicktext" tool. Likewise, although graphic elements can be pulled into your documents from a variety of progi'ams such as Newsivom, Outrageous Pages, and PrintMaster, there is a simple gi'aphics editor included with Papeivlip Publisher. While this is gixjat for touching up and resizing graphics be- fore inserting them into your documents, you'll probably want to use a more sophis- ticated graphics program to produce any complex drawings fi-om scratch. With Paperclip Puhlislier, besides sim- ply drawing a bunch of boxes and filling them with words and pictures, you can choose from a wide variety of background patterns, border styles and styles of text alignment, and these attributes can be set individually for each box. Unfortunately, whatever attiibutes you assign to a box, you can never change its square shape. Therefore, text can't be wrapped around irregulaiiy shaped graphics. The only other complaint 1 have about Paperclip Publisher is the trade-ofi'that you must make between speed and the on- screen display of your pages. If you choose to have all elements within your boxes displayed on-screen as you edit the layout, each box has to be redrawn and every text or graphic file used on the cuiTent page has to be reloaded fixjm disk and i^-awn. Needless to say, having to wait for all this to occur each time you make a small alter- ation can quickly kill any creative sponta- neity you may have had at the outset of a project. Once the contents of each box have been formatted to your satisfaction, however, you can choose to display only the boxes without their contents as you make fine adjustments to the layout. While it would be great to see all of yom- page elements while making these changes, the speed you gain by emptying the on-screen boxes is often more impor- tant than seeing the contents of all boxes at all times. No matter what type of desktop pub- lishing system you use, creating a profes- sional-quality newsletter takes careful planning, an eye for attractive design, and much hard work. If you can supply these, then Paperclip Publisher can provide the tools you need to get the job done. B 28 DECEMBER 1988 Arcade adventure at its finest... Fantasy role- playing at its best! Fast-paced, exciting combat demands the use of all your wits and endurance to best a world teeming with assassins, wizards and monsters. Expe- rience captivating graphics of an unprecedented cal- ibre. Relentless opponents will hone your combat skills to a razor's edge. A simple yet powerful menu and icon interface provides effortless interaction with the world and its people, while the incredibly smooth animation presents a continuous panorama of action and adventure. To gel your cap>' or Times of Lort, dther 1) \1eIi your local retailer, 2) tall 1.8fX).999-l939 Sim loipmKSTtoorderbi \1S:\' MC.or 3) mall check (L'.S. $1 or VISA /MC, cardholder name and explrallon dilte to Orl|;ln. All ver- sions i39.K plus $2.5D shipping and handling. .Allow l-lweel-J* for delivers. Try iilAdemodiskof Times of Lore is now available for tlie Commodore 64/128K, Send S2.50 io Origin for yours and credit it towards a direct order puxfliase. Available for Ihe lBM-PC/Tanc!y/ compatibles, Apple 11 Series, Com. modore 64/128, Amiga and Atari ST. Times of Lofe is a trademark of Origin Syslom*, loc Astonishing realism is yours through scores of unique char- acters and sophisti- cated conversations. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of an ancient world embroiled in turmoil — the disap- pearance of the king and his young son — the struggle for control of the realm. The stakes are high; your role as the hero-for-hire ' requires all the cour- age and savvy you can muster. Your quest for truth will teach you much of the distinction be- tween appearances and reality. Magic and intrigue com- bined with finely crafted game-play ^,, .— «=».— ™» ,„ bring you the best ^B ^^^^Hi ' f '•>""^ 7r , ^W' ^^^^EH I afefurtlK of fantasy m... ^■h^^^^^^^^^B 'iM commodore. Times of Lore Stunning graphics and animation Fast-paced combat action • Dynamic conversations • Compelling plot 136-B Harvey Road, Londonderry, NH 03053 _y 64 AND 128 SOFfV/ARE REVIEWS' Reviewed by Mark Cotone Dragon's Lair ('((niputer: Coniii)(j(ioiv {'A Publisher: Softwm-e Pi-ojett;;, Ine Distributor: Electrorac Ails 1820 Gatewa\' Drive San Mateo, CA i)4404 Medium: Disk Price: $iyiftl It doesn't seem that long ago, but it was way back in '83 when Don Bluth's Dragon's Lair coin-op burst onto the scene, igniting choruses of oooh's and aaah's fi-om wide-eyed \ideo playere ev- eo'\vhei-e. This was a time when ai*cade audiences were starting to thin out, tired of finding the same hackneyed game in- gredients hidden behind thin facades sporting little more than creative titles and imaginative window di-essing. But this newcomer was going to turn the tide and demand attention by exhibiting some exti'aordinary guts. For behind the knobs, glass and wood of this game's cabinet wa.s a revolutionaiy computeiized videodisc system, a game foundation unlike any- thing else that had ever swallowed a quarter But that was five years ago, and the fei'- vor has since subsided. Can you still re- member Daphne, Dirk and Singe? Did you ever even meet them? Well, whether these names evoke fond memories or di'aw complete blanks. Software Pitjecta. Inc., with the distributi\'e help of Electronic Arts, would once again like to make ihem the topic of players' discussions. With their new Dragon's Lair release for the Commodore 64. the famed adventui-e is back for more. Burning Singe: Taking a Fire Breather One of the biggest advantages the com- puter version oWragon'x Lair has over the original is that Softwaiie Projects actu- ally packages an instruction pamphlet to help outline the goal in each of the game's 17 stages. Refer to your insti-uction pam- phlet for some usefUl backgi-ound any time you enter a new stage. And if you still get stuck, perhaps one of the tips I've listed below will be of some a^istance. • Falling Platforms: Always return to the platform's center after each gust. This will put you in a ready position for wind from any direction, and also afford you the For the uninformed, let me introduce the principal cast. Daphne is the beautiful daughter of a wealthy unnamed king in some faraway fantasy land. Singe is a de- mented, greedy dragon who has just kid- napped Daphne, threatening to kill her unless he i-eceives the proverbial king's ransom. And then there's Dirk the Dar- ing, youi- fearless surrogate knight who has always admiiied Daphne fix)m afai; and is now willing to risk everything to save her soul. Isn't love gi-and? Singe, a crafty creature, has taken his royal bait and imprisoned her in the secret caverns canned deep beneath his enchanted castle, hn his rescue attempt. Dirk must battle his way through a forti-ess lillt^ with Singe's henchmen, creatm^es and traps, ultimately facing the old fire-breather himself in a climatic undergitiund show- down, The confrontations that stand between Dirk and his lady are some of the most outrageous tiiais ever to measure the depth of love-fueled endui-ance. Seventeen different tests of strength, dexterity and perseverance have been devised, each pre- sented as a distinct arcade game within most room for error if you're caught off guard and blowTi backwards. • Burning Rope: Remember, it's up to you to leap off the stone elevator as it takes you up to each level. If you miss your floor, you're more than likely to get burned. • Ramps and Giddy Goons: You don't have to be on the same ramp as a goon to give him a fatal taste of your sword. Whack one of these weirdos from an adja- cent ramp, and it'll make jumping a lot less hazardous. • Ye River Caves: When you get to the river's whiripools, pull youi- joystick back as you enter each new screen. This will buy you some extra time to survey the sit- uation and plot a course. the game. It's a gi-ueling gauntlet. In a walk through, pmists might note that not all of the original challenges have sur- vived the transition. But the ones that have been chosen for the adaptation biing home, in one shape or another some of the more memorable moments hxim the origi- nal. There are white water rapids to be rafted, flying horses to be tamed, enemy knights to be vanquished, falling plat- forms to be fiown and raging infernos to be crossed— just to name a few of the awaiting tasks. The computer renditions might differ somewhat in appeai-ance and'br perepective fi-om theii' coin-op counterparts, but the designers, working within the pai-ametei-s of their medium, have certainly succeeded in capturing the spirit of each match. Dragon's Lair's diaw has always been its unique look, but when judging visuals, it would seem impractical to measure the computer vei-sion against its videodisc predece.ssor. They're two different style machines. But even when you compai-e its perfoi-mance against other Commodore games, Softwaiie Projects' offering is still a mbced bag. On the whole, the background gi'aphics ai^e superb, pnniding a vaiiety of clear, colorful environments for all of Dirk's antics. Crisscrossing cobwebs, etched stone hallways and boiling mud ponds are just some of the specifics that desen'e applause for bringing each scene to life. Yet, when judging the animated ac- tion that is portrayed across these back- drops, sometimes the designers fall short. Ever>' so often. Dirk's moves tend to be- come extremely jei'ky, trading off any illu- i Conlinued iw fnifif 112 I • Dungeons of the Lizard King: Unless the very tip of the Lizard's jeweled cane j makes contact with your head, you can't I be harmed. So if the Lizard is closing in ,' and winding up for a hit, quickly turn and move into him. This will put you inside the cane's swath and out of danger. Then, when he relaxes, run like hell. • Magical Fljing Horse: If you can't react quickly enough to avoid the oncom- ing obstacles, push j'our joystick all the way to the left and hold it there. This seems to put Dirk in an invulnerable posi- tion for a freie ride to the next level. • Mud Monster: To cross the gorge, see if you can't draw the wrath of the biggest Monster on the block. In this case, a little mudslinging could be beneficial. g 30 DECEMBER 1988 ■^ //. Now you can take home some of the best Arcade games you've ever played, to play on your own personal computer! Skillful programming has taken the superb graphics and addictive game play of Arcade hits Double Dragon and Sidewinder and faithfully reproduced them in home computer versions. Join in deadly combat with the savage street gang of the infamous Shadow Boss in Double Dragon. .iidulge in an orgy of action and destruction in the high-energy shoot-em-up Sidewinder (part of the Awesome Arcade Action pack on Amiga and Atari ST). Go on the rampage and smash buildings and munch tiny natives in Aaargh! Nothing but endless Arcade action - Arcadia has spared no quarter! R O Doubit Ongon it i joint publkcation o< Ai-udii ind Trade wctt. © 1»M Mjjttrtroflic linemitionil. Inc. Lieenied from T«hnoi|ip»r. Artadia it a member a( the Mistertnmic Group. ARCADIA 71 1 West 17th St., UnitG9, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Tel. (714) 631-1001. /VMiG^SOFMARE REVIEWS' Reviewed by Jeffery Scott Hall Vampire's Empire Computer: Publisher: Price: Amiga DigiTekSoft\\-ai'e, Inc. 104 W. Seneca Suite 4 Tiimpa, FL 33612 $44.95 It is late at night when you discover the Count's lair, finally you have located the evil underground "Doom-of-Gloom." As you open the door, a cold chill enve- lopes your body. Gazing down into the lair you see nothing, yet you know that evil is all around. You quickly check your sup- plies: a handful of garlic, reflective mir- rors and a magic ball. Then you go down the stairs to set out on your quest. This is the setting for Vampire's Empire from Digilfek Software. The Quest You are Dr. Van Helsing, vampire hunt- er, who has vowed to rid the Earth of Count Dracula himself. Sounds like a simple job for a man of youj' standards, but one thing that will not be simple is the control of that mystic light— which is re- quired to kill the Count. In your journey you will also find many \ile creatures which will try to stop you fix)m completing your mission. These creatures range from ordinary love-crazed ugly female vam- pires to the not-so-ordinary ghouls hang- ing from the ceiling, not to mention the trap doors. The object of the game is to find Count Dracula and destroy him, Sounds simple right? Wrong! In order for you to do .so, you must have full control over the magic light. To do this \'ou must position mirrors in the proper places throughout the game in order for the light to reach the Count. If you find Dracula without the magic light, then prepare to be di'ained! Game Play You will find yourself exploring differ- ent areas of the game, ranging hvm the upper to lower regions. As you walk along, the screen will scroll in the direction you are going. Soon you will meet up with some of the evdl charactere. To waixl them off, throw garlic at them (by pressing the fire button in the direction you are going i. If you do not succeed in thjt)wing the gar- The game is divided into 240 screens and can be thought of as one giant underground maze! lie at the right time, the evd creatures will drain youi- bl wd. Your blood supply is in- dicated at the fai" right of the screen. The game will end when you have been drained of all your blood (ouch!), and you will find yourself starting over. lb advance finm one level to the next, you must collect ceitain aitifacts, climb up ladders, go down slides and even fall through somt' trap dooi-s. Depending on which level you are in, certain thin^ must be done to advance. In some cases you will find youi-self wandering ait)und in a circle, lb get out of this, you must touch a certain aj^ea of the wall, collect all the artifacts far that level, and fall through certain traps. The game is divided into 240 screens and can be th aught of as one giant under- ground maze! When you do reach Count Dracula, the screen will be enlarged, so you see close-ups of both the Count and Dr. Van Helsiag while scary music plays in the backgn)und. This is the grand finale of the game; it must be seen to be appreciated. Summary I found thi"ee minor faults with Vam- pire's Empire. The first and most impor- tant is the fac: that they lefl; out a pause feature in the game. This can cause some serious probleins when you want to take a break and the monsters are all over you. Second, I would have liked the title mu- sic playing thioughout the game instead of no music at all (even better would have been the option to toggle music offibn). My third complaint has to do with the way Dr. Van Helsing thixiws gai4ic. In- stead of his aim appearing to pull back to throw it, it seems as if he spits at them (it's quite humorous to see). However, these are just minor complaints, I found many good points as well. Vampire's Empire is a veiy exciting ar- cade-style adventure game. The gi'aphics, music and sound effects are veiy nicely done. The screens scroll very smoothly — ti-uly a plus! 1 have had a lot of fun play- ing Vampire's Empire, and I think you will too. So, if you are looking for a fiight- fiilly good game, this one is it! Vanquishing the Vampire • Never stand in one spot lor a long pe- riod of time. If you do, the monsters will find you and will drain much of your blood, lb avoid this, move Dr. Van Helsing every few seconds. • Avoid getting artifacts that ai^e on trap doors. These artifacts ai-e "dummies" and will only make you fall thi-ough the trap. If you fall through, the artifact will still be there. Don't worry, it's not needed to complete your quest. • If you ever find yourself wandering around in circles, then you have either not collected all the artifacts oi" touched a se- cret door. So make sure all attifacts have been collected for the level you are in and explore carefully. • Make sujie that 3^ou are in the same level the light is at all times. This is veiy difficult to do, but if you lose the light, you can not destroy Dracula. g 32 DECEMBER 1988 "T // LUCASFILM ON THE ART AND SCIENCE OF ENTERTAINMENT ]] NEWHOPEFOR Battered Stdrv Gamers. HERE'S A LOT lUKE about computer adven- tures, but it sure isn't un getting killed all the time. That's why Maniac Mansion K so refreshing— 1 can play from start to finish without dying once! " That's more than great fan mail. It's a very aslutc obser- wition. Because while most - story games treat !n Maniac Mansion,' a movie-style "tiit-si:ene"quickly establishes the characters' personalities. ^^^^^■■1 LOTTn^i^^^^SSH^*^^ Ml ■r e,y^-r.--:i^ [.* _i=— ■_ zfclU "^■jgl HB Not vvith Lucasfilm's new "point n' click' interface, though. All the words you need are right on the screen.Just click the cursor on them to choose characters, objects, and actions. Now you can piay an entire fifty hour game without typing asingle word. Or putting your life on hold until you realize the green leafy thing is a... plastic fern. you'll get into major hot water all right, but you'll have the fun of getting out of it. too. LET'S Get Crazy Together. Just pick up a copy of Maniac Mansion:" the comedy thriller about a kidnapped cheerleader, a very mad you like the meat in the dog food factory, Lucasfilm story games treat you like a human being who just wants some good dean fun. 1 he (un starts with an en- gaging plot, hot graphics and tasty puzzles. But what keeps it going is a unique design that lets you play the game in- stead of fighting the computer The NoTyping Interface. Today's story games evolved from te.xt adventures. The Just three "clicks]' and you'll send Zak McKiadteif ofor to tie pawn shop counter to buy a pair of nase glasses. interface, in most cases, re- mained in the swamp. With conventional .story games, whenever you want your character to do something, you type. And type. And type. Suppose you want to pick up a green leafy object. Well, you might try typing, "pick up plant!' If that doesn't work, you mi^ltry"bu.sh!' "sfiruK 'tree'' and so on. After a while, you might try a different form of entertainment. More Story. Less Gory. Most story game designers seem to think people love to get clobbered. Wedon't. After all, how much fun can it be to have a fatal accident every three and a half minutes. . . then reload your saved game, take a few timid steps for- ward, and save it again. Seems more like paranoia than enlertainmenl. That's why Lucasfilm story games make it down- right difficult to die. Oh. I nil II II ONrnGoifCoiiaj. „^~^r ■f • Aliens' ■ffliM "■"""■ scientist, and a hilariously creepy rescue mission. Or Zak McKrackenAnd The Alien Mindbenders!" where you and a seedy tabloid jour- nalist save the world from space aliens who want us all to have the IQs of turnips, You'll love the twisty plots and the goofy characters. You'll crack up constantly with the zany one-liners and sight gags. And you'll go just a little crazy with the mind-bending puzzles. Crazy but nicely crazy. I UCA5FIL M Cohirf^^dt,'* 64/t28at>JApfiIclh^ //« pcri^'u' petiar>ct CWnpuirrj AllfUifenlt ofllir gUm-e far^iatiU TI-r,J.j ij c t^giittr^d hademtrrk, o/ '/jft^v Cfl'p I — I ii/urc &4-anJ \26 art liO^fait^Df Cci'^rt^dart ■■,,, Lhi Appir 11 a ^ wfiilircrffroA-TWi^^ , i,-^ - . .i.Tt^Mi t/K IBM irntni ihtHin >■ IM ♦ ): 19SS r.ocni/pfM DJ A'lnahl. rr.r«J KONAMI HITS ARE HEADING HOME. With our new software, your favorite arcade games come alive -1 on your home computer, r ^^ If you own an IBM, Amiga or Commodore computer- Watch outi Because 4 of Konami's most awesome adventures are about to invade. >bu'll confront the missions you've dreamed of in Rush 'N Attack, Contra, Jackal and Boot Camp. And you'll find yourself face to face against unequaled challenges, with incredible graphics, awesome music, and sound effects that'll blow you away So check out Konami's newest action wherever great software is sold. And be prepared for war. i '•Ji^ill ■ii0^ KONAMI t ■*^iA 3 rFgntrrnl W*Jern,ir*[ o* imemaiioral ftjunrsi Mat nift« Jiv Ann^*' ,*■) C* s?^ (nc IBMtn onaiAnjtg^iyuem YOU'LL FIND KONAMI GAMES IN THESE STRATEGIC LOCATIONS. BABBAGES CHILD WORLD AND CHILDREIM'S PALACE ELECTRONICS BOUTIQUE FEDCO STORES LIONEL KIDDIE CITY, LIONEL PLAYWORLD AND LIONEL TOY WAREHOUSE TOYS "R " US WAREHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT ZAYRE (Boston and Washington D.C. Area Stores Only) Attention Dealers: For further information on Konami's line of computer games, call customer service at (312) 595-1443. KONAMI Only Rush 'N Attack and Contra will be available for Amiga in 1 988. s 1 988. Konami Inc. ABIZOrVA ComfKjte Gr Play 1000 F«tfl Mall CALIFORNIA a^KERSFIELD Sott-iVj-e Etc 2701 UingAw V Plaza CHULAVrSTA R & R Sollwafr t048 3rdAv<f |619|4?6-70n CrrcOFINDU5TRir Softv/^re Etc FOSTER crnf Home Compuling Center ll25E.HIItKiarFBIvd #103 yVN DIEGO Computer Out W 7940 Silverton Ave (6J9i 740-0113 SANTE FE SPRINGS Fedco 9300 Sante ft Springs Rd (2131946-2511 SUNfftVALE HT ElecirDfiics 346 W Maude (40a| 737O900 TORRANCE T^ W^^ehouse 19701 HamiltonAvT I21il 538-2314 coNNEcncur CM»EN \l^icJen Software SCO Pdsi Road NEW BRITAIN Rcxnek Hcjfne CryrpLTter 432 W Mam SI FLORIDA OMNESVILLE FJorida Bookstore 1514 wunivernty 19041376-5606 LAUDERCWIE L'^KES Software CJty 3700 WOaklaFid Park eivd 1305] 735-6700 PAfsWrA»,CITY GjIfCoas: Corrpurers 674 W 23rd St PLANTATION Software Soltware 612 Broward Mall (305)476-0595 WEST PALM BEACH Corrpuleri 4 Rent 2695 N Military Trarl I407J47I-1976 ILUNOK AURORA Micro- Tech Solutions 991 A Aurora Ave. 13121892-3551 CANTON Elessnvm's IrK f7SS Mam CHICAGO Software Plus 6212 N MMrsternAve 13121333-6100 DVJVILLE Data Center 108 N \*rmrlion HANOVER fWRK Software Plus wesl 2001 Irving Park (3121837-6900 LOVES PARK Union Hall Inc 63Z1 N 2nd St SPRINGFIELD mini Software Center 2036 S McAlthur \XMEELING Software Plus 731 WDttndeeRa (312)S20-!717 INOIANA PlAJNFtELD Simply Software 311 GjrOofiDr KENTUCKY LEXINGTON Computer DirriensionS 171 WLowryLn LOUISIANA SHREVEPORT Discount Computer Sofrware 544 E Kings Hwy MAJNE HELFAST Si<yNgni Software 22 Miller St (2071338-1410 CARAflOO Mementos SASkvedenSt (2071498-3711 WES TB ROOK Hands On Computers 861 Mni-i Si (2071854-1155 MASSACHUSFTTS PJTTSFIELD Nichols Electronics 274 WaficonahSt (413(443-2568 WEUESLY Memory Location 395 Washington St (617)237-6846 WORCESTEfi Tfie Software Srx>p 84 Pleasant St (6l7)79r-5'?05 CLAWSON Software Trends 230 S fWainS! CUO The Edge Connecior 124 North Mill (3(3(686-1070 FLINT I/O Software G- 3304 A Conjnna BtJ GARDEN CITY Soft-House Computer Center 32647ftjrdR[J (3(3)522-3015 TRAVERSE CITY The Software Shop 7 10 Centre St MISSOURI CAPE GIIWRDEAU Midwesi Computers 203 West fftrk Mall (3(4)339-0022 NEWJEfiSer BRIDGEWATER Software Etc 4 00 Commons Way WAYNE Software Etc WIKowtirookMaK NEW fVIEXICO ALBUQUERQUE Page One )l200H,(omgomery NE (5051294.2026 NEWVORK ALBANY Computer Cellar 91 ( Central Ave (518)482-1462 BAY SHORE Software Etc 1701 Sunrise Hwy CHEEKTOWA&\ Papa's Computerware 27S9UnjonSt. (7(6(684.7272 FLUSHING Software Eic. 39-0( Main SI HIGHLAND FALLS Softw.ire Affair ISa Mam St. (914)445-4121 HOLS ROOK Great Escapes 5301 Suorise Hwy KENMORE Software Sufjermarket 36 70 Delaware Ave (716(a73-532( LATHAM Contemporaiy Computers 893 Loudan RtJ. (518)783-1088 NEW YORK CITY JiR Music World 23 F^srk Row (2(2) 732-8500 Leigh s CorTtputer 14 ;5 riiffdAv* (212)879-6257 RIDGEWOOD QuoWttJls 70-20 Fresh Pond Rd ROCHESTER Leon's Cortip4jter hfisn 103 Cliniori Ave (716)325-2737 SCOTIA Select Software lOSMoTTawkAve. (5181 332-7886 OHK) CrtYTON Microtyne 4049J«lai^hal(Rd. RVIRFIELD Mrcrowaie fvlagic 6625 Dfflie Hvj^ |5I3IS7i-6550 MEDlfMA Ram-Run Computer Producii 891 N Court (216)263-4428 PENNSYLVANIA WEST READING English's Computers 608 Penn Ave RHODE ISLAND WARWICK Software Connection lOf WIMaDCkRd WDONSOCKET Galajty Corrputeri 332Ri«?rSt. TEXAS BEAUMONT Software Rental 2855 Eastex Freeway Iff D FORT WORTH Wedgewtxjd Software 5312 Wbodway (817)292-7353 HOUSTON Floppy Wizard 271 Memoriai [7(3)451-0660 SAN ANTONIO Computer Expenence 5525 Blanco (512)340-2901 UTAH SALT LAKE CITY Armadillo Brottreri 3330 S. State (301)484-2791 V(RG(NIA l«ART(f\ISBURG My Software Heaven Meadowlane PSaza Box 2 1304(263-1228 WtDOOBRIDGE Virginia Micro Systems 1 3646 Jefferson Davis Hwy (7031 491-6502 WASHINGTON LONGVIEW Software Depot ISlOOceanbeach Hwy LYfvlWOOD Family Ccjmputers 3333 134th St SW. (206) 775-3530 PACOMA NibCles & Hyte5 4020 S Steele St *105 SEAHLE Omni Internatiorial Trading Ftosi 3826 Woodland Park Ave. N (2061 547-6664 VANCOUVER Software Support Int 2700 N £ Andreison 013 WISCONSIN JANESVILLE Romeyn Software 2100 E. Milwaukee MILWAUKEE Computer Software Center 10710 W Ok latxma Ave RACINE Computer Paradise 4901 Wcishmgton Ave. SOFTWARE REVIEWS" Reviev/ed by Ervin Bobo Softwood FUe IISG G)mputer: Amiga Publisher: Bra\\'n-Wagh Publishing Co. 16795 Lark Avenue Suite 210 Los Gatos, CA 95030 Price: $99.95 If there were only one good thing to say about Softwood File IISG — or about any of its previous incarnations — it would be that this progi'am makes the concepts of database management easily under- standable. Almost tvvo years ago, when many soft- ware and hardware manufacturers were trying cutesy-poo variations in naming their products, one of the firet database managers was called MiAmiga File. A re- vised and improved edition followed in the form of MiAmiga File 11. Perhaps the Softwood Company, producers of all thi"ee titles, suddenly realised that a good prod- uct doesn't require a cute name. Softwood File IISG (a title that may un- fortunately cause some to think it's for an Apple computer), gives you the ability to store not only written infonnation, but sound and graphics as well. With any database manager the first thing to do is to set up a fonnat for the re- cords you wish to keep, hi Softwood File, you do this through a i-equester window where you enter the title for a field (e.g.. Address) and then click on a box that de- scribes the type of infonnation in that field. The choices here ai'e text, phone, date, amount, etc. Obviously, it is possible to set up a file where every field is text and thus capable of holding anything you put into it, and in some cases this may be desirable. Usually, however, you'll want to be more specific, for assigning the con*ect at- tributes to a field will not only tell youj' computer how the information should be handled, but mil also prevent many entry errars: if a field is tagged as a date field, it will accept only infonnation entered in a j date format; and an amount field will not i accept text. As you create your fields, they appeal- vertically in a smaller window that shows | both the assigned title, the characteristics and the length of the field. Once you've created your form and told Softwood File Softwood File IISG gives you the ability to store not only written infornnation, but sound and graphics as well. to accept it, these fields appear in a hori- zontal arrangement, looking like headers on ruled chart paper In all versions oi Softwood File, the two file-viewing features have been both sim- ple and useable. Perhaps realizing that lists are among the easiest ways of finding and comparing information, Softn:ood File in its default mode shows all database re- cords in a horizontal format that is divid- ed into labeled field columns. With a typi- cal address file as an example, your eyes scan the labels until you find "Last Name," then scan down until you find "Smith" nestled between "Slick" and "Spike" — assuming, of course, that your file is sorted alphabetically accoiding to surname. Should that record need changing, chck on the first field in the record. You'll be flipped to a "form view" screen where only that one record is presented, each field in a highlighted box that may be edited or rearranged as you wish. Editing is rather straightforward: click on the appropriate box and type over the old information, Rearranging is also done with the mouse, by clicking and dragging the boxes until you have them arranged as you wish. Note that this rearranging affects onlj' the printing of a record: there may be times, as in the printing of address labels, where you wish to print only a portion of what is in the record; at other times, you may wish to change the an-angement of fields for a more coherent printout. In similar fashion, the columns of infor- mation on the "list" screen can be rear- ranged as to width and/or placement by selecting and dragging with the mouse pointer There are special functions fields in Softwood, such as "Gale" fields that obtain information from amount fields, Assume you keep track of money you've loaned to finends: one column is for "Amount Owed," a second for "Amount Paid," and a calc column is entitled "Balance." Setting up your equation is easy: Amount Owed- Amount Paid is typed in the calculation requester and the rest is automatic. The program will not conduct math vertically on screen, however you can add columns (e.g., Tbtal Owed) on a printout. Other special columns work as their names imply: define a field as either "Pic- ture" or "Sound" and when entering infor- mation into that column specify the path as well as the IFF sound or graphic field you wish to see, as in 'T)F1: Birds'Spai-- row". lb recall these items, chck on the item name you wish to see or heai'. In a variance, there is a feature called "Slide- show" on the pull-down options menu and each picture in your file will be displayed. 'Thone" is another special field. Find the record for John Smith, or whomever you wish to call, click on the Phone entiy while holding your telephone receiver close to your monitor's spieaker, and Softwood File IISG will generate the prop- er tones for dialing. Obviously, this last will be used only by those who are incredi- bly lazy and those who wish to make use of every feature of the program. The documentation included with Softwood File IISG is good, though short. At times, brevity is a blessing, but I would have appreciated an index to make it easi- er to find answers to specific feature-relat- : ed questions. A further criticism is that the manual is for Softwood File II (though it does come \vith an SG sticker in place). All the SG features are documented only on an errata sheet stuck inside the hvnt cover While I realize the cost of revising manuals is high, I still fee! a qualit>' prod- uct should be dressed with quality. Though the lack of math fimctions and the lack of sophisticated sorting proce- dures will prevent Softwood File IISG from being seriously considei-ed for busi- ness use, it is still a worthwhile program for the home or the small office and should j make itself usefid in many ways. With its ' ease of operation, it is also an ideal intro- duction to the sometimes hazy world of , database management. n 36 DECEMBER 1988 •si- ^^ \'^- % '-^ Make AmigosWith Other Amigas. The largest group of Amiga" users in the world shares its problems and solutions online every day in CompuServe's Amiga Forums. And you can join them. Whether you're an Amiga novice or a professional user in broadcasting, film special effects, animation, or music production, you'll find support from thousands of Amiga users and nearly every third-party Amiga software and hardware vendor. Looking for a solid CAD program? Want to make the most of your Amiga's multitasking capabilities? Ask somebody who's been through it all. There's no better way to get more out of your Amiga. To join CompuServe, see your computer dealer. To order direct or for more information, call 800 848-8199. In Ohio and Canada, call 6!4 457-0802. If you're already a member, type CO AMIGA at any ! prompt. CompuServe' ^n HiJl Elock Cortifufly SOnWARE REVIEWS" Spellbound Computer: Amiga Publisher: Leaniei-s Image P.O. Box 3669 Logan, UTM321 Price: S39.95 Ages: 5-15 yeai-s Spellbound is a fiiendly computerized i3 teacher which lets young children learn and test their knowledge of words in three sepai-ate games. Using coiorilil graphics, some animation, mild humor and a mixture of digitized and synthesized voices, the game assumes the role of a pa- tient teacher. But what really makes Spellbound such an excellent learning tool is that it effectively creates a pleasant learning environment for the student. Before I describe the three games, let's look at how you decide which list of words the child will study The game comes with a healthy word list, but to get full advan- tage of its teaching potential you'll want to add more. This is done by selecting "Make A New Spelling List" from the main menu. Once selected, the pai-ent or teacher can load and edit an existing word list or input an entirely new list. This abil- ity makes it possible to add a child's cur- rent weekly spelling lesson to the program disk. And because the game is not copy protected and can be duplicated, there is no need to wony that a careless child might destroy (or lose) this educational in- vestment. For that same reason, the game can even be installed on a hard disk if you wish. The three games are simple but efiFec- tive. "Match-It" presents a screen with a barking dog and a hoop of fire. A pleasant- sounding, digitized, male voice asks the child to point at the word spoken by the Amiga's synthesized voice. Tb respond, the child simply points at one of the three spellings offered and clicks the mouse. In the second game a clown tucked tightly away in a cannon appears, and the child is told to unscramble some letters to spell a word. The list of correctly-spelled words from the current lesson is displayed on both sides of the screen to help the child. Again, to respond the child must type the correctly-spelled word. In the last game, "SpelLIt," a clown holding a fist full of inflated balloons ap- pears. Again a message (using mixed digi- tized and synthesized voices) asks the child to spell a word. % respond, the child Using colorful graphics antj digitized and synthesized voices, the game assumes the role of a patient teacher. must use the keyboard to input the cor- rectly-spelled word. Each game cycles thix)ugh the entire spelling list (normally ten words). If the child misses the same word twice, a most congenial voice will help the child by speaking the correct word. I was happy to find the voices displayed only one emo- tional quality— caring. Thus there is no need for any child to di-ead the pleasant teacher employed by Spellbound. The re- wards (all child-pleasera) come when the child completes an assignment wthout making a single mistake — the dog jumps through the hoop, the clown flies away or in the case of the cannon is (with gentle, harmless humor) blown away. I normally avoid using the adjective "friendly" to describe software; because the word was so abused by many develop- ers in the early '80's, the phi'ase "user- fiiendly" lost all credence. But this pro- gram is truly fiiendly — in the most mean- ingful definition of the word. First the pro- gram is easy to use. To begin, the child simply points to one of four options (Spell- It, Mix-It, Match-It or Make A New Spell- ing List), clicks the mouse, and presto he or she is ready to go. But beyond that, the program succeeds in making the child feel comfortable. I would even venture to de- scribe the program as "loving," or at least that is the impression it creates. This lov- ing illusion is accomplished with a digi- tized voice which talks to the user with a true human voice filled with casing inflec- tion, I have only two complaints about the program. Complaint 1: Unlike a real teacher, Spellbounds instructor cannot tell the difference between the words you and the word ewe. When the child is asked to spell a word, no definition is given, just the request for the child to spell the word Reviewed by Gary V, Fields spoken by the computer's synthesized voice. If the progi'am is expecting (because of the selected word list) the child to spell ewe and he responds with you, he will be told that the woi-d is wrong, even though the word he i,\Tote might have matched the word he heai-d exactly. A human teacher in the same situation would prob- ably have tai-geted which word the child was to spell with a sentence using the word like: "Spell ewe, as in a female sheep is called a 'ewe.' " In the program's de- fense, if the child is working on a weekly spelling list, he should know which word — ewe or you — he is studying. Complaint 2: Because the voice used to speak the words fixirn the spelling list is sjTithesized (instead of digitized i, it is sometimes difficult to undei-stand which word it said, lb help remedy this problem, the game screen includes an icon which when clicked will repeat the word as many times as the child \vishes. But after enjoy- I ing the clear, exact, understandable digi- tized voice of the teacher, the less under- standable synthesized voice of the com- puter is a disappointment. Of course, if the spell list were not spoken with the Amiga's built-in voice, there would be no easy, affordable way for a pai'ent or teach- er to add to the spell list. To minimize the recognition problem, the "Make A New Spelling List" includes a translator which lets you adjust the way the computer sounds vowels and consonants. With this option, you can get close, if not exactly sounded words to match those in the spell- ing list — but never as good as a real hu- man's voice. If anything these two complaints under- score why the computer, even one as good as the Amiga, will never replace human teachers. As it stands, Spellbound is an excellent teaching aid which does what it was designed to do and does it very well. If you have young children in your home and would like to put your Amiga to work as a teacher, Spellbound is a wonderful product which does just that. 1 recommend this one. And remember, that recommen- dation comes imm a parent who has tried and been disappointed with dozens of ; "educational" software progi-ams which I preceded this one. Spellbound delivers what it promises— it helps children learn. , I just wish it had been aroimd when I was ' young; if it had been perhaps I wouldn't have to turn to my word processor's spell checker so often. g 38 DECEMBER 1988 e< .•^ K^mBs' ^■\. /^^ NOW PLAYING AT A SOFTWARE DEALER NEAR YOU Available 'for Amiga. Commodore 6*, IBM PC. Apple Ugs. ard Atah ST. y.hich are trademarks mspectiveJy of CommodOre-Amrga. Commcxlore Elecironics. Ud.. tnternaiional Business Machines. Appte Compuler Inc.. and Alan Inc. Cinemaware Corporation, 4165 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village, CA 91362 /\M I GA^ SOFTWARE REVIEWS' Reviewed by Gary V. Fields WordPlex Computer: Amiga Publisher: PAR Softwa-e. Inc. P.O. Box i;i09 Vancouver, Washington 98GG6 Price: $39.9-5 S24.9.5 (thi-ee oirtional data disks) Millions of TV viewers love game shows, and a good percentage of that audience thinks the best show to ever give away money is Wheel Of Fortune. Hoping to benefit fixim that game's popu- larity, WordPlex brings the same word challenge and big bucks giveaways to the Amiga. As those who have viewed Wfwel Of Fortune (and who hasn't? i would expect, WordPlex spins around the same "hang- man" premise. A window divided into three rows of blank boxes appears. Next you are told those blanks represent words in a specific category such as phrase, cli- che, quotation, place, etc. In turn, each contestant (one to six can play) spins a wheel and guesses a letter. If any of the words in the category contain the guessed letter, the contestant collects some money, the letters are inserted on the boaixl, and the player spins again. This continues un- til someone figures out the mysterj' words. The contestant who collects the most mon- ey is the winner Winning requires a good degree of luck, a good know-ledge of both important and trivial facts and the ability to spell. I have always liked games which let more than one person get involved, rather than simply pitting human against com- puter. If nothing else, WordPlex delivers human competition. Up to six players can test their gray matter here. In fact the computer acts simply ;is a host (not com- petitor) even if only one player is chosen. Thus, the one-player mode serves as a practice area only, since you can neither win nor lose against youi-self. Like the TV game this one was fash- ioned alter, spinning is important. De- pending upon where your pointer stops, your guess could earn you as much as $1400 or if you are unlucky, rob you of all you've won. The computer keepjs track of whose turn it is, how much money each player has and any free spin cards collect- ed. In the long run the winner at Word- Winning requires a good degree of luck, a good knowledge of bofh important and trivial facts and the ability to spell. Pkx will be the person who is better at de- ciphering puzzles rather than the one who is lucky at spirming. But as is true of the real game, a few good (large amount or free spin) or bad (bankrupt or lose spin) spins can have a dramatic outcome on how much money you have when you walk away. lb tell you I am a game show fan would be a lie. It would have to be a pretty bor- ing day for me to spin my TV dial looking for one of those half-hour killers. But I must admit, I have been drawn into the challenge of trying to decipher more than one of those puzzles by accident — by being on the wrong channel at the WTong time. What it all comes down to is that humans are just naturally curious and competi- tive. When we are challenged, we re- spond — and that is exactly why some players will find WordPlex addictive. WordPlex has a magnetic quality which can draw you into the game even if you want to resist. All of us have become in- volved with games which had us mutter- ing to ourselves, 'Tm going to play one more round and then leave." You'll find yourself doing the same after a spin or two here as well. The game's graphics are nothing to get excited about, consisting mostly of flash- ing boxes which hold information. As you would expect, you can play the entire game using your mouse alone, except for when you try to solve the puzzle. At that point you must type your guess into a re- quester window. I think most Amiga users will complain that the game has too few "bells and whis- tles." I had hoped to fmd an animated game host or perhaps a ftill-featured hos- tess to turn boxes, but none were found. A synthesized voice does tell you about the games and announces the winner and the correct answer to the puzzle. But unlike the game Wheel Of Fortune, there is no studio filled with prizes displayed, no women in tight dresses or humor fix)m a large-toothed host. Without the "bells and whistles" what remains is a well-done i if not visually ex- citing) word game which puzzle solvers, word twisters and trivia whizzes will love. Actually the current version of WordPlex is the second release of the same game for the Amiga. The screen display in this up- date is crisper, the letters larger, and the spinning wheel takes up the entire screen instead of only a comer. The box which keeps track of guessed letters has also been moved to just above the puzzle win- dow, so it is easy to keep track of guessed letters. The two buy vowel icons now spell out the option (Select or Abort Vowel) in- stead of just showing a single letter, and you can play up to 18 rounds instead of only three. The game disk is not copy pro- tected (you can easily install it on your hard drive), but the update game does em- ploy a "keyword protection" scheme (the original did not) which requires you look up and type a word from the manual each time you begin. The game categories included on the program disk arc: person, place, title, thing, quotation, people, cliche and phra.se. For those who just can't get enough of WordPlex, the company also sells a set of data disks with thousands of other puzzles in categories like: America, nature or the Bible. The program is also totolly customizable. You can type in your own phrases and name your own categor- ies in the latest version. Whether you v\ill enjoy WordPlex or not all comes down to one question: "Do you enjoy word games?" If you do, you'll love this one. On the other hand, if you are looking for fast action or dazzUng graphics and sound effects, you will not find them here. I would much rather play this game than wateh any game show on TV because here the challenge is real and commer- cials are extinct. n 40 DECEMBER 1988 ..tfSS 5«t '^ i' ::»^ s It happens so fast. You're kicking back, you and your best friend, just checking out two of the latest arcade action games from Data East and, zap, you're fighting witti full fire power and up to your neck in heart-stopping, eye-popping jungle. Victory Roati pits the heroes of the #1 smash hit, Ikari Warriors, against a hideous horde that has heroes for lunch -Stonehead and his wrecking crew of bizarre and brutal beasts. Guerrilla War takes you behind the headlines to the battlelines. it's you versus them -and let us guarantee you that itiem" is an army of evil that will keep your trigger finger active for hours. Victory Road for the IBM, Commodore and Apple II computers. And Guerrilla War, for the IBM and Commodore computers. Addictive action with great graphics. Hey, it's a jungle out there. And now we've brought it home. ej^itA DATA EAST USA, INC. 470 Needles Drive, San Jose, CA 95112 (408)286-7074 IBM SCREENS SHOWN. OTHER COMPUIER VERSIONS MAY VARY 1 c Uala East USA. Inc. Viciwy Roaa aid Guemlla Wai are regisietei! Iraderoaiks ol SNK. C«p, Msnulactiiied under license by Oaia East USA. Inc. ^MiGA^SOnWARE REVIEWS" Reviewed by Graham Kinsey Ebonstar Computer: Amiga Publisher: ilierolUuaioiis 17408 Chatswoilii St. Gi-diiada HiUs, CA 91?44 Price: $39.95 As the populaiity of the Amiga 500 in- creased, many small companies started to produce Amiga arcade games. Recently some of the laj'ger, more e.'jtab- lished software companies have intro- duced more arcade games, both original and not-so-origina!. Micralilusions is one of the larger software companies to enter the competitive Amiga arcade mai'ket with their space combat game Ebonstar. Ebonstar takes place in the yeai- 3000 A.D., when virtually all medical, political and social problems have been solved. The people of this age are waited on hand and foot by machines that attend to their ev- ery desire. With no other challenges fac- ing them, these people have designed a deadly sport in which contestants in sin- gle-seat spaceships battle around the edges of a synthetic black hole named Ebonstar in a contest to the death. Upon booting the game and selecting certain options you are presented with a view of the Ebonstai- sector, represented as a grid with elastic boundtmes where the entire battle is contained. Wlien the game starts, the Ebonstar will be created in the sector by the referee ship called Airh. Arch not only maintains the Ebonstar at all times, but it also creates all computer opponents (\sith one exception) and most other objects that appeaJ' in the game. At the beginning of the game your ship will appear in a comer of the screen. You have an unlimited supply of energy bolts that when fii-ed repel almost anything they strike but do not directly desti-oy any object. You must use this weapon to drive all opponents into the crushing gravitational field of the Ebonstai- while avoiding the Ebonstar youi-self. You can also use this weapon to attempt to destroy the Ebonstar. After a short intei-val Arch will project a maintenance beam into the Ebonstar to stabilize the synthetic black hole. If you can fire one of your energy bolts into" this beam, you can cause the Ebonstar to de- stabilize and explode. Unfortunately, to do this your shot must enter exactly pai-allel E30nSLA^ mm As you progress into the later rounds, Arch will generate superior computer opponents that are more than a match for you. to the beam, otherwise Arch will deflect your energy bolt away from the energy beam. Destroying the Ebonstai- is the only way to advance to a higher level where the danger (and point rewai'dsl increase. Areh will generate computer-controlled ships that are similar to your own ship in abilities. These computer op|»nents tire your most persistent enemies, although in the early levels they can be handled with- out much diificulty. As you progi^ess into the later rounds, however, Ajxh will gen- erate superior computer opponents that are more than a match for you. Arch al- lows three computer opponents to exist at one time, which in itself provides plent>' of challenge. But there is another opponent that even Arch is powerless to control. Nemesis is an alien starsliip from another world that pe- riodically enters this universe via a stable Ebonstar. It relentlessly hunts down any human opponent, firing destmcti\'e fire-- balls and/or explosively colliding with any human-controlled ship. To add to the pressure you can also si- multaneously battle up to three other hu- man opponents at one time. You might wonder how four people can play a game on a computer that has only two game ports. The answer is that Ebonstar sup- ports ship controls via certain keys on the keyboai-d in addition to the nonnal mouse and joystick conti-ols. Foui' people can ac- tually play at once using the Amiga key- board and two joysticks. hi addition to all the opponents, there are also many objects that Ai-ch gener- ates. Some objects when caught by a play- er grant special abilities to that player's ship. The captive Gyi-on grants a player one destructive fireball ijust like the one Nemesis fires), while aitching a Pulsar grants a set of energy bolts that have a computer guidance system built in. There is also a powerful object called Spark that when caught allows a player to instantly eliminate any and all opponents within a ceitain range. Other objects that Arch produces hinder you. Quai'ks and MagnePods will bump you around. Quai"ks will always push you closer to the Ebonstar while MagnePods only harass a certain player The nasty TbslaSpheres can remotely disable your ship's energy bolts or engines. If all these obstacles are too much for you and youi- friends, there is a special play mode called Tbumament mode that you might want to tr\'. In Tbumament mode Areh will not create any computer-controlled ships. Arch is also much more generous with the beneficial Gyix)ns, Pulsars and Sparks, distributing these even on the fii-st level. The quality of the gi^aphics in Ehcmstar is not worth writing home about. It's not that the gi'aphics are bad, but rather they are used sparingly. The sound effects ai^e pretty good, especially those that accom- pany the moving and the explosion of the Ebonstar iLself The game is copy protect- ed, however at least the protection scheme doesn't seem to cause undue weai' and tear on youi* disk drives. The only problem is that it's really not veiy exciting in one-player mode. You can become bored fairly easily, since one play- er doesn't st<md much of a chance against the hoi-de of enemies the game thixiws at you. The Tbumament is not available in one-player mode. Only when you have three or four playere (especially in Tour- nament mode) does the game become en- joyable and not too difficult. If you have a couple of fiiends to play Ebonstar with, it can really be a blast, but unless you are expecting an exti-emely difficult chal- lenge, you probably will come to the con- clusion that Ebonstar isn't fun unless you aren't alone. ra 42 DECEMBER 1988 !»• Superscript gives you everything you need for \ professional word pro- ' cessing in one easy to use pacl^age. Its menu command structure puts you immediately at ease witfi no com- plicated commands to memorize, yet Superscript business-style editing, spe'l checking, calculator, row and ^^^^ir^Se '''' aSd full mail merge 'ac 'ties The phrase .rv, feature enabes you to store and recall them Commodore 64 Commodore 128 o»„ complete programrlupe 1';°™"* "> '°™ ?""" and export to olher nr^r,,^ ^^ "^ ""POft dafa from combines metio fnd recall them with a simple '^l-^^^dge^ ^^cK" load with, and pass MacZ commands to, the Supe Script word processor''o ^'SnV^^'Plelely auto- mated off,ce system. Now Commodore 64 S39.95 Commodore 128 S49.9S S34.95 S39.95 "S^Pf $15.95 on yo^f "'"',"'■„ Fnalish, m_. ASCU or P>^'" ^„'J then replace <=^^"9''e^°p.Drskdoc brings you them. SuperDiskdoc ^^ ^^ them. SupefC extra security. "J„%ou have the damage. ^^ gc commodore 519-^^ ■^ ^'-Ps CuT,, ^o-, first '94 pages $15.95 Attention Superbase Users! Call us for Information on 1581 upgrade and Official Superbase Information Network! Available from your dealer or directly from - Precision Incorporated Precision Incorporated, 8404 Sterling Street, Suite A, Irving, TX 75063. Telephone: (214) 929-4888. Fax: (214) 929-1655. CREATIVE COURSEWARE" by Howard Millman The "Power On" Report Educational software that sustains a child's interest while teaching fundiunental building- block concepts can be hard to find. We'll look at programs that do just that. '"T^echnology plays a central role in M. our lives, in oui' homes, . . . and in our schools. However, the potential and value of technology in our schools has not been flilly realized." So asserts Rep. James M. Jeffords (R-VT, Committee on Education and Labor), commenting in the recently-released Oifice of Technology As- sessment's 250-page report: "Power On! New Tbols for Tfeaching and Learning." The report's authors agree with Repre- sentative Jeffords. "Power Onl." assessing the 10,000 educational software products presently available, concludes, 'Their quality could be much better." We agree. Looking at our software-lined shelves, we've previewed well over 100 software programs, lb date we've recom- mended fewer than 12 as innovative, ef- fective and useful. As did "Power On!," we find that most software conforms to a conservative stan- dard, one that's likely to be widely accept- ed (and purchased I by teachers and par- ents. Why? Primarily because the soft- ware mirrors the familiar textbooks they're accustomed to, except now text is on screen instead of in print. This column uncovers progi-ams that of- ten break with that tradition. As Rep. Jef- fords also said, "... it is most appropriate to . . . encourage effective use of technol- ogy in our schools so that our children can be more independent, competitive and productive tomonxiw." We shm^ that view. We believe the way to encom-age first-rate software is to confer recognition on publishers of innovative educational programs. Translating Promise into Practice "Power On!" discloses, "U.S. public schools now average one computer for ev- ery 30 students with average access of one Sky Travel ' horn- per week." For the 46,000,000 chil- di-en in elementary and high schools na- tionwide, this resource rationing dictates that keyboard time must be used wisely. Carried down to the bottom line, software of quality isn't merely important, it's es.Hential. Tbday's students deserve comprehen- sive courseware of exceptional quality. The first step of this long journey starts with parents and educator translating the computer's promise into practice. How? By recognizing that well-travelled paths lead only to yesterday's triumphs. Now. on to this month's selections. Sky Travel Computer: Commodore 64 Ages: 10 to Adult Publisher: Microlllusions 17408 Chatsworth Street Granada Hills, CA 91344 (800) 522-2041 Price: $49.95 Emphasis: Astronomical science, history imd mjthoiogy The gaze of star watchers sweep the night sky, probing the infinity of space, their innate curiosity prompting them to wonder "What's that star's name? Is that bright object Mars?" Maybe they wonder il' Captain Kirk and ih". Spock are accu- rate when they yak about galaxies and star clustei-s? Sky Travel is a graphic-oriented data- base for astronomy students or the more- than-mi Idly-curious star watcher. It's a vei-satile alternative to a star identifica- tion wheel chart. Staj-chaiis are limited, so they cannot correct for latitude and lon- gitude, timeday'date, as well as compass directions. A more dynamic solution was required, that answer is Sky Travel Microlllusions' Sky Travel transforms the venerable circulai- chart into a d\Tiam- ic soliloquy on the sky. Although easy to use, Sky Travel is complex because it's complete. Anyone, any time, anywhere on earth can get an accurate fix on stellai" objects. "Any time" in this case is a 20,000-year spread, a sig- nificant chunk to us mortals but merely a hiccup in the life of the universe. The first step is to conligm^ the pro- gram by entering the user's latitude and longitude, if known. For the mWk of the earth's population who haven't yet memo- rized their coordinates, an appendix list^ 100 or so of the world's major cities as well as numerous major islands. What if none of the cities are close enough and the user doesn't inhabit one of t\vo dozen islands listed? Then, by centering the cursor crosshairs on a Mercator-slyle world map, the program computes the latitude and longitude. Either the keyboai-d or a joy- stick mobilizes the cursor. Once that's computed, the user enters the time and date. Then the gears grind, after a few moments the sci^een displays a view depicting the astral objects residing in the southern sky. The objects are drawn fi-om Sky Traveh database of 88 constella- tions, 1200 -stai-s and 300 sky objects. Entering compass directions IN, E, W) changes the perspective accordingly Rais- ing or lowering the cursoi" changes the ele- vation of the view in relation to the hori- zon. Sky Travel also displays the sky below the horizon even though it is out of sight of the viewer. This feature alone is somewhat of a "gee whizzer," but the best is yet to come. By centering the cursor over an object and pressing F7 (or fire button on the joy- stick), information on any of the objects scrolls across the screen's bottom. The data list the object's Draper (or New) Catalog number along with the Messier number. The text often capsulizes signifi- cant astronomical data about the object, including distance (in light years or min- utes), mass, spectral color and other facts. Sky Travel offei-s fouj' modes: Map (for computing the latitude and longitude), Set (for entering day/date/time). Chart (al- ways depicts North as "up" and no hori- zon) and finally, Sky. The Sky mode is the most versatile; it allows custom tailoring of the screen to display or exclude certain objects as well as narrowing the width (down to nine degrees from the default of 72 degrees) for increased clarity. Continued on page 46 44 DECEMBER 1988 olo^»° ■^' >o^' The "Power On!" Report- Continued from page 44 One major difference between Sky and Chart is that Chart depicts astral objects as dark spots on a light background. So, when calling for a hard copy, the printer doesn't beat itself to death. SHIFT/P in- vokes a (screen duinpl printout of any Chart view. The program's other options include a choice of whether constellations should bear three-letter abbreviations or no names, if planets are refeired to by their symbols and to display or ignore deep sky objects such as distant galaxies and nebu- la. When Tracking is toggled on, the screen follows a moving object's trajectory and records its path using Right Ascen- sion and Declination measurements. Sound, another option, is simply a perq that adds a bit of pizzazz if the night is otherwise too silent. It synchronizes the sound of an accelerating jet plane with the movement of the crosshairs. Wlien sound Tiger wants to ask a friend to go camping. Which friend «/ill I- ask? Tpf ^ fich SM Mlrh thisiity. ^ftn «ETU«Pt. Tiger'n Tales is selected the crosshairs transform into a jet plane or spaceship. This is ftin, how- ever, it makes centering on an object for identification a bit more difficult. The F5 key "Finds" any planet, constel- lation, star or comet and predominantly displays it in the screen's center It's a shortcut for searching through the Sky mode to locate the object. Tracking can be used only with the Find command. For following objects in real or exagger- ated time the program's internal clock rate can be set from (sUitionary) to 1 x (actual time) up to 64 X for accelerating elapsed time and the object's velocity. The screen display shifts in accordance with the clock rate. Sky Tmvd allows the date to be set for- ward or back 10,000 years (the obvious as- sumption is that the galaxy abides even if the earth does not). The program's 61 -page manual includes 12 tolerable pages of instructions — actual- ly short tutorials. The balance consists of expanded examples, intriguing historical trivia, a glossary and technical tables. MicroUlusions also markets a version of Sky Travel for the Amiga, entitled Plan- etarium (S69.95). The Amiga version con- tains a larger star database and, of course, optimized graphics. Tiger's Tales Computer; Commodore 64 Ages: 10 to Adult Publisher: Sunburst Communications 39 W;\shington Avenue Pleasantville, NY 10570 (800) 247-1934 Price: $65.00 $195,00 (Lab Pack 10) Emphasis: Vocabulary Comprehension, ImageAVord Association When I was a kid, (quite some time ago) elective reading rated somewhere between visiting the dentist and behaving in a civilized manner. For good reason. Because they were static, those "See Jane Run" readers gen- erated as much exhilaration as a stop sign. Jane (an early jogging enthusiast l forever ran and dormant Dick always walked. Granted, most sis-year-olds don't need much drama in their lives, but a bit of enchantment in their literature would be welcome. That was then and this is now. Reflect- ing the change in times and technolog)', children's readers have taken a quantum leap into the fliture. Representative of this genre (yet a cut above) is Sunbm-st's Tiger's Tales, an interactive reading pro- gram featuring bright graphics and some animation spiced \\dth a modicum of myster>'. Tigers Tales consist of five stories, rang- ing in length from five to 13 pages (screens) about Tiger the kitten's adven- tures. Since the stories are interactive, they have more than one conclusion or storyline. Although Tiger is the subject in all five stories, the tales are not serial, they can be read in any order. Each stor>' ends with an animated sequence. Muppet Learning Keyboard Simon .S'rii/.s On each page the student is typically of- fered three choices; the storyline branches depending on the student's decision. Not every choice leads to a continuation of the story, some result in a logical dead end, so further decision-making is required. Key- board activity is limited to pressing RE- TURN and controlling the cursor keys. As with all Sunburst educational soft- ware, reproducible worksheets are includ- ed to supplement retention by visually reinforcing the word/image relationship. lb insure vocabulary comprehension, students may choose between re\iewing the words or reading the stor\'. The words section consists of associating ten or so key words v^ith a related picture. All key words are either one- or t\vo-syllable nouns and subsequently appear in the story, (beared to early readers (1.3 to 1.5 Spache). the computer keyboard may in- timidate or confiase some students. Tigers Tales is also compatible with the graphic- oriented Muppet Learning Keyboard, The Muppet keyboard has been around for a j while, and it's still worthwhile (I hope that description applies to me as welli. 'Fhe brightly colored keyboard, while less intimidating, still offei-s all of the Commodore 64 's functions. The Muppet keyboard ($99,00), unfor- tunately, is not widely supported by other publishers. Sunburst, however, markets several programs that are compatible. Tft'o others that desen'e a closer look are Simon Says and Teddy and Iggy, lx)th are memory-improvement progi'ams. Featuring as its main charactere an inchwonn and a teddy beai; Teddy and Iggy ($65.00 1 employs geometric shapes, colors and sequence to reinforce memory and recall. Simon Says ($65.00), geai^ed to younger children, uses colors, numbei-s or letters in recurring sequence. We, of course, do not know how the au- thors of "Power On!" feel about Sky Travel and Tiger's Talcs. We believe both pro- grams would readily conibrm to their cri- teria for being innovative, affordable and useful. m 46 DECEMBER 1988 Jot New Simulations From The Computer Craftsmen At MicroProse High Seas Adventure Top Secret Air Strike ' Relive the ^i,.,-^~,, swashbuckling era 1^3^ of the buccaneer Ww^^j^gy as a 17th century i^^r^?"| privateer captain • in.^r;.:;;vtt^a <r, unique gaming ^^-J^a blend of simula- '. i tion, adventure . and role-playing. bu'M swordfight with other ship aptains, storm the fortress of a i/ealthy town, explore the Carib- lean, and search for lost treasure. , he goal: amass a fortune, gain a 'eputation, and retire to a life of uxury. From award-winning game designer Sid Meier, of F-15 STRIKE ,EAGLE and SILENT SERVICE fame. Invisibility is your greatest weapon in PROJECT: STEALTH FIGHTER '^^ ,„^ a simutation of " ^^ the Air Force's unacknowledged super-tech jet fighter of tomor- i row. You're the ^ pilot on top-secret missions to % world troublespots. * Daring Solo Missions Become one of America's most ejite soldiers in AIRBORNE RANGER. Cunning and fast reflexes F are needed to • ' sM*"* succeed on 12 solo '"H missions deep be- mm\ SiSMritt St'Sm-ia , - cnrr.l.N ■'■'"''':.'!. Et Si nfW .: I yc-f^ ts: Panic Hit f ' ^umd!"'* ^* ^ ^^'"^^ Mitroprose Retailer (VMR) near you. Call for locations. If not found locally, call for MCA^ISA orders OBNF R4«?rB ,?" <S''35«led ,ela,i S39 95) and PROJECTS' by John lovine Sound Digitizer II Here is the program listing for the Commodore 64 version of Sound Digitizer El (described in last month's Commodore Magazine.) In the time be- tween this issue and the last, I incor- porated t^vo audio filters into the circuit design to improve the overall fidelity of the unit. (See schematic, t The filters are comprised of two resistors and two capaci- tors. Anti-Aliasing Filter The first filter coming in fh)m the am- plifier is a low-pai3s filter iRl & CI). As its name implies, this filter will pass low sound frequencies and block high fi-equen- cies. The purpose of this filter is to sup- press sound signals whose frequencies aie higher than half our .sampling rate. The reason for this is that these signals will distort oui- sound sample. This phenom- enon is know as "aliasing." High-Pass Filter The second filter is a high-pass filter SOUND DIGITIZER II MICROPHONE ^ n 1 (R2 & C2); it passes high frequencies and blocks lower frequencies. This helps make the plosive sounds such as P, Tand K more understandable. Tbgether these filters complement each other and result in a band pass filter. Program Operation The program is similEO' to the program for the Commodore 128. The differences are as follows; • The save and load routines do not add the "SND." prefix to the file name, and it has just one speed. • The "R" key will still put the sample into a repeating loop during playback, but the time required for the computer to see the key pressed appears longer. • The 64 also appears to be more sensitive to volume control on the amp. This may require some adjustment to get good samples. ^ MAIN MENU 1 2 14 Ifi 1 R 2« 22 24 2fi ?R Htfiirc Ivpins thi^ priijirjm rcail "Unw lo Enitr l'fosrim> jnd "How to Lst- ihc Miguinc VMr\ Pnigram- llw ll,\M< proj:r.ifni in shis raagazint lit .i\3il2b1c on Jis1< from Loacfciif, P.O. Box.MIDIlH.Slifcvfptm. U'lrW-DOO'. l-8(lU«.<l-2fi9.j. Sound Digitizer 11—64 REM ***** 64 DIGITAL RECORDER ****** 'BDBH POKE "56579, 255:POKE 253,0 :POKE 254,22:POKE 512F),f) :POKE 5121,16'FMIM PRINT TAR (7) " rCLEAR,D0WN71 : "'CCYJ PRINT:PRINT TAB(7) "DIGITAL RECORDER AND PLAYER"' DDSP PRINT:PRINT"1) LOAD ML ROUTINE rSPACF217) DIRECTORY" 'CBWG PRINT"2> RECORD rSPACEIl] P) QUIT" 'RAFF PLAYBACK "'BAIE LOAD SOUND SAMPLE" 'BAJI SAVE SOUND SAMPLE" 'BAAK CHANGE PITCH" 'BAXC PRINTrPRINT TAB (2) "ENTER NUMBER 1-R rSPACE?! THEN PRESS RETURN" : INPUT J'EFAM ON J GOTO 63,26,23,34,18,46,58, ■^2'CYKH PRINT" rCLEARl ": PRINT TAB (12) " [DOWN] RKCORDTNG":SYS 486d:GOTO 6'FLPM PRINT" rCLEARl " :PRINT TAR fl2) " TDOWNl PRINT" 3) PRINT"4) PRINT"S1 PRINT"6} PLAYBACK" :SYS 4941:PRINT" [CLEAR, D0WN31 RETURNING TO MENU"'FKIT ■^a FOR T = l TO 15P[:NEXT:P0KE 197,64 :POKE 19R,CI:G0T0 6 ' HVAH ■^2 PRINT" rCLEART'iEND'CBFC 34 PRTNT"ENTER NAME OF .SOUND SAMPLE :" : INPUT AS'CDTM 3fi PRINT" fCLEAR,D0WN4I LOADING. . "A$ :LOAD AS, 8,1: GOTO 6'DLLM 38 PRINT" fCLEAR,D0WN21 ENTER NAME OF SOUND SAMPLE" 'BAYP 4R TNPHT BS : PRINT" f CLEAR, DOWN] SAVING SAMPLE " ; BS ' CGRG 4? SYS 57812BS,8:POKE 173,22 :POKE 172,0:POKE 78n,172'EFDK 44 POKE 782,14R:POKE 78l,0:SYS 65496 : GOTO 6 • EVWK 46 PRINT" rCLEAR,D0WN41 DEFAULT SETTING IS 38":G=PEEKf 5019) 'DIIQ 48 PRINT: PRINT"CURRENT SETTING IS "• G'CDIP 5n PRINT:PRINT:PRINT"A SMALLER NUMBER WILL INCREASE PITCH"'DCSN 52 PRINT"A LARGER NUMBER WILL DECREASE PITCH" 'BAKN 54 PRINT: PRINT: INPUT"ENTER A NUMBER"- A ' DEWL 56 POKE 5Cn9,A:POKE 5154,A:POKE 516f),A :GOTO 6'EWBN Continued on page 111 48 DECEMBER 1988 GAMESTAR WRESTLING FEDERATION HIGHLIGHTS f Intense 1- orl-player tag team action lets you thrasif computer challengers or bust up your buddies - with pain- inflicting ease! i Each GWF maniac has his own mean set of merciless moves -Pile Drivers, Airplane Spins, Gut Busters, and more! HCW TOORDBB: Iffs/t your ntailei or cttl 800-Z27-S900 for direct Visa/MastarCsnl onlefs. Direct price is S2S.SS for the Commodore 64/128' version. A ship/ring and handling charge of 54.50 applies to ali direct orders. Sales tax will be added to orders in CaHfomia and Texas, f Win the GWF championship belt, then strut your stuff around the ring so the chicks can check you out! C^mmoderw M xcntas shown. Catoatv md Ttkt Dowa an tndamtrki of GimttMr Camatodota B4/12S tn ttgittend trvdamariii ofConuoodon Dntnaia Umited. INSIDE Q-UNK' by Robert W. Baker Downloading Help Explore the inner workinjfs of the Q-Link telecommunications senice with network pro Hob Baker. A few issues back there was a discus- sion about downloading problems and potential causes or cures. Well, Q- Link has added a special section in the Software Libraries of CEN to help new- comers and those who may not feel too comfortable about downloading program files. There are actually two areas of inter- est— the DowTiloader's Starter Kit and the Downloading Help Desk. There's a wealth of information for new users in the Down- loading Help Desk along with a Dowti- loading Help Message Boaiti where j'ou can ask questions about downloading. Q- Link has assigned a staff member to man- age this area on a full-time basis, so you should get a response to your message in a i reasonable amount of time. Besides the message board and an over- view of the area, you'll also find a list of common questions and answei's, plus a list of hints and tips for downloading. If the world of telecommunications is new to you, this is the best place to stait. You'll find infonnation on the vaiious types of software available, with comments on copyrighted programs. Shareware and public domain software. Concerning the downloading oi>eration itself, there's information on problems like i being disconnected from the system, hav- ing your computer lock up, or getting disk error messages in the middle of a down- load. As mentioned in the September col- '. umn, Q-Link will issue credits for incom- plete downloads under certain circum- stances. Download credits are nonnally is- sued for disconnects, lock-ups and similar downloading problems, but check the in- , formation provided in the Downloading Help Desk for more details. Since you'll need to know the complete filename and uploader's ID to get credit for the file you were trying to download, be sure to scrib- ble it down somewhere before you start. Most lock-up conditions usually relate to a minor problem mth the T^TiiNet net- work. If you use TymNet and start to ex- .--'^ Jr^h* ^i-V//.- "1 J Si-^^nz' perience this problem occasionally, there's a patch available for the Q-Link software to help overcome lock-ups. Under the Q-Link Utilities in the Soft- ware Libraries you'll find a download patch program. It can also be do\«iloaded directly, with a filename of "updateq" uploaded by "QLink" to the library. The Q-Link Update Program was designed to help correct problems some people experi- ence when dosmloading long programs via the T^-mNet system. The file com- ments contain complete installation instructions that are pretty simple. All you have to do is load and njn the update program and insert your Q-Link disk when requested. It only lakes a few sec- onds for the progi-am to be updated. Another update progi-am is available for those with Q-Link disks without a ver- sion number on them. This program will activate the screen name ftmction on youi' Q-Link program disk, so you can create different names to use on Q-Link. You should find the "screen names" file uploaded by "QLink" in the same library where the updateq utility can be found. You only need to download and run this program once, as indicated in the program comments in the software libraiy. The in- stallation instmctions are basically the same as for the update utility: you simply load and run the utility, then insert the Q- Link program disk when requested. After this feature is added to your program disk, you'll have to log back on to Q-Link and go to the Customer Semce Center to add new screen names. There's a Create a Screen Name function under the Screen Names and Pi-ofiles area. Just follow the prompts to add up to four additional screen names to your disk. You're limited to a maximum of five active names, but you can delete and add names at any time within that limit. Just keep in mind that , once a name is deleted it cannot be re- claimed. If you've added screen names to your Q- Link Program disk, you'll i-eceive a prompt to select the desil^^d screen name whenever you log on to Q-Link. Your original screen name will be the default at the top of the list, with the added names listed following that entiy. lb use a differ- ent name, simply use the cursor key indi- cate the desired name and press Fl or RETURN. Keep in mind that you cannot change your selected name while online. You have t« log off and then log back on again to change your active screen name. How- ever, having multiple screen names can be a great advantage in spite of the incon- venience involved in changing fiiom using one or another. The most obvious use of multiple sci'een names is to create a separate name for each member of your family all under the one account. This way you'll get only one bill each month 'aom Q-Link with all your online charges combined. Another handy trick is to create added names for online notes to yourself via E-Mail. Oi- you may want to use different names for various groups and clubs when you're online. Getting back to the topic of download- ing, don't forget that you can save a lot of time by directly downloading a file if you know the fiall filename and the uploader's id. You do not have access the comments associated with the file when you down- load directly. However, you can oi-der a printed director}- of the available public domain libraiies with a description for each file. Combined with the direct down- loading featmie, this can be a great time saver You'll find infonnation on oitlering a copy of the latest directory in the Down- loading Help Desk. Cantimied on page 60 50 DECEMBER 1988 The wait is over... but the excitement hasj just begtin. ore than two years in the making, Warriors - of Destiny sets the new standard fqjf role- playing games. No other game can o|per<- you as beautifully detailed a world .4fe * or as exciting an adventure. "^ si. -^ - Ultima V is the game for all role-playing gamers: Warriors of Destiny will enchant the novice and challenge the expert. Highlights of Ultima V • Powerful new combat and magic Vs systems, increasing in sophistication *^ as your sliill increases. '•! • Over twice the graphic detail, anima> tion and sound effects of earlier games. , • Hundreds of truly life-like people who can^ carry on complex conversations * and interactions — i - • with yoi -.•Ai:-/^Ty^yu;-; "mfo^ y^^^xvsi^- Si^^s'k^ Wv^^ i I r=^t •^%^ fe^ Screen displays shown from Ihe tpplo™ . Oyicrs maT vary. tUltlma IV i Ultima Buikline 'K' Available for: IBM-PC I Tandy / compatibles, Appts il Series, Commodore 54n2fl, Amiga, Atari ST. > gst your copy of URima V, (1) visti your local retailer, (2) call 1-600-999-4939 Bam to Spm EST to order by VISA'MC, or (3) mail check (tl.S, S) or VIS A/MC #, cardlroider name : and exp. <Jate to Origin, 136-B Harvey Road, Londonderry, NK 03D53. All versions $59,95 plus $2.50 shipping and handling. Allow 1-2 weelts for delivery. ADVENTURE ROAD Staying Alive: How to Solve Role-Playing Games News and opinion from a leading explorer of those fantasy realms called adventure games. The main problem facing the role-play- er is survival — what good does it do to solve a puzzle if half your party is dead by the time you figure it out? Or to finally get your sticky little adventuring hands on the Orb of OhBoylGotIt! if the rest of the team gets wiped out by a lone ore while carting it back to the Guild? So before setting out to rescue those hopeless folk who inhabit Britannia, Skara Brae or some other fantasy world (and what would these people do without you to save them ftt)m every Evil Wizard who happens along, anyway?], some pre- quest preparation is in order. First, devote some time to studying the manual. This is much more vital than when playing a text or graphic adventure — the fact that the documentation for RPGs is usually 10-20 pages long and sometimes includes as many as three manuals is the first clue to their importance. If it's a multiple-character game, study the possible races and classes and their strengths and weaknesses. On paper, draw up a well-balanced crew that can ac- , cess as many of the various skills required ■ for success. (Of course, you won't know ex- , actly which skills are required, but that's half the fim!) In a game system like Wiz- ardry or Bard's Tak, which permits char- acters to change class as they advance, a wise Fmder of Lost Orbs will plot these j changes out to their ultimate conclusion for each party member, assuring a bal- anced team throughout. In a good paper- ; and-pencU RPG, character creation is of- ten a diverting mini-game in itself, so ; keep that in mind and have some fun be- ! fore you boot the disk. The classic team for a six-member party , in a game involving magic is a pair of heavily armored Fighter-types up front '. (Dwarfs are often best), where they can protect the poorly armored Priest-type (to heal wounded members) and Wizard-type (casting combat spells I bringing up the rear. Middle slots may be filled with an- other Fighter-type (usually only the first three positions can attack with hand weapons), an Archer, a Thief (check the manual for comments on locks and wheth- er you really need thiefly skills) or per- haps a member of a class that can cast spells as well as swing a battle axe. Science fiction games call for a similar- ly balanced crew, though their positions are unimportant because they usually en- gage in ship-to-ship rather than hand-to- hand combat. Your Medic is the F*riest, your Gunner the fighter, and so on. Sub- stitute "alien planet" for "dungeon," and the following principles apply equally to SFRPGs. A Plan of Attack— and Retreat! Now that you've got a good team, how do you keep them alive long enough to loot a few temples and ransack some ores' lairs? It helps to think of the overall quest as a series of missions. Before entering the first dungeon or wandering too far from the first town, make a plan. Decide exact- ly what you want your party to accom- plish each time they step outside the shel- ter of the Inn, Tavern or Guild. Set a clear goal: to map a certain area of the maze or countryside, to scout for gold or food, or to slay enough Drool-Slimes so your Thief can be promoted to the next level. Then look at the team's Hit Points and decide on a cut-off point that will ring an alarm and send your team back to safety: If yom- weakest member has fifteen Hit Points, you may want to head for the stairs when they fall to seven. The more daring you are about stieking to your cut- off point, the more excitement you'll de- rive from the adventure. Also, the more new party members you'll be able to force to create to replace all the ones killed, or all the gold you'll have to spend resurrect- ing them, because you didn't head back to the Guild in time. (You should also deter- mine a cut-off point for combat in games that permit you to fiee.) These two simple rules — choose a goal, then pick a cut-off point and obser\'e it— are the keys to suc- cess. Management skills must also be devel- oped, for the successfijl role-player of com- puter games must manage a plethora of resources and responsibilities that would drive most corporate executives right up the wall. You've got hit points, spell points, food, gold, weapons, maps and a fantasy world fiill of new diiscoveries to keep track of, so drag out a three-ring binder and plenty of paper. Keep records on each character so youll know how many experience points he needs to reach the next level, who's got which item and so on. And don't forget the maps. Instead of graph paper, with those tiny squares, use map sheets like those provided in Might and Magic: a grid of dots, which you connect to draw walls — this way you never ask that fatal ques- tion, "Is that line a wall I drew, or the line on the graph paper?" (Hordes of monsters usually appear within microseconds after Continued on page 60 52 DECEMBER 1988 r D I i_ n L I II F-19 STEALTH FIGHTER will turn your computer into the hottest flying mactnine on today's electronic battfefront. Ttie graphics are that vivid ... the game play that challenging ... and the realism that convincing. Learn the secrets of stealth flying — maintaining a low electromagnetic profile to avoid enemy radar and mastering the tactics that only a stealth pilot dares to try. We've painstakingly reasearched stealth technology — and we make it real! I I U I I I I- l\ You'll discover hundreds of action-packed scenarios in real-world regions — from a deep-strike mission in North Africa to a reconnaissance flight over Central Europe. We'll train you in the basics, but only your skill and cunning can save the day. pg^t^ring • Carrier and land based take-offs and landings • Advanced electronics, counter-measures • Intelligent enemies — land, sea and air opposition .— " • Realistic flight experience '^:- For Commodore C-64/128 Can't (iod F-19? Call (301) 771-1 151. weekdays Bam lo 5pm EST and Ofdef by MC-VISA; or mail ctieck-money order for S44,95 for C-64'1 28, U.S. funds only. MD residnnts add 5% sales tax. Free shipping in U.S.; S5.00 interna- tional. Allow 1 -3 weeks for U.S. delivery. '^^^St^Su? lao UWEFRONT DRIVE • HUNT VALLEY. MD 21030 Amiga Public Domain Again this month I don't have any new Fish disks to talk about, however, there are a bunch of programs that I ob- tained from PeopleLink and local BBS's. This month some of the highlights include a new demo program for PeopleLink's graphical teleconferencing program AGO, a new terminal program and a major up- date to an established terminal program, plus a new animation display program. For each program, the author is given when it is known. If I obtained a PD pro- gram directly from PeopleLink's Amiga- Zone, I list the AmigaZone download file number (if no file number is given the pro- gram may still be on PeopleLink, but I ob- tained it somewhere else), so those of you who have access to PeopleLink can quick- ly download this file. \Vhen a public do- main program has been classified as shareware, this is also mentioned with the suggested amount. ACODerao: by Steve Pietrowicz (AmigaZone file #12878 and 12879) This is a demo that Steve created (for display at PeopleLink's booth at the Chi- cago AmiEXPb) to demonstrate the capa- bilities of AGO version 3.0, the graphical teleconferencing program used on People- Link. In addition to the main portion of the demo, which shows off most (but not all) of the major features in AGO, there is an introductory piece in which "Partner" (as in ACOPartner, for those who have used AGO) is introduced in a short skit along with Steve. The entire ACODemo was created with The Director. For those who have heard about AGO before, but have never seen it in action (especially if you never saw my review of A(50 version 2.0 in the December 1987 installment of this column) and are wondering what all the commotion is about, this is the demo you need to see! Moria version 2.0: by Biyan Henderson (AmigaZone file #12781) This is the first update to the fantastic fantasy role-playing game Moria, (re- viewed in the October installment of this column). The most noticeable improve- ment over the first version of Moria is that color graphics characters have now been added to Moria. Even more impor- tantly, the color graphic characters in Moria 2.0 are much better than those found in either Hack or Lam. The other major change is that Moria 2.0 allows you to easily make backup copies of your char- acter You can now copy the chai'acter file via AmigaDOS Copy instead of having to back up the entire disk with the likes of TlirboBackup or a commercial disk copier. Other changes aren't as major, but still worth mentioning. New weapons and monsters have been added. As far as mon- sters go, the new additions of the Laven- der Leprechauns and the Big Blue Icky Things make possession of any money whatsoever much more rewarding, since both monsters are very adept at stealing you blind. The on-screen stats section now displays maximum as well as current at- tribute values (which makes it much easi- er to prudently manage your supply of Re- store Attribute potions), as well as dis- playing the current mana and hit point values. The starting equipment for most characters has been improved. Finally, for those who have a habit of putting your character into hopeless situations, there is now a "grovel" command, in which you can beg the "powers that be" to save your character fixim a deadly pi'edicament. Of course, you will soon find out that even angels don't work for free. Walk: by Eric Daniels (AmigaZone file #12981, 12982 and 13061) This is a stunning Sculpt! Animate 3D □y Graham Kmsey Emimation of a chrome pair of legs walk- ing over a checkered floor Those of you who have at least one megabyte of mem- or>' (make that 1.5 MB if you want to hear the digitized sounds i will be amazed by this great example of the results you can achieve by using reflective surfaces in ray-traced animations. GT: by Greg Cunningham (AmigaZone file # 12968) This is version 1.2 of GT, which is a ter- minal program with some very different features. For instance, GT has no menus whatsoever Instead, GT has a set of gad- gets where the title bar would normally be. lb use any of these title-bar gadgets, click on the right mouse button. This is sure to surprise (and possibly confuse) many Amiga users at first. GT's protocol Ust includes WXmodem (for PeopleLink) and Ymodem. There is limited script file support, in that you can attach a set of IF- THEN-type statements (up to twenty per number) to each and every number that you dial to automate the log-on process. It supports autoredialing, including a queue sj'Stem. GTalso supports phone directo- ries, although unfortunately it does not support the AMIC PD TERM phone direc- tory format needed to use Chet Solace's The Final List. Although I can't say I was as excited about GTas many of the folks on PeopleLink, it is a reasonable alterna- tive to the likes of AMIC PD TERM and Communicator and is worth considering. Access! version 1.4: by Keith Young (AmigaZone file #13151; Shareware: $25) This is version 1.4 of Access!, the coior- fiil terminal program I talked about last in the August 1988 "Amiga Public Do- main." Version 1.4 holds many improve- ments. The routine in Access! that allows you to load and read text files has now been removed and has been transformed into a separate program. However, if you are running Access! when you load the text reader program (called "rd"), rd's win- dow will appear inside the Access! screen. Also text files are now loaded completely into memory for faster scrolling. If you clear the screen (by selecting an option like a spHt screen or switch to'fiiDm an in- terlaced display!. Access! will re-display any text that was on the screen before the screen was erased. For those who use Bill Hawes' commercial shell product WSHeU, Continued on page 56 54 DECEMBER 1988 urNPics By Dynamix, Inc. and Greg Johnson Before corporate sponsors and fashion gear, there were Cavemen. Competition ^M^as ugh-ly. Athletes won by isashing the other guy first. Pick your favorite Ugh-lympian. Club your v^ay through six pre-hysterical events. Beat your friends to the Caves Of Fame. ^*^^^ Mate Toss j^#yii^ x^^ ..•.7-;>. ■■■ J ■ I "Swing fosf circles. Remember let go. Good for medals. Not good for getting dates" — Crudla. Dinosaur Race "Club dino head, go faster. Too much club, dino bite dust, Vincent hate dust^' —Vincent. "Become one with club. Don't fall for look-at-birdie-in-sky trick. Don't check feet for fleas." — Glunk. The greatest Neanderthal athletes of all time share their secrets. "Rub sticks fast. Moke bright, ouchy hot thing first. Try not get dizzy. Remember to duck" — Ugha. "I like plant pole in totolly cave-ularsand, soar high In air, wave to way-hungry dino" — Thog. Sabertooth Tiger Race _: J . ■ \ ' -^^,-t ■■■'■■ ■ -* -^^J^'M'^-^ "Run fast fast from tiger. Watch out for cactus. Trip other cave-guy. Him big lunch for kitty" — Gronk. Visit your relailefs of coll 800-245-4525 from U.S. or Conado 8am to 5pfi\ PST. Screen shots represent C64 version. C64 is Ci pr'TROMTP ARTS* o registered trademark of Commodore Electronics Limited. Amiga Update/Amiga Public Domain Continued from page 54 Access!'s NewCLI command will open a NewWSH right on the Access! screen in- stead of opening a NewCLI. You can now load in a font of your choice into Access. When using chat mode, you can even use two different fonts at once; one for the bottom send window and a separate one for the top receive win- dow. The phone directory now includes "Multi-Dial" gadget, which is Accessl's version of queue support for it's aut»re- dialing. Although Accessl's queue support is basically of the sequential type (Similar to AMIC PD TERM, and unlike Online!, which has a more powerful user-program- mable queue system), Access! at least al- lows you to tell it which number in the queue it should dial first (after dialing ijiat first number. Access! proceeds to dial in a sequential fashion). Keith has introduced script support with this version. Script commands can send and receive ASCII text (including a command that will toggle an ASCII cap- ture), send a beep to the console, execute EF-THEN-type statements, set an inter- nal delay period, hang up the modem, send a string to the modem and create la- bels. Of course, Access! allows you to at- tach a script file to any phone number in its phone director^'. However, Access! does not sacrifice phone directory compatibility with the AMIC PD TERlVLThe Final List standard to do this. There have been many other enhancements, including MoreRows support, increasing the size of the Review buffer, color graphics changes, so those who use only two bitplanes with Access! will still have a decent looking screen, and more. Although Access! still doesn't support the powerhouse protocols Ymodem and Zmodem (Keith says these are in the works), Access! is becoming a formidable terminal program. There's now much more to this terminal program than just pretty colors! BattleFort: by Ralph Reed (AmigaZone file #12787; Shareware: $25) This is not a new game, but rather the new name for version 2.0 of Ralph's com- plex robotic combat game BattleMech, (last discussed in the September install- ment of this column). The reason for the name change is that BattleMech now has a new component to the game. Instead of just two or more players controlling robots in combat against each other, robots can now attack a computer-controlled fort in- stead. The most important aspect about the additions efforts is that you can new- play BattleFort by yourseff against the computer. As you might expect, you can design your own forts for BattleFort, but only after you send in your shareware fee to Ralph. Video-Film: by Jim Robinson This VideoScape 3-D animation is a se- quel to the animation TfeUStar reviewed in the September installment of this column . Video-Film is also a three-part animation, although this time several spaceships are flying by a planet instead of just one, and the views are a bit different than in Tbll- Star. ClickDOS: by Gary Yates (AmigaZone file #13438; Shareware: $15) ClickDOS is another entry in the long list of DirUtil (Directory Utility) pro- grams out for the Amiga. ClickDOS in- cludes a small size (32K), iconification support, built-in commands and a prefer- ence for FAST memory instead of CHIP memoiy whenever possible. Snap: by Jerry Fitzpatrick (Shareware; $25} This poor man's version of SPICE will perform nodal analysis on various electri- cal cireuits. Snap includes support of de- pendent sources, and will analyze a circuit with up to 50 nodes and 1(X) components. The input file for Snap is a simple text file format. Addlcon: by Donald Meyer (AmigaZone file #11957; Shareware: $10) This is a powerful program used for cre- ation and/or modification of icons. Its sim- plest use is to create icons for a file, or add/ alter icons for each and every file in a cer- tain directoiy, including any sub-directo- ries. Wildcards are allowed, and you can also have Addlcon ask you for each file if you want the program to touch it or not. Workbench users can even use extended selection to tell Addlcon which files to act upon. However Addlcon goes far beyond that. First, you can tell Addlcon to touch only certain types of files, for example, files that are flagged by Workbench as Pro- jects, Drawers and/or Tbols. Addlcon even allows you to be much more specific. You can tell it to work on executable files, text files, IFF pictures (including different res- olutions), ARC files and/or ZOO files. And naturally there is a configuration file in which you specify what file extenders de- note that a particular file falls into one of the 13 programmed file types (unfortu- nately the user can not add his own file types). You can also tell AddlCon to modify only certain aspects of an existing icon. These options include changing the im- age, stack size, icon type, default tool, po- sition and/or tool types. In the fiiture Don- ald plans to add a file requester as well as a means to add an automation process, so the user can program a default operation. This would enable Addlcon to automati- cally perform that operation when asked without additional user input. BarsnTone: by Mike Berro (Shareware: $15) If you work at video on your Amiga, this program can help you fine tune your equipment. Barsnlbne generates a SMPTE color bar pattern as well as a IKHz tone. The tone volume is adjustable within the program. Bugs: by Jimmy Maher (AmigaZone file #11823) For those who have the Amiga session record/playback program Journal, this ar- chive contains five Journal files which demonstrate five different bugs in version 1.2 of the operating system. Included in the demonstration are examples of the window resizing bug and the annoying Workbench 'Tcnown volume" requester bug, IBM: by David Donley (AmigaZone file #12686) If you liked the joke Commodore 64 emulator I mentioned last month, then you're really going to like this joke IBM- 1 PC emulator! For you worry-warts out there, when you see a Guru first, don't panic. Space: by Richard Stockton (AmigaZone file #13180) For those who already have a clock pro- gram, but are still looking for a titlebar program that displays info on free mem- ory and drive space, Space contains four different such programs. Most of them dis- play how much fiiee space is left on the disks in drives diO: and dfl; as well as how much free memory is left in RAM: and vdO;, although one also displays iree space left on df2:, df3: and dhO:. Stairs: by (jeorge Nolan (AmigaZone file #12978) A good-looking SculptlAnimaie 3D ani- mation of a metallic ball bouncing up and down a set of steps. Although the ray- 56 DECEMBER 1988 Amiga Update/Amiga Public Domain traced graphics are quite good, the anima- tion of the ball as well as the digitized sound effects could use some improve- ment. VirusX version 1.7: by Steve Tibbett (AmigaZone file #13213) Here is version 1.7 of the powerful and vital virus detection/elimination program VirusX. Last month I reviewed version 1.4 of VirusX. Version 1.7 of VirusX in- cludes detection of three more viruses. The Byte Warrior virus and North Star Antivirus were created to combat destruc- tive viruses in the first place, but instead they have simply made the problem worse. VirusX also now looks for the "Ob- elisk Softworks Crew" virus. As I've stated before, if you think you have been infected with a new virus, please send a copy of this virus to Steve so that he can update VirusX to detect and eliminate it. Finally, for those who are thinking about writing an anti-virus virus program, don't do it! You are making the Amiga virus situa- tion worse, not better! DiskX version 2.1: by Steve Tibbett This is version 2.1 of Steve's disk editor DiskX, (discussed in the November 1987 installment of this colunrn). Some im- provements to DiskX include interlace support, the ability to search for any AS- CII string on a disk, support of all DOS de- vices, case independent string searches and recoverability of files that were de- leted with the AmigaDOS DELETE com- mand. DiskX now uses arp.libraiy, so you need to install ARP on your Workbench disk before loading DiskX. SPUDclock: by H. Bret Young This unique clock program will speak to you. You can tell SPUDclock when to tell you what time it is. For example SPUD- clock can announce the time every hour, every half hour or eveiy quarter hour. The volume of the speech is adjustable. You can give SPUDclock a message to say when it announces the time. For those who like to run their Amigas 24 hours a day, you can even give SPUDclock start and end times for which to wake up and go to sleep, and when SPUDclock wakes up or goes to sleep, it announces this with a polite "good morning" or "good night." BetterSpeech: by Dexter Orange If you don't mind the overall quality of the Amiga speech, but are annoyed by the ridiculous pronunciation of some words, BetterSpeech can help. BetterSpeech will intercept any word the Amiga incorrectly interprets, and reinterpret for it. Better- Speech's exception list comes with almost 50 entries, and you can add to that list if you like. Xboot: by Francois Rouaix (AmigaZone file #13011) This small utility will transform the code on the boot blocks into an executable file. If you have a disassembler or debug- ger, this will allow you to take a closer look at any boot blocks in which you sus- pect a virus. Display: by Martin Hash (AmigaZone file #12785) Finally a superior alternative to ShowANIM has arrived. Although Dis- play was first written to show animations created with Animation : Apprentice iix)m Hash Enterprises, Display also will show any ANIM format animation as well. Some of the features Display supports in- clude varying the playback rate, freez/e frame, single-frame mode and display of fiume numbers. All these ftmctions can be accessed via the keyboard while the ani- mation in playing, instead of having to specify in the command line with Continued on page 109 Ann ST. ConmodU! 64 ■ ;23 Suie ftu'fE to'irg "ore fun Ihan you aver Ihougtll possible. See how vou feel eiter the neil 23 levels. Hit the streets with two romps through the urban jungle. First, Metrocross. A high-speed race tiirough level after level oi twisted subway tunnels. It's you against the clock. And a barrage of barriers bent on your destruction. Like rats the size of taxi cabs. Good thing you've got a skateboard and a cata- pulting springboard or two. Or be the coolest cat in town in Street Cat. Navi- gate your way through a tangle of city streets. And compete in the craziest events ever dished up by man or computer. Like oozing your way through the slimy sewers. Or bowling fof bulldogs. Whatever the event, it's sure to bring out the animal in you. U S Gold II a irjdemarl d1 GO firenca Lid Wslrctrq^s and Siraa! Ca! aia iLcarwd licm &0 Anefica Ltd Mflrccross is a Irademail o1 Nsmto Lid Cana program lar Merrocrois C.13B& Namco Lid Afl rrghli resarved, Um pregram for SIroot Cat c laH? Solljold/ Raintia* Arts c; 193B Ewi, Irr: Nd other gams serves up brawi^y bullrlogs for you to bowl over. ^lip, Atari SI CtrrnrrinioiB M/13B. IBM r^ £ Conpatrbis- UPDATE" by Matthew Leeds Allen Hastings: Film Maker Allen Hastings' creation of VideoScape 3D was part of a natural progression that started in a seventh-grade BASIC programming class in junior high school. By the ninth grade he had written his first 3D program on the school's HP 3000; it printed out pictures of the Death Star's trench using a teletype terminal and ASCII characters. Two years later he started working for Lockheed in their So- lar Physics department writing image- processing software in FORTRAN for Tbk- tronix terminals. He has been both work- ing for Lockheed and writing software ever since. In November of 1985 he purchased his first Amiga. Less than a year later he showed the first movie produced using what was to become VideoScape 3D at a First Amiga User's Group (FAUG) meet- ing in Belmont, California. Titled "Venc," it was an interstellar saga of space war shot with an 8mm film camera and trans- ferred to videotape. Since then he has pro- duced "Infinite Loop," "ANIM Demos," "Apocalypse Real Soon Now," "Halloween 3D" and "The Machine." His newest film, "Rush Hour," breaks new ground in several areas. It makes ex- tensive use of HAM imagery, shifts from black and white to color and back again, runs about two minutes in length, and is one of the first three Amiga videos to be accepted into the SIGGRAPH film and video show. SIGGRAPH (Association for Comput- ing Machinery's Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics) is the oldest contin- ually running annual conferen(» for com- puter graphics. It is considered by many to be the most significant computer graphics event of the year. SIGGRAPH is a combination of panel sessions, courses, exhibition, film and \ideo show, art show, special interest groups and social flinc- tions. Individuals and organizations re- sponsible for advances in computer graph- ics technology present discoveries and in- novations through formal papers and dis- plays. SIGGRAPH, held in Atlanta during the first week of August, drew 20,000 people who attended more than 28 courses, pre- sentations of 37 technical papers . 13 panel discussions, and wandered through exhibits of over 250 vendors. Commodore Business Machines previewed the Amiga at the 1985 SIGGRAPH in San Francisco, and it has remained an important venue for the Amiga's remarkable graphics. The SIGGRAPH Film and Video Show is known as the world's premier event of the year for computer graphics animation. Film makers and computer animation specialists from around the world submit their most technically excellent pieces for this prestigious event. Selected pieces are chosen on the basis of innovation in tech- nology and visual creativity by a jury of computer graphics experts. Tickets to the film and video show are so valued that they are often scalped at prices usually found only at rock concerts. This year, for the first time, SIG- GRAPH selected three Amiga-generated entries for their celebrated Film and Vid- eo Show; "Rush Hour," Winners Circle Productions' 'Time and Again" and Byte by Byte's 'Ttesktop 3D" were featured. Special events at this year's SIG- GRAPH included a night-time laser light show at Geoi^a's Stone Mountain nation- al park. The laser beams create dramatic stories, flm characters and graphic images choreographed to popular, jazz and classi- cal music. The laser show is projected onto a natural one-million-square-foot granite screen. I interviewed Allen Hastings just prior to his departure to Atlanta regarding his fthn "Rush Hour." Allen talked at length about the inspiration for his films, the techniques he uses and some thoughts on the creative process: Allen Hastings: The film Fm doing for SIGGRAPH is created entirely with inter- laced overscan HAM images. The film is being made with a new program; I guess you could consider it either a new version oiVideoScape or an entirely new program, 1 depending on what else I add to it before it's finished. It has some new features like texture mapping, and it also supports the use of a 68020 with a math chip. Fm using the Hurricane board with a 68882 math chip. I used Aegis Modeler 3D for all the ob- jects in the film. It is definitely the most logical and consistent user interface. The different selection modes and the way in which all the operations work in each se- lection mode are very intuitive. It's an ele- gant system, and it is also very precise. It only creates the polygons required for an object, without any extraneous points or polygons left over. Some other object-cre- ation programs create objects mth extra polygons inside the object that just slow down rendering or interfere in other ways. Modeler also keeps its coordinates con- sistent. Some other programs don't always keeps points at the exact same locations all the time. In the film, I did a lot of real- world simulation, pictorial-quality anima- tion. Modeler lets you use real-world mea- surements like meters and kilometers. The film was an attempt to model the San Francisco Bay Area in 3D, in particular downtown San Francisco, That turned out to be too big a job, but I did succeed in cre- ating a very detailed Golden Gate Bridge, which features prominently in the film along mth lots of detailed cars. I spent about four months designing everything for the film. I just close my eyes and see it. I can imagine in 3D. I often do that as I'm fall- ing asleep. Unless I picture it in my mind, I don't know where to place the objects and how to move them. The film is a fantasy that most people have when they are stuck in rush hour traffic. The title of the film is "Rush Hour." It's about a driver stuck on the Golden Gate Bridge, trapped in a long line of cars. He drifts into a fantasy where his car transforms into a Lamborghini. Wings slide out from the sides, and he be- gins to take off and fly over everyone's head. I thought about that for a long time. 58 DECEMBER 1988 Amiga Update/Allen Hastings; Film Maker" The film is veiy short, no more than about two minutes, although that is quite a long time for computer animation. It's long enough to get the plot across, and there are a lot of exciting developments that occur. He gets chased by helicopters, runs out of gas and falls; the helicopters accidentally blow up a landmark. The whole thing is very fast paced. Finally he drives up to his home, a nice place on the coast, and the sun is setting into the orean; a loud car horn sounds and the scene fades back to the bridge where a small gap has formed in the line in iront of him. The beginning and end of the film are done in black and white, and the dream sequence is done in color. When I create a film like this I start with a stoiyboard. I draw still frames for each scene and try to keep in my mind de- tails like camera angles and that sort of thing. There are a lot of film-making rules that I use to make the editorial flow go nicely. It is verj' important to keep the di- rection of objects, left to right or right to left, consistent during the film. I started out making films with models and stuff, not computers, I did claymation, used plastic models, anything that I could get my hands on. I also read a lot on direc- tion, film-making. That's something any- one interested in film-making should do, regardless of what they are using to make their films. I haven't always been able to get my films to come out the way I wanted them. Sometimes the tools are just not there yet. A good example is when I was limited to making films vrith ANM files. I had to limit myself to camera motions that would work in an ANIM file. They had to be small enough and short enough to play back smoothly, and that cut out some of the scenes I wanted to do. Now that I've gone back to single-firame animation, I can do whatever I want motionwise. I use a Sony 5850 y4-inch single-frame- capable video recorder interfaced through a Lyon-Lamb single-fi-ame controller This lets me record my film a single fi-ame at a time. The setup works perfectly, no glitches, no missing frames, and no multi- ple frames. The single-framing capability in VideoScape works just fine with tMs setup, but I wrote my own controller soft- ware to work with the new animation soft- ware I'm using. The software I wrote lets me single frame AMM files to the 5850. It turns out that I had to do it that way instead of re- cording after rendering. The new software takes longer to render a frame because of its use of interlaced overscan HAM, and the extra time exceeded the time the 5850 would stay in record/pause mode without damaging the tape. I could have used the Microlllusions transport controller and rendered each frame as an IFF file, stored it to disk, and then single framed them to the 5850, but the amoimt of storage need- ed for the number of frames I created would have required an optical disc for storage. Storing them as compressed ANIM files worked much better. The en- tire file fits on about a third of my hard disk. Using the Lyon-Lamb controller the pre-roll time is about five or ten seconds. Adding the time to bring the image up still kept me within the record/pause limit on the 5850. When Infinite Loop was cre- ated we hand edited on a 5850, and there were some duplicated frames. I did discov- er during editing on Rush Hour that the Sony edit controller is only accurate to about two frames, so its not as accurate as the Lyon-Lamb. I did use an S-VHS Panasonic AG-7500 as an experiment, and I found it was sin- gle-frame accurate. They don't claim that it is but it was. The coimter is not accu- Continued on page 66 events. Ba/anShf^^"'"^)' ^ cbS^g^ ;--*«l &:. 'm ^:. K %n 'Vv,\ m^^ \-Ky ■ :r^\ ^^ lintensely fun games from ■:^^%Vi•i:i^^i COMMODORE MAGAZINE 59 Inside Q-Link/Downloading Help Continued from page 50 Most of the files you'll download fkim Q- Link are meant to be used on your Com- modore 64 or 128 system, but there are other files available. You'll find files and programs for the Amiga, MS-DOS and CP/M machines as well as GEOS-related items. Each of these has a special method or utility required to get the file to the ap- propriate environment once it's download- ed to your 64 or 128 system. Q-Link can only upload torn or download to a 64 or 128 system, so check the various special interest areas for additional information on handling these situations. Always be sure to check the description and comments associated with a file be- fore you download it. Many times you'll find important information on how to start or use the program that may not be obvious. Also, there should be some indi- cation of special file fonnats that may need to be converted before the files can be used. Be sure to watch for ARC, Lynx, Li- brary and other file archives created to fa- cilitate downloading a group of related files as a single file, besides compressing the data to save transfer times. By the way, one user recently asked about the serial numbers that appear in every message in the message boaixls and in every file description in the libraries. Well, these numbers are assigned when- ever a message is entered or a file is uploaded to the system. The serial num- ber appears in the header line following the "S#" prefix and uniquely identifies each message in the system. The serial numbers are used primarily by the folks at Q-Link for system mainte- nance when deleting or relocating a mes- sage. So if you're reporting a problem with a message or file to link, include this number with any other pertinent infor- mation to make it easy for the people at Q-Link to locate a given message. Another recent user comment con- cerned comparing the cost of using People Connection to the new local telephone hot- lines or party lines. They pointed out that at $6.00 per hom' on Q-Link, you actually get quite a bargain compa]^^d to as much as $60 per hour or more for the new wave of party lines. Well, that's it for another month. Keep those comments and suggestions coming, and maybe I'll mention your screen name here in print some day! As usual, 1 can be reached almost daily via E-Mail to RBaker. Hope everyone has a happy holi- day season! g Adventure Road/Staying Alive ' Coniiniii'd from page 52 an adventurer asks this question, or ut- ters any of the following: "Now where am 1?"; "Those stairs were here a second ago, weren't they?"; or "Nothing can kill my party now that I've got this Magic Ob- ject!") A neat trick that vrill spare you hours of redrawing the same maze is to tape a piece of clear plastic over the map sheet and draw on it with a liquid-based pen like the kind used with overhead projec- tors. When you make a mistake, just wipe ; it off and redraw it — much easier and less messy than erasing lines drawn with a pencil. After the maze is completely '' mapped, copy it to paper and file it in the notebook, since you'll often have to return I to a dungeon later in the game. Maffic and Combat 1 lb work wonders with magic, reread the manual and study any relevant clues. ' Many monsters are particularly suscept- ible to one spell or spell type. Once you've discovered that Smokey the Ogre's weak , point is a Fire s]k11, you've got it made. Look for convenient ways to restore spell points, for the toughest mazes sometimes have a few Spell Regeneration squares Adventure Road/Staying Alive scattered about. EiFective combat means mastering a few elements of tactics and strategy. Long- range weapons (and spells) can wear a group of monsters down before they get close enough to wear your group down, then a few well-placed swords and maces will finish them off. Magic weapons often exist, though you may have to experiment to learn their effects and most appropriate targets. Sometimes their targets are ap- parent, such as the Golem Staff in Wiz- ard's Crown. In a Hurry? Cheat! A few words on cheating— it's your fan- tasy, so if you want to cheat, go right ahead. (All's fair in love and dungeons, I always say.) Some people, and it's amaz- ing how many of them are game design- ers, will say you're only cheating your- self—but you paid the $39.95 for it, so you're entitled to do with it as you please (ex{»pt, of course, make 40,(X)0 copies and give them to all your friends.* Some games have bugs, others suffer design oversights that leave loopholes large enough to fly a Golden Dragon through. But why complain when these of- ten allow you to quickly score thousands of experience points or gold and build up a powerful party in no time? Once your team can muster enough MIBL and DRBR spells to defeat the Berserkers (at 5N, 12E, 2U in the Castle) in Bard's Tale I, for example, you can return there and wipe them out over and over and over — netting 60,000 experience points for each character every time. Yes, it is repetitious and boring. But so is getting killed over and over and over . . . In many RPGs, you can return to the spot where you found the Sword of Sockit- tome and — lo and behold! — it's still there. You can arm someone with the powerful weapon or sell it. Programs that erase items when taken ( Wasteland) can be sidestepped by simply making a new play disk of that particular dungeon disk or re- setting the dragon (Wizard's Crown). Li many games that permit you to make several copies of your character disk, you can move people back and forth to "clone" weapons, objects and gold. Here's a quick lesson from Phantask I: Make two copies of the scenario disk, then label one "good disk" (the one you want to keep playing on) and the other "dummy." After you get lots of potions (crucial to this gamel and weapons and other valuables, sell everything you want cloned to a Tbwn, say Pineville (Tbwn 2), then teleport to Tbwn 3. (When you teleport, the program writes to disk the fact that the goods are now in the shop in Town 2.) Remove the good disk and insert the dummy. Tfeleport to Tbwn 4, insert the good disk and teleport to Tbwn 2. Buy back the stuff you just sold, insert the dummy disk and teleport to Tbwn 3. (The purchase of the goods is now written to the dummy disk, so as far as the program is concerned, they are still in the shop in Town 2 on the good disk.) Insert the good disk and continue cloning, or proceed with the real game. By noting when a program writes things to a disk, you can find loopholes like this in lots of games. (But always make a back- up of your disks before tr^nng such ma- neuvers, just in case something goes I wrong— you are, after all, fiddling with j bits and bytes for which the programmer has reserved exclusive fiddling rights.) , Ivet me emphasize that the above meth- : ods for cheating should, in the opinion of This Adventurer, be used only as a last re- sort. Observe the Adventurer's Creed- get the gold, kill the monsters, save the land— and apply the preceding advice, and you'll have a clear conscience and feel a stronger sense of accomplishment when you finally solve the quest. ra irsiMR. And the fate of the free Fasten your SEatbelt. lai'te in foill«[ti]glighlDl¥Dyrlile. world rests in your capable hands. Take hold of the controls and your wits. Because 20,000 feet below you thunders the most feared battleship in all of Ger- many's fleet: The Bismarck. Enemy fighters zoom above you, anxious to turn you into fish food. And all around you lurk treacherous U-Boats, E-goats and minefields. Steady, mate. Remember all those practice flights? With these details, its no wor.* we fJflW it'S fOr real. YOU'Ve OOt (lyinttieteolF-iBStnkeEagle ... . . ..^ . position reports to monitor in- coming intelligence. A fully detailed instrument panel. And you can fire from one of two gunnery positions. All of which'll come in mighty handy when you've got 42,000 tons of riveted killing machine in your sights. WELL CAPTAIN, IT LOOKS LIKE F-15 STRIKE EAGLE' IS^T SO STRIKING, AFTER ALL DIVE BOMBER F-15 STRIKE EAGLE Easy la us8, lully ilelailed instrumenl panel Of course Mope Look oi enemy planes S ships True to life Stick figure Pace of enemy attacks Constant Lagging Tal(eofls Breathtaking Nonexistent Landings Brace yourself Liinited Nola CtiirpaciiDrs aft t)*l»d M curiifit Applfr IBM, anilCommadore 6iy1?B virvoni ot rUg p<rgdi;cl Appft II Sotnti i Cane jtitil (1. Atnri Si CQnrrD(!ori< Q<f 128. IBU H i CDnoitiblil. Sciteni Irom Ami ST nniGn ot Ihi gim» US GDliJ'>! slr^dETArkolCOArfnralld &ami progriiTi li»ns(!ifrDm&0 AtntricsLTd C1387 A>cni( Anlmjligr/GfRinlinCripllKsLtd c ISBB E|Iyi. !nc from US. GOLD' Create fonts up' to 192 point. These days, you can find all kinds of pro- grams that call themselves desktop publishers. Oh, one may drop a drawing here or create a column there. But don't let anyone kid you. Nobody's got anything like geoPublish. You see, geoPublish is a real desktop publisher. With hundreds more features that unleash your layouts across an endless number of pages, and leave your non-GEOS friends frenzied with frustration. Texl autnnuitiL")tty flows aixund jiraphk's. "Full featured desktop publishing on the Com- modore 64? Including laser printing? If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes on my own Commodore 64, 1 wouldn't have believed it, either." — MicniTimes, March, 19KH With geoPublish, you pour your geoWrite text into col- umns and around graphics. Automatically. You can use any of the 21 preset page layouts or any of the zillions you come up with yourself. After that, it's off to fun city. The geoPublish toolbox is filled with goodies that help you create all kinds of special effects in almost every area, for example, you can customize over 80 GEOS compatible fonts. In bold, italic, underline, or outline. In any combination you choose. Up to 192 points high. "Ofthe three soft- ware packages I used (geoPublish, Personal Newsletter, Outrageous Pages), geoPublish most resembles professional desktop publishing programs:' _,,,,Marchl988 And that's just what you can do with type. You can also create columns. Boxes. Banners. Enlarge or reduce graphics. Zoom in for detail work. Preview the entire page. And print the whole thing out on a LaserPrinter for a razor sharp look. Of course, those aren't the only reasons we're excited about geoPublish. It's also because major magazines — like the tough guys at INFO miRESTORir. — are raving about it, too. Saying that people will use geoPublish "to retire their Print Shops and Print Mas- ters" and that "Newsroom pales in comparison'.' geoPublish Features General • WYSIWYG. What-You-See-Is-What-You-Gel. • Import graphics froni (jeoPaiiU. • Import graphics from Print Shop. Newsnjdm. I'rinl Master'" using (IHOS Graphics Graliber (sold separately witli l»eskpack I'lus). • Full page aiiti zoom disiplay modes. •On-screeii rulers, digital cursor control allows exact placement in full page edit modes. Work in full paw prci ieiv iiukIc Zoom intoacitial size WK "^ >Xrii 4:? Cf4a^lJ GEOPUBL MAKES BIG H Lreate ill i-^il r p it.i fc>swjn^ s^"*^ ^M' Ij J«llilKfllHHrB^< 1 LJ ^ >^*! I DiKMetiub lap" ^ LI w -^CJ m ■I ilmtK Wi«fc- ^Vfi] J4 jTt(T(.r>li^ Flow tex! into coiumns Huadlmes in -t lo 192 poiiitb =b Easy t;ni|)liic object manipulation Hey, with press like that what more need we say? Well, we can say we ve got even more features. In fact, a whole What-You-See-Is- What-You-Get wish list in the chart to your right, filled with features that mean busi- ness. Things like text in any pattern and automatic font smoothing and stuff that nobody else ever thinks of. So if you're serious about desktop publishing, take a look at geoPublish. For Com- modore owners, it's the only feature story worth taking seriously. The brightest minds are working with • Supports over 80 GKO.S tompatihle fonts in point sizes rauKiiiK from -1 lo 192 point (.1)15" to 2.6"). • ['lain, bold, underline, outline, italic, super- script and subscript, and any combination of these typestyles allowed for each font. • Supports dot matrix and Post Script laser printers. I • Supports up (0 16 pages in length, larger docu- ments can be created by setting the startinfi page number. Master Pa^e Mode 1 • Support for left and ri^jht master pages. • Set up to Hi guidelines for aiiiinK graphic and column layout. • Automatic page numbering can set starting Diige. • .'\utomatic date stamping. • Full graphic tool box for master page graphic design. II Softworkfe • Library feature for saving m;(ster page layouLs. product comes with a master page library with several standard layouts. Page Layout Mode ■ Imports text from any Commodore word processor. • F'lcxible design and piacement of text columns, column layout, size and combinations can be altered at any time. • Built-in editor supports full wonS processing features of geo Write 2.1 for text flowed into geoPublish columns. • Snap to guides feature allows for easy layout using master |)age guidelines.^ • User-scltctable gutters (space between columns). • Support lor unanchored (flow with text) as well as anchored (text flows around) graphics. • Automatitally flows text around graphics and from pag(! to page keeping track of up to 16 separate Kord processing docdments. ' Page (irni^hic Mode • Contains a complete object oriented draw pro- gram. Graphic tools include: ' Place picture: Picture can be centered and clip- ped, scaled to any size, stretched and scaled. • Special text: Any font may be output in any point size from 1 to 192 point. 1ext may also be primed in any st>'le and in any of the 'Sl (jEOS s)sleni patterns. Text may be printed either horizontally or vertically. • Lines, connected lines and curted lines (splines); may be drawn in 8 different thick- nesses, have round or square eildpoints, and be drawn in 32 different patterns. • Rectangles, polygons, circles, and ellipses: may be framed orunfnimed and filled williany of the .'i^ system patterns. Frame thickness can also be varitd. ■ Any graphic object or group of objects may be selected at any lime and moved, cut, resized, brought to the foreground (drawn on top of everything) or pushed to the background (drawn unddr e\orything). • Automatic smoothing option for pictures and text. • .-Ml tools work in either full page preview mode or zoom mode. To order call 1-800-443 -0100 ext. 234 geoPublish (California residents add 7% sales tax. ) $2. 50 US/$5. 50 Foreign for shipi)inK and handling. Allow six weeks for delivery. KkMnniis, Ud. IjliUS. #npWrilt, >vil'jinl. *iid Btrtj:k-> Siai^ijfki.ir,- vMrfUltits I'f K*TVrlty SJflw*trks 1^1 nl Sl<iip, lYira M,K,tiT ind Ni^MiHni GEOPUBLISH Berkeley. Until now( you and your Commodoie could only talk to each other. Welcome to Q-Link. You and your Conimodore' probably have a very good relationship. But even the best relationships need to grovv^. That's why there's Q-Linic. Q-Link connects you v/ith tens of thousands of friendly, interesting people all over the country. Share stories, talk shop, tell jokes, or just shoot the breeze with them in a whole new way. On your Commodore. When you and your Commodore start talking to the rest of the world with Q-Lin]<, exciting things start to happen. Tilings that are sure to improve your relationship. Like playing the latest interactive, full- color games. Taking college courses. Accessing over L5,000 software programs. Enjoying guest speakers on a wide range of topics. And Q-Linl< gives you a direct connection to the experts at Commodore headquarters as well as the major software pub- lishers -a Q-Linl< exclusive. Tliere's so much to do on Q-Link, it can't all fit into this ad. For that, you'll need our full-color program guide, with a complete calendar of events and activities. And you'll get that free from Q-Link every month. going and there's plenty of online support every step of the way Like Q-Linl< support groups and helpful Q-Guide experts. Getting into Q-Link. You'll love being a member of Q-Link. You pay only S9.95 a month (and any local phone charges) for "Basic" service, which includes unlimited access to the latest news, sports, and entertainment informa- tion. Even a full- featured encyclopedia. We also offer "Plus" services such as CALENDAR ^ of Events AUGUST itxm ^91 AUGUST txaA ItCMl , Mil »*«.••**«** U, »rtUSt"«* Sam «•"«■; A special ofiFer, If you don't have a modem, Q-Link will help you get one at a price lower than anyone could imagine. For details, take a look at the attached card, or call 1-800-782-2278, Ext. 1582. You'll also get a free Q-Link Starter Kit, including software. It's easy to get shopping and travel reservations for only 8c: per minute extra. It's time you and your Commodore got out and talked to more interesting people than just each other. And on Q-Liiilc, it couldn't be easier. 7.: jom Q-Link new, call: 1-800-782-2278 Ext. 1582 Add new life to your Commodore! Allen Hastings: Film Maker Contunied (rnm paj;e 59 rate, but if you go by what you see on the monitor, and move using the jog shuttle dial, it works fine. I couldn't test it with the Lyon-Lamb controller, since it needed a different cable. It took us about two and a half hours to do a five-second scene by hand, and we decided that was enough for a test. Without the computer controlling the recording it takes a very long time to lay it down on tape. It is also easier to get access to editing facilities if you use ''/(-inch tape. I work at Lockheed, and we use Vj-inch stuff there. That's another reason I got the 5850; I can do some of my work at home instead of be- ing in the ofiice, I use an Amiga at work to create some short simulations, satellite flybys, that sort of thing. Fm much more excited about film-mak- ing than programming. I have been doing a lot of programming to support the fea- tures I want: the textui'e mapping and the black and white scenes in ovei-scan hi-res with sixteen gray levels. That way you get the smooth shading and highlights that you get in HAM without the HAM arti- facts that othenvise might mar the scene. You could even get a sepia tone effect to give it an old time look. Q Software Reviews/Impossible Mission 2- Conlinufd from page 26 They have equipped you with a highly sophisticated pocket ', computer with many great functions to help in your quest. room, arm time bomb to blow up safe, and arm mine for agent to place. In order to use one of these you must find the proper commands. When your selection is com- pleted, click the fire button, and the com- mand you have chosen will be carried out. Summary Impossible Mission 2 combines a unique blend of strategy, arcade action, graphics i and sounds to come up with one of the best game sequels ever [)uring play, you can either pause or save your current position, . allowing you to continue where you left off. Also, you will find that the manual gives a full, easy-to-understand explana- tion of the game. I have been plajing for two months now, and I stil! can't complete i it (therefore, not so many hints). In fact, you might even say this game is impossi- ble to conquer, but even' game has its Achilles heel (now if I can just locate it on Elvin). If you enjoyed Impossible Mission or just like an e.vciting strategv'-action game, then you are bound to enjoy this ex- citing sequel! Pocket Hints for the Super Agent • Time is something you can't afford to waste. The save game option is one impor- tant feature you should use to youi- advan- tage. When exploring either a new pas- sage or room, save the game before enter- ing. Once you have figured out how to get past the obstacles, retrieve the music from the safe and exit, then load the saved game. This will allow you to complete that section of the game in better time, since you have done it before. • Check your security code numbers as fi^uently as possible. Once you have the music and security code, exit the passage. Don't waste precious time searching for more security icons for the computer, for there will be plenty to obtain in the next passage. • If you can't enter a room from your current position, then exit and move to the room above it. In most cases you will find a lift that will take you to the room that was impossible to get to. Q Explore the Newest World of Software On a Video!!! If you want to gel the most from your computer, here's good news: Twenty of thie top software developers in the US and Canada have been brought together in a full-length showcase of their hottest new prod- ucts. All on a unique video which is an important software buyers guide and tfie first and only "video ency- clopedia" of software applications. Experience all the sights and sounds of the latest software developments; explore descriptions and demonstra- tions in the comfort of your home. What Reviews Alone Can't Show You We've included full color and sound "how to" demos of the most exciting Art, Video, Music. Entertainment, Desktop Publishing, Educational and Business software. Fully produced on and featuring the Amiga®, many programs also have C-64® and C-128'" versions available. You'll experience the wide range of Commodore® power Includes Rarely Seen Software imagine performing surgery with medical simulation software or exploring the universe with an astronomically true space exploration simulator Preview desl<top publishing and video programs. Examine the specialty software used to produce hit records and television pro- gramming. These are rarely seen programs that you should know about to make informed purchasing decisions — to get the most for your money At $39.95, this tape can save you many times its cost So please, take a minute to call or write. We have a whole new world to show you. 66 DECEMBER 1988 In USA 1-800-344-2525 Extl In lyj 1-800-348-8181 Extl or send check or m.o. for $39.95 + $4.00 p/h to- VldeoAdvantage, 1229 Poplar Avenue, ti/lountainside, NJ 07092 NJ residents please add 6% sales tax Amiga. C-64 and CommodOfe am registered irademarfcs of Commodore. C-1 2B is a trademark ol Commodore. 128 MODE A Plethora of j 128 Stuff This month instead of the usual type- in program, we will look at a plethora of Commodore 128 items, several of which j have been weighing heavily on my heart the last while. Plethora Item #1: The 128D j The Commodore 128D is certainly not news these days. Lots of you own them. I own one. But for those of you out there wondering; should I sell my original 128 and get a D model, here's my advice: Yes. j That was blunt enough. Now here are ! my reasons. For one thing, the keyboai'd I is so much nicer that it alone may make it I worth it to you. Being a writer, this is an ' item of true concern for me. I love the 128D's keyboard. It isn't just the improved tactile response. The fact that you can move it on youi- lap or out of your way (1 put mine on top of the computer when I need desk room) makes it really nice. Another reason to trade up to the D model is that the new machines have the new ROMs in both the 1571 drive and the 128 itself. These are a definite improve- ment. No more five-minute strip searches on disks in the 1541 format before allow- ing them to boogie. No more CAPS/LOCK uppercase Q bugs. Not only are the bugs gone, but the 128D also boasts an exti-a 48K of video RAM for the 80-column mode. This is quite valuable to the ma- chine language progi-ammer as well as users of SAS/C 8. Third, the solid metal console might be reason enough to make the trade. Now you can set your monitor right on top of the computer. To my observation, ever\'- thing about the 128D seems more sohd and durable. The system keeps cooler, there's no bulky power supply to mess with . . . it's simply a well-designed system (except for the joystick ports, which are a pain royale to get at). Fourth, it has a built-in disk drive. Not only is this convenient, it offers a subtle benefit that you'll really appi-eciate: fewer cords to get tangled behind the desk. Finally, if you've been wanting to add a second drive to your present system but just haven't had a good enough excuse to, this is it. Sell your present 128 computer (keep your 1571) and buy the 128D and you'll end up with: 1) a two-drive system. 2) a new computer and drive complete with warranty, and 3) only about $250- $3(K) less in your pocket than when you started. That's only a little more than you'd have paid had you simply bought another 1571 drive. Of course, we're not all made of money. I, of all people, underetand that reality. But I speak from experience: I bought the 128D and have never regretted it. Some of you may be wondering: why should I invest more money in an eight- bit computer? Isn't it the twilight of these machines? My opinion: yes. it is the twilight of eight-bit computei-s. But it's like the twi- light on the North Pole— a real long one. (You know, up there there is only one day and one night per year with one mean long sunset in between.) Your Commodore 128 does everything you need, unless you are chomping at the bit to get into desktop video. \Vhen you're ready for that, get an Amiga. But if word processing, databasing, spreadsheeting, game-playing, progi'amming, telecomput- ing or educating are the reasons you own a home computer, then eight is enough. For my money, the Commodore 128 is one great machine. I may be biased — I do wiite this column — but I've used MS-DOS machines, Apples, Radio Shacks, and oth- ere and, bias or not, the 128 is the best of the lot. Plethora Item #2: 128 Books One of the hidden costs of owning a computer is the cost of books that you will want and'or need for your machine. The following SLX I bought with my own mon- ey. Here are my observations: 1) The Commodore 128 Programmer's Reference Guide (Bantam Books). This thick book (743 pages) has gobs of useful info about youi' machine. Hardware buffs will find the specifications chapter indis- pensable. For me the most usefiil chapter was one which details how to program the 80-column chip. My advice: every 128 owner should buy this one. 2) Mapping the Commodore 128 (Com- pute! Books). This is a must for program- mers and a "good-to-have" for most every- one else. I would not be %vithout this book. 3} Computers 128 Programmers Guide (Compute! Books), This book is tj-pical of books by Compute! — packed with useful info that you won't find anywhere else. And it is like other Compute! titles in its readability. There are also many useful routines which progi-ammers and tinker- ei-s alike will find useful. 4) 128 Internals (Abacus). This was the first book of any value out for the 128 back in the eaiiy days. It also has a whop- ping 232 pages of ROM listings which are virtually useless to all but intense hack- ers. Also, this book contains several chap- ters on the VIC and SID chips which are mostly just a rehash of infomiation you can find in books for the 64. If you're look- ing for ROM listings, buy this book. Oth- erwise, save your money. 5) BASIC 7.0 Internals (Abacus). This book also contains gobs of commented ROM. For those of you machine language programmei-s who like to tweak BASIC, it's indispensable. For the rest of you, you'll get better value for your dollar with this and other magazines. 6) Commodore 128 Troubleshooting & Repair (Howard W. Sams & Co.) If you are a hardware hacker, this one looks good. I say "looks good" because I'm not a hard- ware hacker, and I didn't really need the book. But that doesn't mean you won't find this book quite useful. Let me put it this way: if you don't know how to read a voltyohm meter, don't buy this book. Plethora Item #3: Twin Cities 128 A lot of you 128 owners out there prob- ably haven't ever heard of this 128-specif- ic magazine. There's a reason for this: the COMMODORE MAGAZINE 67 128 Mode/ A Plethora of 128 Stuff folks who put it together— mainly Loren and Avonelle Lovhaug— have built this magazine from the kitchen table up, and they've done it on a shoestring budget. Advertising doesn't come cheaply, so they have depended on word of mouth. Well, let me add some words from my mouth: as a 128 owner, you need to check out this magazine. I like it. The latest is- sue is 28 pages in length, and 25 of them are advertising-free. The content of the magazine is typical of all computer mags: reviews, technical tips, and a few short, tu- torial-style, type-in programs. It also seems to have quite a bit of fresh news fix)m the 128 front (psst, and some hot ru- mors). I suggest you buy their new book, Tivin Cities 128 Compendium Book #1, which is a collection of the "best of their first 18 is- sues. If you like what's in it, you'll want to subscribe to the magazine (S25.00 per yearl. Order from Twin Cities 128. P.O. Box 4625, St. Paul, MN 55104. Plethora Item #4: GEOS 128 Since I write the GEOS column for this magazine, there's no sense repeating what comments will be found there. I would like to say this, however, while in "The 128 Mode." GEOS 128 is a vet^' useful pitxluct if you're interested in a di-op-down menu, graphic environment. If you don't own GEOS, I think you should. The question is, if you already have GEOS, do you need the 128 vereion? The answer is, it depends. It depends on whether or not you use a GEOS program as your main word processor. If \'ou do, then GEOS 128 is worth buying. It allows you to see the full w,idth of the page on the screen, and that is the reason a lot of us bought 128's in the first place. Other than that reason, until Berkeley comes out with more 128-enhanced GEOS applications, there's really no extra value in having the 128 version. However, if they do as nice an upgrade for the 128 ver- sion as they have done with GEOS 2.0 for the 64, then it's time to take your bujing shoes back out of the closet. Plethora Item #5: The C128 Developer's Package I have been spending some time with this software package from Commodore. It comes with two disks which contain an ex- cellent assembler, a super editor, a whole gob of utilities, mouse routines galore. bui-st routines, and fast loadei-s for 64 mode. It's simply a plethora (there's that word again I of progi'ammer's goodies. How much does it cost? About $50.00. It's worth it because it offers so much. I don't have time to detail all the goodies within but here are my impressions of the editor'assembler: The editor, called ED 128 Full-Sci-een Editor, has been patterned after Digital Equipment's EDT screen editor It allows you to type in your machine-language source code much the same as a word pro- cessor allows you to type yom- lettei-s. You can cut and paste blocks of text, search and replace text, jump all over the docu- ment with minimal key presses, have lines longer than the screen width, scroll up/down left/right, change word case, and more. The assembler, HCD65. is a profession- al-quality assembler patterned after the same one used by Commodore systems software engineers. It allows you all the conveniences of a frill-featured assembler plus an advanced macro facilitv^ which al- lows you to do all kinds of things I haven't experimented with yet. What I like best about it is that it is verj' easy to use. There aren't a lot of unnecessary' parameters 68 DECEMBER 1988 " Pllt youreelf in their shoes. Be Michael "The Slam- mer"Jor- y ;-M 1 dan or ^ MJ Larr>'"The Shooter" Bird. You decide who wins. Is it today's most exciting player, MVP Michael Jordan, or the I'layerofthe Decade, Larry Bird? Jordan and Bird- Software Designers Michael wanted quickness, speed and air Larr\''s fadeaway and svveetspots were critical. Power Jams for Michael, Larry's 3 point bombs. They got all they wanted plus jab steps, pump fakes, 'shot blocks, steals, 360° dunks and more. One On One is Three. Jordan vs. Bird vs. You in three ultimate matchups- One On One, the Slam Dunk Competition and the 3 Point Shootout. Designed by Garth Hitchens, Mark Madland, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. For IBM/Tandy. Commodore 64 ;ind 128 compulers.VisJt vour retailer or call 800-245-4525 from US or Canada. 8am to Spm Pacific Standard Time. IBM 1,5 a registered trademark of International Business Machines.Tandy is a regis- tered trademark of Tandy'Corporation. and Commodore 64 and 128 is a registered trademark of Commodore Electronics Limited. ITie Qa-ssic Conrninladiin,' One On Oni'.The crowd goes crazy as Michael and Lany unload all their patcnied moves. .Vrial WaifarE: The ,\ir Jordan Slam Dunk ConresL Up to 4 playciN chal- lenge each other or Michael him- self In a battle of Rawer Jams. Designed bv Jordan. ELECTRONIC ARTS" IjonK Range Bonihing: 3 hunt Sh()otouL25 shots In 60 seconds ti-om 23' out. Don't h)ow the money ball. Lirn-'s signature evenl. 128 Mode/A Plethora of 128 Stuff needed to get it to work. Plethora Item #5-B: Names and Numbers John Dvorak, noted computer colum- nist, iiecently struck a chord wth me when he wondered why computer manu- facturers were so big on letter/number product names. Like the HCD65 men- tioned above, the OS'2, or Tbxas Instru- ments' inciiedible tongue-twister, the TI 99/4A? Folks hated the name of Tandy's TRS-80 so much that they simply changed it to "TVash 80." Sorry to say, Commodore has not es- caped the number mania. PET was a good name. Then came the VIC-20. VIC, I liked, but the 20 was a step down, Next came the Commodore 64, the Commodore 128, and now the Commodore 128D. Unnh! It hurts. And don't forget the 1541, 1571, and now the 1581 disk drives. Not much personality in those names. Think how much more flavor it would've added to call those three disk drives "Laiiy," "Moe" and "Curly." Well, maybe that would make them seem a lit- tle less smart than they are so how about "Aristotle," Tlato" and "Socrates'? When Commodore came out with the Amiga, I thought, "Now here's a machine with personality." Even the chips inside that machine have interesting names like "Agnes" and Tortia." Unforttmately, they're abeady tacking numbers onto the end of its name. Still, Amiga is a great product name. Trivial point? The sales success of the 64 and 128 would seem to say that it is. But maybe not. If computers really do in- timidate people, then maybe it's time to make their names a little more charming. Case dismissed. Plethora Item #6: WarpSpeed Cartridge I have been using this product from Cinemaware for several months now, and I like it, A lot. It is superior to FastLoad with its utilities (especially if you have a two-drive setup), and it works in both the 128 and 64 modes (though you do have to flip a switch). It also has one of the fastest copy utilities around which has a sophisti- cated data cnmcher which cuts down on disk swaps. Get it. Plethora Item #7: 128 Compilers I have been working on an arcade game in BASIC which will settle the question once and for all of whether a commercial- quality arcade game can be written in BASIC via a compiler In my efforts I have unearthed some important information that would-be compiler-ers should note. For one thing, the Abacus compiler does not allow you to use the SPRSAV com- mands. This is a great pity because, 1) this is one of the best statements available in BASIC 7.0 and 2) Abacus' compiler is the fastest of the ones I've used. It even allows for machine language compiling which is really fast. Blitz! 128, the other most often-used compiler for the 128, allows SPRSAV which is good. But it seems to do all kinds of strange things with some of the more esoteric graphic statements. I have writ- ten to Skyles and am awaiting a response. I will report more on this in that upcom- ing two-part series, Pleth'ed out? I could go on and on, but space is at a premium. After more than three years now of thrashing on my Com- modore 128, 1 feel compelled to end this piece on this note: the 128 is still the best. It's a machine with a plethora of charac- ter (I just wish they'd called it "Hurdler" or "Spirit" or "Moses.") D COMMODORE MAGAZINE 59 / ..x . f-.. -^^^scciiisi IG^;^ Commodore Magazine is sponsoring our fourth annual Graphics Contest. Two categories are available for aspiring Commodore artists: Commodore 64 and Amiga. Winners will receive a cash prize, and the winning graphics screens will be published in the June 1989 issue of Commodore Magazine. COMMODORE 64 CATEGORY PRIZES Grand Award: S500 and publication in Commodore Magazine Five Runners Up: $100 and publication in Commodore Magazine Honorable Mention: Publication in Commodore Magazine AMIGA CATEGORY PRIZES Grand Award: $500 and publication in Commodore Magazine Five Runners Up: $100 and publication in Commodore Magazine Honorable Mention: Publication in Commodore Magazir^e GRAPHICS CONTEST RULES 1. This contest is strictly (or amateur artists. Anyone wtio deiivoa more Itjan 1 0% of his her annual income trom tho sate ot original artworX is ineiiglWe. i. Employees of Commodore Magazine, inc.. Commo<Jore Business Macliines. Inc., Commodore Electronics Ltd., Commodore International Ltd., thefr advertising and promotional agencies and their immediate families are not eligible to enter this contest. 3. Each entry must tje whotly the product of the deveioper in whose name the entry has tieen submitted. Copyrighted images are not eligible. This includes record album covers, movie figures, tarrwus paintings and cartoon characters. Outside assistance is expressly prohibited and will provide causa (or disqualitication. i. A maximum of two screens per person is allowed. You may submit either two screens (or one computer or one screen for each computer. If a coittestant submits more than two screens (or consideration, ail of that person's entries will be invalidated. 5. All entries must be submitted on disk, 1541 format for the Comnnodore 64 and 3,5-inch format for the Amiga, with the following marked clearly on the disk's \abG\: a. Contestant's name, address and phone number b. Picture tflle(s) c. Graphics package or programming aids used to create the graphics d. The words ' 'GRAPHICS CONTEST' ' A photo of the screen display or a printed copy ol the screen does not constitute an acceptable entry, 6. All entries must t>e postmarked r>o later than January 31 , 1 989. Mail to; Commodore Magazine, 1 200 Wilson Drive. West Chester, PA 1 9380, ATTN: GRAPHICS CONTEST GENERAL CONDITIONS • Graphic screens are judged on ofiginality, creativity and best use of the computer's unique graphics features, • Entries will be judged by the statf of Commodore Magazine. • Ivlake sure your maiier will protect your disk from damage. A((ix sufficient first- dass postage. Maii your disk and the official entry blank to the address shown atwve. Commotfore Magazine accepts no responsibility (or lost or damaged entries. • Entries will become the property of Commodore Magaziite, which reserves the right to adapt, use or publish all entries received. No entries will be retumed, so l>6 sure to make a copy of your entry Ijefore you submit it to the contesL • Non-winning entries will not be acknowledged. Winners will be notified by March 1 S, 1 939. Taxes on cash prizes are the winners* responsibilities. :v^ (PL£/«EPHim Name Address CJty State Phone (_ Signature _Zlp. -Age. Parent's Signature (If Contestant Is Under 18) Picture TItte #1 Computer Graphics Package/ Programming Aid Used . Picture Title #2. Computer Graphics Package/ Programming Aid Used m=' ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JANUARY 31, 1989. MAXIMUM 2 SCREENS PER CONTESTANT. • • ardware by John Pustai '■. • »;a CompuTrctifter ■•' QUICK BROWN nox 24 Cp*^-^^ *• Robotic Worh/iop Multibotics, Inc^Actess Software iH9.95 Home Version (MB230) S199.95 School Version (MB230T) A complete robotic and scientific worksiiop which contains an in- terface unit, a ten-foot remote- operation cable, motors, sensors, Capsela-based construction com- ponents, software and instruc- tions for 50 projects and experi- ments. Projects include infrared sensing systems, digital storage oscilloscopes, digital voltmeters, speech digitzing and playback systems, cars, cranes and robots. Challenging for the beginner (re- quires no knowledge of pro- gramming), individuals with minimal understanding of BASIC programming, and to the ad- vanced programmer and hob- byist. MODEL CAT 6000 CompuTrainer with Racer-Mate Challenge Cartridge RaterMate S595 for Trainer S99.95for software cartridge A bicycle trainer that electronical- ly matches road conditions. Hills, wind conditions and rider's mo- mentum are all controlled. An eddy current brake adjusts the difficulty of the ride based on the microprocessor information. Us- ers can ride on famous bike courses via the monitor, or create their own custom courses, or even have computer-generated random courses. The Racer-Mate Challenge cartridge allows users to create timed-trial training ses- sions and compete against their own past performances. Quick Brown Box Battery-backed 64K RAM Brown Boxes. Inc. SI 29.00 This cartridge has the capability of saving an entire series or "box" of programs in one oper- ation. The series is saved as one long sequential file and is easily retrievable as an entire unit. The lithium 3-volt battery is expected to last from 7-10 years. Utilities include a loader program, an auto-boot program, a separate manager program for either the 64 or the 128, a check-sum pro- gram, and a cartridge checker program. The excellent manual is very detailed and accurate. WarpSpeed Cinemaware Corporation W9.95 This fast load utility cartridge in- cludes a DOS wedge, a sector-edi- tor, a machine language moni- tor/assembler, file utilities, and drive re-numbering capabilities. When used with a Commodore 64/1571 disk drive setup, disks can be formatted and saved to without flipping the disk in the drive. A whopping 1328 blocks of storage possible without this flip- ping procedure. Commercial soft- ware with "normal" copy pro- tection will load about four times faster. konTroller ^ Suncom —? $19.95 This keyboard-mounted joystick is designed especially for the GEOS-based system and mounts directly to the keyboard surface. Its easy accessibility provides a more reliable input than a mouse, and it's not as bulky as a normal sized joystick. Non- vo/atiVe Memoo' Cartridge Scinort Micro $24.95 This 8K, static RAM memory car- tridge uses standard two-year AA carbon-zinc batteries. Any data loaded into the cartridge can, therefore, remain in the RAM for up to two years. The cartridge it- self allows instant screen or func- tion changes, or users can make instant changes to the BASIC in- terpreter or KERNAL. Storing BA- SIC or machine language pro- grams for easy call-up in a man- ual mode is also available. In ad- dition, linking a set of programs for any language or application is a part of the versatility of this car- tridge. i :l.-4^il.^^M 72 DECEMBER 1988 by Dan Schein FlickerFixer MiaoWay S59S.0O FlickerFixer is a de-interlacer card for Amiga 2000. Winen used with a multisync monitor, this board provides a worl<station-quality displ ay that rivals VGA or the Mac II. PRD-44 Pioneer Computing 1999.99 PRD-44 is a 44MB removable car- tridge wfinchester disk drive for the Amiga line of computers. It offers unlimited off-line storage and 25-millisecond access time. Requires SCSI interface. PC-Elevator 3S6 \ Applied Reasoning Corp. J1 795.00 PC-Elevator is an MS-DOS accel- erator card that is compatible with the A2000 Bridgeboard. It turns your 4.77 MHz 8088-based Bridgeboard into a 16 MHz 80386-based power house. GOMF Button HyperteltfSilicon Springs S69.95 GOMF Button is an extension of the very popular GOMF ("Get Outta My Face") program. GOMF can help you catch GURUs and re- cover rather than crash. With the addition of the GOMF Button you can now save your data after a crash. Perfect Ws/on SunRize Industries 1249.95 Perfect Vision is a real-time video the Amiga. It can capture black and white or color and supports 320x200and 320x400 modes. Black and white images can be captured in '/« of a second. ,ri'i'TA-i;*»e« Bus Expander Bill's Boards S495.00 The Bus Expander lets you ex- pand the Amiga 500 or 1000 to use most of the 2000's expansion cards. Hard disk controllers, RAM expansion and even the A2028 Bridgeboard can be used. Impact ASOO-HDIRAM Great Valley Products J99S(0KMM) ^Impact A500-HD/RAM is a one- : piece unit that connects to the '500. It adds a 20MB hard drive, 2MB of auto-configuring expan- dnn RAM anA a ^r";i rnntrnllor Processor Accelerator Creative Microsystems, Inc. $199.99 Processor Accelerator is a speed- up board for the Amiga that of- fers speed above the MC68010. It also includes a math co-processor socket that when filled, will offer even more increased speed. X'Specs3D Haitex Resources $124.95 synchronized to produce a realis- tic 3D image. With these glasses you will enter a world of 3D like you never thought possible. Look for commercial products that can use these glasses in '89. COMMODORE MAGAZINE 73 64/1 ^ucation Software by Howard Millman C' '^*<ti IHE coAuvrcR EonKM or ^<-> crossworagame {Ages 4-1 sss.oo Using the strategy of directing a frog to follow a successive liiy pad path, The Pond subtly strengthens a child's ability to recognize elementary patterns. Offering six levels of difficulty, The Pond deftly employs above- average graphics to both inform and reward students. Easy as ABC (Ages J-5) Springboard Software $39.9S Built around animals and space travel, Eaiy as ABCs five games emphasize alphabet-sequencing skills and letter recognition. Pleasantly paced and well imple- mented, this easy-to-use primer for non and early-readers re- quires only minimal adult supervision. >istro Graver (Ages 3-7) Hi Tech Expressions S9.95 Grover, of Sesame Street fame, hosts some friendly visitors from the outer limits. These Zips, it seems, were born to be counted, added and subtracted. In all five games, correct answers are re- warded by eye-catching graphics and almost mesmerizing sound effects. lilt Reader Rabbit (Ages 4-8) The Learning Company S39.9S M«]ill»TiKailil«t«]l|l and diverse games, Reader Rab- bit stresses primary spelling skills as well as objed/word recogni- tion. One of the best in the genre, Reader /?ai3fa/t treats er- rors lightly. Rewards, in the form of playful animated sequences, are ample. Teddy Bear-rels of Fun (Ages4-12] DIM Software S39.95 By combining teddy bears with props, backgrounds and user- written captions, children of all ages can create oversized posters, page-sized pictures and labels. This printer utility's two disks pro- vide hundreds of bright ready- drawn graphia to produce per- sonalized cartoon art. lOl® Crypto Cube (Ages 8-Adult) Britannica Software S9.9S The Crypto Cube's Wuzzle em- cees this crossword-like game. Players fill in the blank boxes to uncover the puzzle's twenty hid- den theme words on the C^pto Cube's four sides. The answer words are drawn from one of 9 user-chosen categories. '^■ Scrabble Crossword Game (Ages S-Adult) Electronic Arts $32.95 A skillful translation of the classic word game from board to screen. Just as challenging as the origi- nal, it now offers the added at- .traction of solitary Saabble (warning: the computer's a re- sourceful adversary) plus the con- venience of checking entries with the built-in 20,000-word dictionary. I 74 DECEMBER 1988 Educaticm Software by Gary V. Fields IntelliType Electronic Arts $49.95 Using artificial intelligence, this typing tutorial monitors and helps you correct typing errors. Because each typing lesson is the continuing episode of a cliff- hanger novel, you'll want to con- tinue your studies just to see how the story ends. V ,^L ^■'''■"■'^: ■■M^^BMHHB>:JIJIh'IIWS.-^l ^H MLJlk re Space Math T«E PMGfliil 'C* TtKHK I-PUTW TME f iCts, d« Uf J] •'•isJ/i LI :a L/lUU nust rvtt jindl IHIilHI Spellbound Learners Image $39.95 Using a delightful mixture of dig- itized speech, animation and music, this spelling program makes learning word lists fun. Best of all the parent or teacher can create completely new word lists for the child to learn. Galileo 2.0 Infinity Software $99.95 Version 2.0 includes a database of 1600 stars and lets you track the planets and stars from any point on earth. You can also view the stars on any day and hour from 400 years forward or back- ward in time. Robot Readers Hilton Android Corporation $29.95 (eaefi) A series of talking, illustrated sto- ry books for young children. The mixture of graphics, speech and the ability to point at words and have them spoken makes this se- ries perfect for early readers. Intracorp Inc. $14.95 Mixing the graphic and chal- lenge of an arcade game, this one will have your children add- ing, subtracting, dividing and multiplying at warp speed or crashing in the attempt. Play re- quires the child to maneuver a spaceship by correctly answering math qiiestions. The game uses multiple screens which increase in difficulty, so the child is always challenged. Birds 'N Bees Intracorp Inc. $14.95 This text-only program deals with nuiiiaii aesuuiiiy in d siraignnor- ward, sensible, understandable and informative manner. What and how much information it supplies the child is determined by his or her age and gender. The program includes password protection, so a teacher or parent can control the level of informa- tion available to the user. Discovery Series MIcrollluslons $39.95 (main program disk) $19.95 (each expansion disk) Child learns about math, geogra- _ phy, history, language, etc. while exploring an alien spaceship. This one mixes learning with Kinderama Unicorn Educational Software $49.95 The program disk contains five delightful skill games all of which involve robots for children from preschool to age six. Children (and parents) will enjoy the sound, graphics and animation that help the child learn to count, add, subtract and follow direc- tions. This is just one of a series of quality educational games by the same company. Great States II Designing Minds, inc. $39.95 (each) Learn about America's geogra- phy, including topography and information about individual states like state flower, song, average rainfall, etc. It includes a competitive game which lets you race across the country you are learning about. iMw *t*hr «iitMi ri |M'l'i«n nr. I - Linkword Language Series Artworx Software Company $29.95 (each) Don't look for great graphic or sound effects here, but each pro- gram in this series is a serious for- eign language tutorial. The series teaches French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, etc. and each comes with an audio tape to insure you learn the language's correct pronunci- ation. COIVliVlODORE ftflAGAZiNE 75 Productivity Software by Gary V. Fields Paperclip III Batteries Included/Electronic Arts S49.95 This classic combination word processor/ terminal program just keeps getting better. This profes- sional tool has every feature a se- rious writer needs including a fast spel! check, plus it comes with both the 64 and 128 version of the program (so if you move up to a 128 you can take it with you}. Not copy protected. [;*&: (^ rKj* *:?,< ._, ^ 1 u I I iT ^d^finin^ a 'nysler page", vhich ™i:s gauleliKs, text, anl grsphia .apfeir oa esh , . Sr vbch via 'ler pJgB Yoi I # = ■'romili'.rjr/cf ' 1^ geoPublish Berkeley Softworia $69.95 For GEOS users there is no better desktop publishing program on the market. It lets you mix and edit text, fonts, graphics and boxes and supports laser pri[ POWE Revolutionary PagA Paperclip Publisher Gold Disk/Electronic Arts M9.9S This is the 54 version of an award- winning Amiga desktop publish- ing program. The program's intu- itive design includes pull-down menus, point-and-click com- mands and built-in text and graphic editors. It works best with a mouse. BetterWorking I Word Publisher fletterlVorWng Word Publisher Spinnaker Software Corp. S39.95 A fast GEOS-environment word processor which lets you mix graphics and text, The print-to- screen option lets you view your documents exactly as they will print, plus it has a 100,000-word spell checker. HAPpy BIPTHDAV OlELSEA fdeo Producer «9:95 - —a I Lets the novice create, animate and record titles or screen se- quences on their video recorder. Perfect for weddings, home vid- eos or business presentations. Postcards Activision i24.9S This one lets you create unique postcards complete with your own brand of humor. Postcards is sure to brighten the day of not only the friends who receive cards, but also the mail carrier who delivers them. iMaker A.M by Mark Jordan C128 Developer's Package Commodore Business Machines, Inc. S50.M This package, produced by Com- modore, has not only a powerful macro assembler, but also a nifty screen editor (better than what comesinthel28!),andlotsof programmer's utilities like fast loaders, mouse drivers and math routines. irAward Mal(er Baudville S39.9S ' This one makes it easy to whip out an award or certificate for those special people in your life, Comes with hundreds of tem- plates for business, home and school use. The program is not copy protected. WarpSpeed cartridge Cinemaware $49.95 Finally a cartridge that works equaliywellinboth64andl28 modes with multiple drives. It's very fast and feature-laden. geoWrite Worltshop 128 Berkeley Soltworks S69.95 A much-improved word proces- sor for the 1 28 mode of G EOS which will incorporate graphic from geoPaint and do overlay files for multiple columns. As with all GEOS products, fonts are its glory. It includes a simple merge program. 76 DECEMBER 1988 oduGtivity Softw; by Gary V. FieTds" ttir.i.Ki.l.i.Bi.i.tiHi.l.iifl^iiiiit ^11 ^m TW nt ^ ^Knf opri afe fee ria^iln jtd utthniFTE if atBa «< ftiE Btr K ^ In excellence! j-:\ Micro-Systems So $300.00 : This one loob like atfoss — between WordPerfect and ProWrite. This expanded word processor comes very close to [ w «i *iii»iininn«iii»wiiiiavi'i a thesaurus, spell and grammar ■SLaUaKiUiElciUulJ IT u!U jivfef^iaMififni Prof essional Page "^ _eoldl>isk — — ^- V439S.00 ; When it comcj lu piuioirunoi ^desktop publishing, this one does it all— including color separa- tions. Intuitively designed it is easy to use, yet has all the power The Accour)tant KF5 Software, Inc $299.50 A business-powered double-en- try accounting system that in- cludes payroll, accounts receiv- able and payable, a general jour- Dr. Term Professional Progressive Peripherals & Software S99.95 A powerful terminal program which includes a 300-entry phone book, script language, mini-BBS and supports most protocols in- cluding X, Y and WX modem. Comes with an extensive, infor- mative manual. on the market. The program is help screens. The program is not not copy protected and can be in- copy protected and can be in- '"'""''"" ^ ^^"'''"ve. stalled on a hard drive.; Libmr\- library WordPerfect Corporation $129.00 This one disk has nearly every of- fice productivity program you should ever need including a electronic calendar (with ap- pointment schedule and alarm dock), financial calculator, note- irtinaiiincliihlihlildiMI and program editor. The calen- dar's clock can be set to alert you to appointments as far as six months in advance. icaciiEiDaEipnrnr^nnnra Superbase Professional Pretision Software S299.99 ' This is a rational, programmable, intuitively-designed data man- agement program which is pow- erful yet relatively easy to use. It comes with a tutorial-type man- ual, sample files and a forms edi- tor for designing invoices, state- ments, purchase order forms or any other type of forms to com- the main program. PHASAR Home Accour}tir)g Antic Publishing Inc. ' i89,95 ^ Y '* i;An excellent home/small busin' ^accounting program which uses a single-entry accounting system.^ ■• The program can split a single m transaction between different m categories, making it much easiw to keep track of income and ex- penses. beluxeProductions - -Associated Computer Servic Electronic Arts """'" $199.95 -■ For business or educational video presentations this one package is all you need. The program allows "you to design sophisticated story- boards and animated scenes which include stereo sound ef- fects. Production is mouse con- trolled; you can include wipes, i_j_- ii ic__i I scan displays. The four program disks are not copy protected and can be installed on a hard drive. iRcrs,^ Outlirie! Idea Processor PAR Software, Inc. $49.95 This program lets you organize your thoughts on paper (screen) using an outline template. Using many word processing tools (cut, paste, search) this one is perfect for collecting, arranging and editing ideas.; — -— - *^- - M HomeBuilders CAD EaseWare SI 99.00 Yes, you can design your house or office with this one, but be- yond that, it will estimate how much material each project will . require, as well as how much it will cost. Includes options to print- out information as weit as de- signs, - COMf^ODORE MAGAZINE Z pphicsProgmn^ - ■ — • ■ ■■ --^i . tfeSMrr'-! ii'f' -i Outrageous Pages I,"' Batteries Included/Electronic Arts gg S49.95 yi Although dropped by EA soon " after its release, this powerful C2 graphics program is still widely SB avaiiableand worth checking ^i out. Features a wonderful in- iM)^ ■ s i illlnliiUl^l >I Paperclip Pu Gold DiskiElectronic Arts W.% . -'■-«- By far the most versatile and user-friendly desktop publisher yet available for the 64. Includes three terrific conversion pro- grams for translating text, fonts and clip art from nearly every source imaginable. A definite must-have.;, - ■■ art, borders and nine pre-de- signed page templates. $29.9S By far the best painting program available for the 64. This one " breezes through high-tech utili- ties most graphic programs haven't even dreamt of yet. Flexidraw 5.5 Inkwell Syste... i34.95 ': jt wr-4.. *"i>-" r*%i gram supports multiple input de- vices, notably Inkwell's excellent line of light pens. Functions ga- lore for both serious program- mers and casual doodlers. Great European AdvetilurE Home Video Producer Epyx M9.95 Personalize your home videos with elaborate title screens, inter- missions and dosing credits. In- cludes 75 pre-made graphic, ten fonts and enough special effects to make Spielberg jealous. Highly professional. ; _,, Becker BASr-^ Abacus Softwat. ^^.^h...lj^ b ^- $49.95 •t.»^-,=eit-.- Not strictly a graphics program, .yet featuring an incredible array of hi-res drawing commands. ^ Used within the context of GEOS, its potential is unlimitedaasiiat **. jifS^y^^-'iysi. - ¥m> SfS" U'.ES !.Vil.. rgllW" CADpack U8 Abacus Software J59.95 A real marvel, even if only in 40 columns. Highlights include a well-written manual, user-friend- ly command structure, and 1531 mouse input. Highly professional. I rannr nr inn IE The Sesame Street Crayon Polafware/Penguin Software $14.95 each Early childhood software at its very best. A series of three fun computer coloring books that teach numbers, the alphabet and ^pictures on each disk with excel- Hent printer support: 78 DECEMBER 198S aphicsPrograms&Aids by Bob Lindstrom TfiKt-s why our di ■ Th»- t: Jt I iifrafhjr - Cdi Photon Paint Express Paint V.2.0 Wicrolllusions PAR Software Inc. S99.95 J99.95 In addition to a -full array of stan- Designer Stepiien Vermeulen ing tools, Photon Paint provides tures full Hold and Modify (HAM) sup- Express f^int otters new ways to port. Its logical mouse/menu in- juggle pixels by combining paint 4096-coior HAM mode can be package. Plus, Express Paint gives just as useful as 1 6- and 32-co!or access to the Amiga's little-used, graphics. 64-color half-brite mode. Elan Design S129,00 Invision allows you to interact with video from a VCR or A-Squared's Live! digitizer, invi- sion is best described as a real- time special effects system that allows you to mix images from paint programs and add effects like mosaic, strobe and mirror. Turbo Silver V 3.0 (fflpulse, Inc S199.9S The visually stunning (simulated) reality of ray-tracing brightened Amiga screens this year in several rendering programs. Silver made its mark in a competitive field by blending a logical user interface with animation capabilities. ■ Animation: Apprentice Hash Enterprises S299.00 This program is the flagship of several pace-setting animation tools from creator Martin Hash. Animation: Apprentice micro- computerizes the art of Disney- style animation and allows you to ingeniously interchange characters, body parts and movement patterns. iEaMu^ifrMt^liaSBS^SttjiaBml Calligrapher2.0 InterActive SoHworks JT29.95 Multi-colored Amiga fonts were invented by Calligrapher, and Amy alphabets have never been the same. The latest version of- fers more power and flexibility to create customized alpha-numeric character sets, complete with col- or cycling. Calligrapher brings beauty and imagination to Amiga text displays. ' ^jt-^m DeluxePhotoLab Electronic Arts SI 99.95 The digital photography of the future is here today. This one- stop program does it all— draw- ing (including HAM mode), color processing and poster printing. Whether you want to sketch in low-res, add subtle shades to a HAM graphic, or print a 10-foot square poster, DeluxePhotoLab handles the job. An/niat/'on; Stand Hash Enterprises S49.95 How much movement can you get out of a static IFF graphic? If you're using Animation: Stand, the answer is "lots." This soft- ware simulation of an Oxberry Animation Stand permits you to scan, zoom and pan across the surface of a still graphic. Then, the resulting animated sequence is saved to disk. fhterChange Syndesis i49,9S From Videoscape 3D to Sculpt 3D, the varied data standards in Amiga ray-tracing created a visu- al Tower of Babel. Amic|^ maven John Foust brought order to cha- os with Interchange, an ingen- ious program that swaps data between programs. [ CQMMODORt MAGAZINE /9 usic Software byBobLindstrom .«sw^ mBHH nnpH i)M , L)j ■ hh B^Ml^u^ Dr. Ts /(eyboard Controlled Sequencer (KCS) VI. 6 Dr.rsMuskSoftwaTe S249.00 With the arrival of Dr. rues, the Amiga receives an industry standard in MIDI music making. This professional-quality se- quencer establishes the Amiga's first-rate potential as a MIDI- controlling computer. Sound Oasis New Wave Softvware S99.9S An ingenious program, Sound Oasis places Amiga owners into the wide world of Ensoniq digital sampling. Just stick a Mirage disk into the Amiga, and the program will convert it to an IFF format in- strument. It's almost like putting a S2000 Mirage sampler inside your Amiga. 5fud/o Magic SunRize Industries S99.95 MIDi and sampling at bargain rates— Sfud/o Magic includes a basic MIDI recorder and sound sampling 'editing software. With the addition of an under-S200 MIDI keyboard and interface, you have an instant MIDI studio. Synthia ' ., The Other Guys :--■; S99.99 - Wish you could afford those ex- ^i pensive synthesizers? Buy Synthia. This comprehensive soft- ware tool emulates five different synthesizers from a percussion synthesizer to a complex additive synthesizer. The results are saved as IFF instruments for use in other Amiga music programs. Synthia MIDI Recording Studio Dt.T's Musk Software $69.00 to the max. recorder that brings Dr. T's qual- ity to beginners who don't need the muscle or the sometimes steep learning curve of the full- fledged KCS, Also supports the four internal Amina unicoc ;^_ Patch Editorsl Librarians Sound Quest, Inc S150.00 The Amiga maestros at Sound Quest took a relatively generic application and thoroughly "Amigatized" it. Their programs to design synthesizer sounds in- clude windowing, multitasking capability and ingenious random voice generation tools. Sound Quest Editor-Librarians support synthesizers from Yamaha, Roland, Korg and others. The Quest t; Texture Sound Quest, Inc. SI 50.00 High powered but inaccessible for Amiga musicians unless they owned the pricey Roland MPU- 40rMIDI interface, Roger Powell's Tejfture was a great MIDi sequencer that didn't quite catch on. The new, revised version, however, does away with the .i"" Roland interface and supports ^- standard Amiga MIDI ports. so DECEMBER i98S ames by Russ Ceccola Rommel: Battles for North Africa ■ Strategic Studies Group, Inc. (SSG)' ' Electronic Arts »9.9S Yet another game from SSG that uses the excellent Sattlefront Game System with its easy-to-use multiple menus. Includes maps, menu cards and Warplan and Warpaint game adjustment pro- grams. Allows you to play inter- esting scenarios in the role of Rommel during his famous battles. Uri S, itiZ «:» frl Napoleon in Russia: ; Borodino W2 Krenlei<Software/DataSoft «4.9S Features historically accurate batr tie map, various skill levels and f multiple-player option to satisfy ' the Napoleon enthusiast. Offers possibility to change history in this important battle of Napo- leon's military career. by Steve King Empire Interstel S49.95 An addictive war game Simula-^ tion where strategy and advance planning control the outcome, it's a fast-moving game where speed of play compensates for lack of detailed battle realism. The Hunt for Red October DataSoft W9.95 Great adaptation of best-selling book by Tom Clancy with great graphics and sounds. Uses unique game system of icons and menus that makes planning strategy and playing the ganrie^ much easier than expected.^ Patton vs. Rommel Allows choice (iftftWe*leaa^in simulation of Battle of Normandy that features detailed graphics and icon-driven system. Easy to play, yet tough to fully develop good strategy; game also fea- tures a construction.SfiL_^.j. _^^ The Avalon Hill Game Company i34.95 WWII simulation allows you to T:? choose side of Russians, Germans or Americans in various scenarios.. Ease of play made better by at- - mospheric packaging, easy-to- understand manual, colorful maps and construction set to make your own maps for use with the game. Electronic $49.95 This game was designed and pror grammed specifically for the Amiga. Its detailed graphics and_ _ smooth movement, combined - with simple aircraft operation, - make it exciting and enjoyable, -' ....ersal Military Simulator Rainbird S49.9S UMS, has a 3D mapboard that is contoured and can be viewed from multiple angles and dis- tances. Comes with several his- torical battles, but players can create their own scenarios. 1 ■ ■ xwrdss COMMODORE MAGAZINE 81 yt-ftsv^stmi^'-iiSfSiasssfsis ead-to-H^ Gamesi by Gary y. Fields Street Sports BasketbaH $39.95 Each player recruits his or her basketball team from neighbor- hood icids and then competes on four different outdoor courts. This game lets you make all the moves a real basketball player could. Best of all, you are always the player with the ball. Roadwars Arcadia/ElectrBnlf: S29.95 This arcade/combat challenge lets. you play with or against another " player (human or computer). You command a rolling war sphere down a dangerous strip of space. The dilemma: to win you must knock off your opponent— but to sun/ive you need his/her help. . [Patton vs. Rommel Electronic Arts $39.95 Assume the role of either George Patton or Marshal Rommel in this WWII war game. The game board is well designed, issuing commands is simple, and the competition is exciting. If you get caught in a tight spot, you can even request advice from either of the generals, -^mm^: Ace 2 Spinnaker Software Corp. $29.9S You can either dogfight with an- other human or the computer. The action is realistic and fast, and you must cope with not only the other pilot but land and sea forces as well. ^ , m:-^ i.'i'^.^^, p Star Rank Boxing II eamestar/Activlsion S29.9S An improved version of the origi- nal game, this one lets you build, trade and manage up to five box- ers as they battle for the world ti- tle. Best of all, the game (which includes welter, middle and heavy weight divisions), is smooth and fast. Napoleon in Russia'^ Borod/no 1812 Krenlek Software/DatsSoft $59,95 This simulation of the battle of Borodino during Napoleon's in- vasion of Russia lets you compete against the computer or another ' human. The game includes eight historical and "what if" scenarios and complexity levels, so you shouldn't get bored with this one too quickly. You can save games in process, Earth Orbit Stations ff OS) Electronic Arts $34,95 This combination skill and strate- gy game lets up to four people compete for the conquest of space. You must raise money, construct space stations and ex- plore planets. The game contains seven different scenarios which ■ can take from two to 40 hours to complete. Sporting News Baseball $39,95 -..^z ._,..^;- The computer versions of "America's Game' ' keep getting better. This one combines realis- ticarcade action with a four- win- dow playing view and the ability to keep stats on individual play- ers. Plus you can bunt and steal. LljEEiilsLEG Blackjack Academy Microlliusions $39,95 Up to five players can play Black- jack, lose up to S9999 electronic dollars and still go home with the grocery money. The game in- cludes multiple table rules like Las Vegas and Atlantic City as well as ah optipnjo save a game in progress. - Epyx $24.95 Straight from the pages of MAD : magazine, the two characters -from Spy vs. Spy bring a chal- lenge and a lot of laughs to the 64. Don't pass this one by just be- cause it may appear childish— it's a great game. 82 DECEMBER 1988 Head-to-Head Games byGaryV. ReM 1. 71 15 nSS c30nSLA={ f rVe Power Microtllusions S24,95 . This explosivejank game lets you battle the computer, another hu- man or across telephone wire via modem. The action is fast, the graphics beautiful, and the size and complexity of the battlefield wonderful. If you enjoy good ar- cade or war games, this is a - must have ganite Electronic Arts S49.95 If you can't afford your own baseball team and ball park, this is the next best thing. It combines realistic baseball action and strat- egy, instant replay, digitized sounds and great graphics. Plus you can not only draft your own dream team, you can even design your ball park using the construc- tion set included. Btbh AttoviiT ^/i»^9 flbonsti ^ MkiDlllusfom ' $39.95 "= This space/arcade challenge hss'" you battling not only your hu- man opponent and mechanical (computer-controlled) adversar- ies, but also a bottomless "black- hole." If you're looking for a real challenge, this one has it— it is tough. ffoadwars ArcadiaiElKtrontji S34.99 - ^ This arcade.'coifi„„. ., .^..^..^.^ ..^ you play with or against another player (human or computer). You command a rolling war sphere down a dangerous strip of space. The dilemma: do you cooperate with the other player in order to survive or do you attack them to win, and when do you change alliances? 1 ^H Ports Of Call Aegis Development S49.95 You either make a fortune or go down with your ship in this com- bination finance and strategy game where you play the part of the owner/captain of a fleet of tramp steamers. The mixture of beautiful screens, digitized sounds and reai-time challenge makes this one addictive, Stellar Conflict PAR Software, Inc. S39.95 This conquer-the-heavens strate- gy game lets one to four humans {and/or the computer) compete with each other as they explore, capture and control planets. To vyin you must manage your re- sources and know when and where to do battle. ift'^-m. LiiS ^'TT TeleWar Software Terminal S39.9S This one lets you go to war over telephone wires via a modem. Actually you can do battle with a friend on the same computer, but the real fun is with the game's telecommunication soft- ware. The game pieces include artillery, tanks, trucks, planes, etc., and it comes with a selertion of different battlefields. M9.95 ~ What gives this tried and true flight simulator such appeal is that you can fly wing to wing with another player via modem. Everyone knows how good Sub- with this one you can show an- other player your stunts while he witnesses yours. This is about as close to team flying as you'll get without doing something very dangerous. COMMODORE MAGAZlNt 83 d^enhj^re/Bdjyiam by Shay Addams :g ^ S? 16? ^ 1^ S? 16?: Advanced Dungeons and Dragons: Pool of Radiance strategic Simulations, Inc. J39.95 Pool of Radiance features the best animation I've seen in an SSI game, it looks sharp, plays smoothly and has an adventurer- friendly interface. First-person graphic, the kind seen in Bard's Tale, are employed in town and dungeon scenes. Spot animation brings characters and monsters to life. Wasteland Interplay/Electronic Arts $39.95 IVaste/ancf puts you in charge of -; seven Desert Rangers out to solves the Servants of the Mushroom Cloud, a "gSow in the dark" cult whose temple is a former nuclear reactor in Las Vegas. I Jike the way the skills and character de- velopment are handled, and the story is original— more than just another "after the bomb" Bard's Tale III Interplay/Elertfonlc Arts S39.95 -Seems the Mad God, Tarjan, has- • leveled the town of Skara Brae, so you'll travel through nine di- mensions in time and space to seek him out. For the first time you can "use" objects; this leads to rtiore emphasis on the puzzles than in previous releases in the series. Beyond Zork (128 only) Infocom S44.95 : the first official sequel to the ZorJt trilogy. In addition to Brian Moriarty's fine prose and subtle puzzles. Beyond Zork contains many role-playing elements. A plethora of time-saving features havealso been added. '^m- 15 CRflC THE HflCK m SHIFIV SfiRG Might and f/fagk New World Computing/Mediagenk $39.95 In his "fantasy role-playing simu- lation' ' your party of six utilizes ; combat and spell-casting capa- bilities to move through M&M's extensive geography. Mapping sheets are included to make ex- ploring easier. Alternate Reality: The City DataSoft/ElectronlcArts $39,95 In this fantasy role-playing game you are abducted by an alien spaceship sometime in the future . and left in a room with a single exit. You pass through the exit to the City of Xebec's Demise and, making the mtat of your stam- ina, charm, strength and wisdom, surreptitiously begin to explore The City. Jinxter Magnetic Scroils/Rainbird $34,95 In Jinxter you are seeking a set of charms once attached to the magical Bracelet of Turani.so you can put it back together. You'll find plenty of laughs while seek- ing the charms, for the droll Brit- ish sense of humor crops up in the most unexpected places. Plundered Hearts '^_ Infocom ~ $34.95 The first Infocom game in which you must play the role of a wom- an. Hearts is patterned in the style of a romantic novel, but is packed with the kind of logic puzzlers that havekept; Infocom gamers racking their brains. nowMccaouDior TM MAO oniuais Sir-TedF $39.95 --^— n:;--,.:;:.: --- It's a ten-level maze in which you strive to stay the evil wizard Werdna and recover an amulet stolen from Trebnor, the Mad Overlord. Character development is an important and well-de- signed part of the game. 84' DECEMBER 1988 venture/Fantasy Games Paladin Omnrtrend $39.95 A fantasy game that uses the Breach system of tile graphics, but adds teieports, magic and a wide assortment of weapons and artifacts. Up to ten party menfi- bers accompany you on the var- ious quests. The long-range goal is to achieve knighthood for your main character. $49.95 The first Infocom game that will actually let you fight grues! Not only that but you have role-play- ing attributes like armor class and dexterity instead of just a score. There are countless monsters to fight, spells to cast, stores to shop in, plus color, auto-mapping and an Undo feature. |f;tJ/* t.^;2^54JKa. • r^Ml'MJ MMJSiukrfwrimr rfctfTfllgffi^S^i^wlfKi .jiems/Sroderbund $59.95 Moebius takes place in an Orien- tal fantasy world and combines a highly original magic system with action-packed kung fu and sword-fighting sequences. The mouse and icon interface is out- standing. it tarry .'Electronic Afts Leisure Suit Larry puts you in the role of Larry Laffer, a loser of a guy with a very important goal. Larry is 40 years old and single and is desperately searching for beautiful girls in the mythical gambling mecca of Lost Wages. Adult subject matter. Faery Tale Adventure Miaolllusions s S49.9S ■'r_. Faery Tale is a one-character role- -playing game with a twist. You begin as one of three brothers who must defeat an evil necro- mancer and recover a magic talis- eval land of Holm. After being killed four times, you begin anew >s another brother. It's not just L another play-alike whose author was content to emulate the style of Ultima or Wizardry. Jinxter Magnetic Scrols/Rainbird 539.95 The Amiga version lets you make many common decisions with the mouse and pull-down menus. The parser is top-notch, accept- ing full and complex sentences. Questran 11 strategic Simulalionsttectronit Arts 549.95 Questran H sends you back iroysfi <'"^e to prevent the Evil f Magic (from the first -gam^from being created. Auto- ma ppi rig complements Ques- (ran's familiar and convenient in- terface. ,CfdlkCin Uninvited Icon Simufations/Mlndscape 549.95 Graphic icon-driven adventure using the same user interface as Deja Vu. An old, spooky house is your only place of refuge after you are involved in a car crash. COMMODORE My^AZINE 85 cade Games by Mark Cotone oTuu WIWIA ; The Last Ninja Activision $24.99 A beautiful martial arts contest that adds a high level of strategic depth by incorporating puzzles, magic and weapons. The graph- ic here are so stunning that if we were handing out awards for Best Set Design, this game could claim those honors as well. Great arcade kicks. Mini Golf Cap com $24.99 All the thrills of the carpet-put- ting classic are here, including multi-tiered greens, metallic loops, unpredictable bumper boards and moving obstacles. Precise dub control makes this a game of patience, timing and skill. But a little luck wouldn't hurt either. Join the club. Skate or Die Elertronit Arts $29.95 A sometimes violent, often hilar- ious tour through five different events in the world of sidewalk surfing. Dazzling graphics, smooth animation and exacting joystick control make this a most thrilling ride. -a ^ ^^K force 7 DataSoft $19.95 it's you and your special crack combat unit against a mob of aliens in a distant space factory. You have seven soldiers, they have several hundred. Good luck! Fast-paced shootout with plenty of strategic possibilities. Road Runner Mindscape $39.95 Beep! Beep! Look out, the classic Road Runner/Coyote chase moves out of the cartoons and onto your monitor. A variety of screens present a host of chal- lenges laced with all of those hu- morous animal antia we know so well. Tough, but welt worth the fight Demon Stalkers Micro Forte/Eledronk Arts $29.99 Battle evil-doers and demonic creatures as you plunge through level after level of infested maze- like dungeons. A touch better than Gauntlet (its obvious inspi- ration), because this package also includes an easy-to-use dungeon construction option. Impossible Mission 2 Epyx $29.95 Here's a rarity: a sequel as good as its highly successful original. Once again you're out to thwart the evil doings of the mad scien- tist, Elvin. The search will take you through 50 rooms swarming with suicidal robots and dastardly traps. Impossible? Maybe. Irresis- tible? Definitely! Rockford—The Arcade Game Arcadia/Electronic Arts SI 9.99 The world-famous Boulder Dash- er is back (again!?), this time of- fering quite a bit more than in any of fiis earlier visits. You now must explore and mine five new.„ worlds comprised of 80 diffei^^ play fields. Wow! New puzzl^,"" humorous intermissions and catchy music make this an ar- cader's tunnel of love. Battle Droidz DataSoft 519.99 A Marble Madness variant that ver through multi-level play fields while avoiding the computer- controlled nasties, but now you are equipped with your own of- fensive weapons, like Immobiliz- ers, Bombs and Guns, Attractive and addictive. IIHB i^»nn S •""• f\ 1 ^' GeeBee Air Rally Activision $19.99 Take to the skies as you race against the clock and other pilots in a wild 3D flight complete with stomach-churning turns, open throttle maneuvers and hard- edged competition. Pass the Dramamine, please, j Cauldron Broderbund $29.99 A pair of offbeat contests that will have you glued to your Com- modore. Set in a mystical land of witches and sorcerers, these chal- lenges draw attention due to their unique styles of surrogate movement: broomstick flying and bouncing. One of this year's toughest, yet more rewarding ar- cade matches. 86 DECEMBER 1988 cade Games by Russ Ceccola Zoom! Discoveiy Software International 129.95 Most original game to come out for a long time that features colorful characters, great anima- tion and strategy. Addictive game that should earn a pl ace in an arcade game Hall of " ".-^i f Incredible graphics highlight this quest to find and kill Count Drac- ula by using all sorts of objects you find along the way. Neat at- mosphere sets you up for a lot of action, thrills and chills in this horror spoof game. Aaargh! Arcadia/Electronic Arts S34.95 Amazing graphics and sounds make for a great atmosphere to take on the role of one of two legendary Hollywood movie J monsters. Trample one of 12 cities as you. search for the Golden Dragon's Egg. !-5'^:!'":« M en Psygnosis I $39.95 Action-packed imported game puts you in role of a defender against creatures and robots of ™ all types. Fast-paced game has 1^ unique graphical representation '' and digitized sounds as you blow •the enemy away. Fire & Forget Titus Software S39.95 Operate a destruction vehicle in a world on the brink of disaster in the nuclear age. See your en- emies from a first-person per- spective, as the great graphics and sound surround you in this game. f vefy year we ask our re- viewers to pick the beit products released during the current year. Since we start this pro- cess in August, our reviewers some- times choose titles that they anticipate will be the best (if they ever come out). So every year one or two nominees slip by that have not yet been released by our publication date. To give our judges an outlet for this eager anticipation of titles to come, this year we've also asked them to pick the title(s) they think most likely to make next year's list So without further ado. here's the ... Best of 1989? 64/128 Hardware X-SPECS3D Haitex Resources, Inc. Computing Experimental Fischer America Inc. Amiga Education Software The Planetarium Microlllusions 128 Productivity Software Page IllustratorlPage Builder 128 Patech Software 64/128 Graphics Programs Page IllustratorlPage Builder 128 Patecti Software Amiga War Games Heavy Metal Modern Land Combat Access Software F-19 Stealth Fighter Micro Prose Amiga Head-to-Head Games The Universal Military Simulator Rainbird 64/128 Adventure Games Ultima V Origin Systems Amiga Adventure Games Space Quest 11 Sierra On-Line King's Quest IV Sierra On-Lirie Land of Legends Microlllusions Dungeon Master FTL Games 64/128 Arcade Games Arkanoids Taito Software Amiga Arcade Games ffoad Runner Mindscape, Inc. Amiga Sports Games street Sports Basketball Epyx COMMODORE MAGAZINE 87 ports Games by Scott A. May a orfEKst: sKoor . .-offcdt: I ptrtPtSE: OtFBOl i.. :OErC«S, Clubhouse Sports Mindsope $29.95 Ed Ringler's follow-up to last year's Indoor Sports proves why he's one of the best game design- ers in the business. Choose from six outstanding diversions; 3D Pinball, Billiards, Skeeball, . Shooting Gallery, Crazy Pool and Foosball. Highly addicting. Spor^r\g News Baseball Epyx »9.9S The first action-oriented baseball game to successfully incorporate detailed statistical play. Hand pick your starting lineup from over 1 50 baseball legends and 26 real-life teams. Realistic action and dazzling graphia make this one a winner. MISL Soccer Mindscape $34.95 T Indoor version of the fabulous Superstar Soccer, this Ed Ringler powerhouse delivers lightning- fast gameplay and a challenge that never ends. Become coach, general manager and team cap- tain in this complex one- or two- player extravaganza. Star Rank Boxing 11 Gamestar S29.95 This sequel to 198S'ssmash hit of- fers more hard-hitting action with better graphics and smooth- er animation. Sfrate or Die Eledtonic Arts -$Z9.95 One of the cruelest sports games around, and you'll love every minute of it. Compete in five bone-jarring events, each pre- sented with graphia and anima- tion you must see to believe. Street Sports Basketball Epyx $39.95 Free-form neighborhood hoops for the sheer fun of it. This chal- lenging one- or two-player con- test guarantees good times for all ages. 4th & Inchest Accolade - $Z9.95 ;, By far the best actiorilbotball game yet for eight-bit comput- ers. Bob Whitehead's design is flawless. Although the computer makes for a tough opponent, this is one of the best two-piayer sports games you can find. vC The Games: Summer Edition Epyx $39.95 The graphics just keep getting hpttpr AnH tho euontc mnro rhat. lenging. Multiple players can 'compete in Sprint Cycling, Hur- dles, Pole Vault, Hammer Throw, Uneven Parallel Bars, Rings, Arch- ery and Springboard Diving. Out- standing simulations. Mmi-Putt Accolade = $29,95 At last, a true miniature golf sim- ulation. This one has it all— reaiis- tic play action, detailed graphics and a wonderful sense of humor Ml struction option. Maybe next time. TakeDowi Gamestar/Activision $29,95 :;Pefinitely not just another wres- iJ:3t!ihg game. This superb one- or ■ft^wo-player contest features bone-crushing tag team action, arcade graphics and some of most amazing digitized sound ef- fects you' II ever hear. 88 DECEMBER 1988 by Gary V. Fields Ead Weaver Baseball Electronic Arts S49.9S This game has all the important elements of baseball including excitement. It comes complete with 25 different ball parks, digi- tized sounds, instant replays and real-time action. You can draft (or trade) for your own team, and the program will keep the important statistics on both your team and individual players. This one is a must for baseball fans. —as 'I f GeeBee Air Rally ^ Actlvision - " S39.95 A pleasant mixture of both flight/ arcade games, this one lets you race a legendary GeeBee airplane over a season, as you try to w/in a championship (and a good-look- ing lady's hand). Lots of surprise screens pop up to add both hu- mor and spice as each race in the season gets tougher. This one makes you feel like you are flying^it's just plain fun. Head Coach J MicroSearch Int. S59.95 This pro football simulation puts you in the shoes of a coach as you design and send in the plays from the sidelines. This is a strategy game rather than arcade, where the outcome of each call is deter- mined by the success probability the play had against the defen- sive formation. This one is for se- rious football fans. Hardball! Accolade $44.95 witn tnis Daseoaif game you manage a team as you pitch, bat, steal, substitute, field and every- thing else required to win a game. A bad call from the bench can send you to the showers or into extra innings. The animation is in real time here, plus the game uses an unusual behind-the- pitcher perspective. When we asked colum- nist Mark Jordan to come up with his picks for our "Best of 1989?" feature, the letter must have had a typo. Here's Mark's choice for the ... Best of 1999? Macbeth/Goliath vs. Gulliver/Gilligan (Publisher TBA) This arcade/text game/ educational/productivity program is the be-ali, end-all of Commodore software. The premise is a tag-team wrestling match. Not only will the user have a great time manipulating Macbeth and Goliath (they fight dirty), but he will learn all of Shakespeare's plays (by heart) in the process, as well as the entire Old Testament (King James version). And he will learn to map the entire universe. (A bonus: . Gilligan's Isle is on it.) There's more. The user will set up a spreadsheet in the process with which he will be able to calculate future events (to the year 2041) as well as explain alt past events (it's about time) with unbiased veracity. Finally, we'll know the true reason Attlla the Hun had such a bad attitude. It " comes with a 5000-page, witty manual, though a handy quick reference guide is all you really need. Mouse, joystick or thought driven. In versions for the Commodore 64, 128 and Amiga. The best news is the price: S7.95, shrink-wrapped at a K-Mart near you, (Not protected.) COMMODORE MAGAZINE '89 Buyer's Guide to Companies Abacus Software QnemawareCoipoiatnn HashEnterpnses B7052ndStr«tNE 4165 Thousand O^sElvd . 2800 E. Evergreen 6W. Grarel Rapids. Ml 19506 WestUte Village, CA 91362 Vanaxive(,WA986&t (616I69M330 (805)495*515 (206)25&«567 Access Software Connwdore Busmess Madines, Inc HiTedlExpfessiors,ln{. 545W. 550 South 1200 Wilson Diive . 5S4 Broadway Suite 130 West Owler. PA 19380 New Yort, NY 10021 Bountifu), Ur 8401D (2151431-9100 {212)941-1224 (BOl) 298-9077 Ciea^ Mkrosystenns Hiton Android Coip. Aaolade.Inc 101IOSWNinilxB,8-1 P.Ota7437 550S.WincheSte(BW Tigard, Oft 97223 Huntington Beach, CA 92615-7437 Suite 200 (503)684-9300 : (71419634584 Sai.J«e,« 95128 DataSoft HypeitelirSaicon Springs (M8)9S5-1700 . 19308 ItodhoftPlai^ 20H571 Shaugnas|i 5treet Mnision Oi3tsttorth,CA 91311 PortCoquitlani,B-CV3C3G3 3SS5 Bohannon Drive (818)886-5922 Canada Medio Park, CAMUS Designing Mmds. Inc (604)922-9262 (415)329-0500 3006 N. Mam lni|iube,lnt Aegis Devdopnffltl^^^^^ Logan, UT 84321 6870 Shingle OeekPhvy. 2210 Wilshire #277 '^^H^ (801)752-2501 Suite 112 Santa Monio,.CA90«} - - DigiT* ™ W.Seneca Minneapolis, MN5S4a (213(392-9972 |612)5»fl221 AtitkPuMshing ^Sffi^'' Su(te4 kifinitySottmaie . 5« Second Street ^'l^^Hr Tampa, H. 3361 2 1144 65th Street SanFrandsto,CA 94107 (8!3)93}«23 Suite C (415)957«86 Disaweiy Software EmeiyMlte,CA<14flKl .^15)420-1551 163 Corxluit Street 86A Sherman Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Moconi Cambtidge, MA 02140 (301)268-9877 125 Cambridgrfait Drive (617(492-0700 DlMSoftware - Camtxidge, MA 02140 (617)492-6000 ArtvwtK Software IDLMPait ISMFimfMtdSoad P.O.BonS0C0 WwelSplaiis Penfidd,NYMS26 Allen. 7X75002 5710 Ruffm Road (716)385^120. 1800)5274747 San Dego,CA 92123 Avaloii Hill Miaoayniitner Games Dr.TsMuskSoftMR (619)268^792 4517 Harford Road 220floyt!tonSlier. hterActiveSoftwoita B*iwe,MD 21214 Suite 206 2521 S.Vtsta Way (3011254-5300 Chesnut Hilt, MA 02167 Suite 254 (617)24«9S4 Carisbad,CA 97008 BautMIe (619)434-5327 S380 52nd Street 5E EaseWaiie Grand Rapids. Ml ^9508 2SBe*airRoai hter^. (616)e9&(^ WeUey, MA 02181 P.a Bo« 57825 {617)237-2148 Webstef,TX 77958 SeikeleySoftwiria (71314864163 21 50 Shattud Avenue BanDesign- Batetey.CA 94704 P.0. 80x31725 lntraairp,lnc (41S)M08S3 San Frandso3,CA 94131 14160 5W 139th Coon H'sBoards - (ill5)St«73 )^iami,FL3318S {800)468-7226 9528 Miramar Road BertJonicAfls Suite 181 1820 (Gateway Drive KFS Software San Diego, CA 921 26 San Mateo, CA 94404 P.O. Box 107 (619)48M908 (415)571-7171 |jrgo,FL 34649-0107 (813)584-2355 EW«.lnc 345 Fourth StiES 600G*eslonDnve Leamen Image San Frandsco.CA 94107 Redwood City, CA 94063 P.O. Box 3669 (fiOO) 572-2272 (415)3660606 iDgan,UT 84321 BnderiHind Software OoUDisk (801)752-5608 17 Paul Drive 2171 Dunwin Drive, #13 The Learning Company San Rafael, CA 94903 Mississauga, Ontario, 6493 Kaiser Drive (415)492-3200 Canada L5L 1X2 Fremont, CA 94555 Brtmn Boxes, bK. (416)8»0913 , (800)852-2255 26.CQfio3rdRoad Great VallerPraducb Mediag«nic Bedford, MA 0173O P.O.Bo)(391 SeeActivision (617)27H»90 afXim\l.iA,\tK. Ma1v«m, PA 19355 (800)426^57 17408 Chatsvrarth Street 12a3-C Mountain Vew^AJmo Road Hat» Resources, tx P.0, Box 3175 Sunny<ale,CA 54089 208 CsiTollton Pari Giaruda Hills, CA9I344 (408)745-7081 Suite 1207 QiTOllton,TX 75006 (214)241-8030 (800)522-2041 ktooProse TOLakefrontDrw Hunt Valley, MD 21030 (301)771-1151 MkioSemii 9896 _Soutiivwst Freeway !^ Houston, T)l 77074 (713)338-2818 Mkre-Systeim Software, Inc V2398W.fofestHinBW. Suite 202 W.Paim Beach, Ft. 33414 {40^79Ofl770 hfooWay Cordage Park, BIdg, 20 Pfyinouth, MA 02360 (617)746-7341 MndHa(ie,lnc 3444 Dundee Road Northbrook,lL 60062 (312)4807667 New Wave Software P.O. Box 438 St dair Shores, Ml 48080 (313)7714465 Omnitiend Software, hit P.O. Box 733 W.5im!bury,a06092 (203)658«17 Origin Systems 136 Hansy Road Buildings londondenv,fJHQ3053 {603)644-3360 The Other Guys 55 H Main Street Suite 301 Logan, UT 84321 (801)753-7620 PAR Software P.O. Box 1309 VaiMKWf.WA 98666 (206)694-1539 patech Software 133 Walnut Avenue Somerset NJ 06873 (201)545-1571 Pioneer Compiling 2469 £.7000 South Suite 200 Salt L^e City, 11784121 (801)942-1174 PttenwjrePengur Software P.O. Box 311 , Geneva, 160134 (312)232-1984 Precision Software. Inc. '8404 Sterling Street SuiteA lnnng,TX7S063 1214)9294838 ftogessive PeriptHab & Softwat* 464 Kalamath Street Denver, CO 80204 (303)8254144 PsygnosisLtd. tfp Computer Softare Services -: 2150 Bieoutive Drive Addison, IL 60101 (312)6204444 RacnMate 3016tJEBlakelyStreet Seattle, WA 98105 (206) 524-7392 Raoihfd Software PO- Box 222} Me!iloParic,CA94(126 (415)3220412 SrinortMoo P.O. Box 17546 Austin, TX 78760 1552)440-1022 Sff-Tedi P.a 80x245 OgdefBburg, NY 13669 (315(393-6633 Software Terminal 3014 Alta Mere fLWorth. 1X761 16 (817)2444150 Sound quest 5 Glenaden Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M8Y2U Canada (416)2340347 Spimaka One Kendal Scjuare Cambridge, MA 02139 (617(494-1200 Spritgboard Software 7808 CiMk Ridge Orde Suite no Minneapolis, MN 55435 (612)944-3915 Strategic Simulations, Inc 1046 N Rengstorff Avenue Mountain View, CA 94043 {415)964-1353 SiAlogic :_ SOlKenyooDiiW ■ Champaign, IL 61820 , fil7) 3590482 Sunburst Communlcatrans 39 Washington Avenue Pleasantville, NY 10570 (914)7»5030 Sunoom 290 Palatine Road Wheeling, I160C9O (312)4i9aW) SunRize Industries 3801 Qtdalege Road B<y»i,TX 77801 " {409)846-1311 Syndesis 20 West Street Wilmington, MA 01887 1508)657-5585 TftiESoftware 20432 Corko Street Chalswor1h,CA913ll {818)708-3692 Unkom EdixBtional Software 2950 E- Flamingo Road bs Vegas, NV 69121 (702)737-«S62 WMtlPerfetOixp, " 288 W Center Street Orem,lJT 84057 (801)225-5000 90 DECEMBE (}■■ Dear Commodore Magazine: I am -wTitUag to tell you tHat I really enjoyed the graphics contest m your magazine. AH the entrants that appeared were highly worthy of praise, I have just one question. Have you considered reproducing poster-size prints and making them availahle to the public? If not, you should do so. The graphics were outstanding. SinoereSy, 4 Brad Fowler Winston, OR «»V We're pretty proud of our 1988 Commodore 64 and Amiga Graphics Contest Winners, and we want to siiow them off through 1 989. That's why we've picked out twelve winners to feature on the NEW 1989 Commodore Magazine Calendar. The calendar is a giant-sized poster C20.5" x 32.5"] featuring some of the best amateur Commodore and Amiga artists around. Now you can get your own 1989 Commodore Magazine Calendar for just S4.95 Cplus S1 postage and handling), Don't forget — they make great gifts for the Commodore users on your holiday list, iSBepage 7QfDrdetails onCommodare Magazine's ^9B9 GrsphicB Contest ) ▼ [Please Print! ■ Det.3cti mtd Mini Totigy ' Please send me 1989 Commodore Magazine Calendar(s> at a cost of E4,95 for each calendar ordered plus S1 (per address! postage/ handling. CPA residents please add 6% sales tax.) Total Amount of Order: S Q I have enclosed a check or money order payable to Commodore Magazine. n Please charge my D VISA D MasterCard Exp. Date: . Signature: I »^ •••, NBme:. Address:. City:. , State:. .Zip:. Mail To- 19B9 Calendar, Commodore Magazine, 1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA 19380-4231 PloaM allow 4-6 weoks deivt—; ma, cat.! a<l.n.:nj' iU.oo "9 addresoub rwith uuanc uob) on separmc shorn An orders m U. S. furvis '•-: .-- s.-. COMING ATTRACTIONS PART II byJohnJeimaine Last month's crystal ball revealed upcoming releases from companies like Electronic Arts, Accolade, Access and Taito. This month we'll take up where we left off with the latest and soon-to-be-greatest from Capcom , Data East, Konami , Activision, SubLogic and others. We are particularly pleased to see the number of titles being released for both the Commodore 64 and Amiga. Activision 64/128: Ocean Ranger, a realistic missile ship simulation, is the latest thing on the software sea. The program takes the user to four of the world's "hot spots": the Be- ring Sea, Central America, Southeast Asia and finally the Persian Gulf. Once you have an assignment, be prepared to encounter enemy destroyers, aircraft, sub- marines and mines. Your vessel is fast on the water, but it's also well-anned for a fight. The ship carries 76mm cannons, Sea Sparrow and Harpoon missiles, chaf!', depth charges, and an ECM Radar Jam- mer, There stq 16 levels of difficulty in the program. Other features include: 360-de- gree point of view, damiige repoits, de- tailed maps and briefings. Ocean Ranger missions are challenging and exciting, while the vessel appears to be an authen- tic reproduction of a typical Navy missile Pete Rose Pennant Fe\/er Next year Pete Rose Pennant Fever from Gamestai' invites you to play the real game of baseball on your 64, Yes, Pete "Charlie Hustle" Rose challenges you to manage his own expansion team, through ten seasons of play, as 24 league teams battle it out for the pennant. But this isn't just a game of management and statistics. Players can pitch, hit, run, field, throw and steal bases in the program (just hke they do on a real baseball diamond). Other features include: fabulous TV-style graphics, digitized sounds and eight dif- ferent points of TOW (from behind the plate, at every base and from four outfield positions). Pete Rose trivia questions ap- pear on screen between innings. In the cfld, Pete Rose Pennant Fever is one of the Jy^arpest home computer ba.seball games *ve seen to date. Like Pete Rose, it be- long.s in a hall of fame. Now that you've heard my comments on tlio subject, iefs find out seme behind-the-scenes deUiils from Scott On- (president of G;unestar when the game was developed) and Pete Kaeehinlself. Ocean Ranger missions are challenging and exciting, while the vessel appears to be an authentic reproduction of a Navy missile ship. ship. You can take command of your ves- sel late in October. October is also the month when you can assume the role of a monstrous creattu-e on a software rampage. Yes, Rampage (the coin-op masterpiece) has finally sur- faced in home computer land. The pro- gram featui^s three huge monstere (goril- la, reptile and wolf) who are desperately fighting for survival. They climb sky- scrapers, punch buildings (until they fall down), smash attacking choppers, destroy John Jermaine: Why did you choose Pete Rose to contribute to the design of your new baseball program? Scott Orn We were trying to re-create the experience of playing real regulation baseball for the first time on a home com- puter. When it came to finding an expert on the subject, I had one person in mind for the job. Pete Rose has been in profes- sional baseball as a player and manager for more than 25 years, and he's also been the manager of the Cincinnati Reds for a while. His expertise in these two areas made him a valuable asset for the project. We were really very foitunate that Pete agreed to work hand-in-hand with us to make Pennant Fever the most realistic baseball game on the market. Jermaine: Had you played wth micro- computers before Pete Rase Pennant Fever came along? Pete Rose: No, I hadri't. We did our thing in San Francisco one day, shortly before a Reds ba.'Sball game. Scott let me plav £ux)tmd with the pmgram for half an horn- to 45 minutes. They finally had to tell me we were going on the air at the ball park tanks, step (*ti soldiers, and eat the people who are trying to shoot them. There are approximately 157 cities to "trasli" in the game, as you search for food to maintain your level of strength and stamina. Yom- giant companions are also trying to put you out of conunission, so get them before they get you. Predator is planning to stalk microcom- puter prey in November. Activision tells me the program is patterned after the storyline of the popular movie. The player, taking the Arnold Schwarzenegger role, leads an elite commando team through the jungles of South America, Your mis- sion consists of locating and rescuing some kidnapped American diplomats from the clutches of rebel forees in the area. What seems like just another dan- gerous assignment gradually evolves into a frightening experience. Members of to get me to stop playing Pennant Fever. It really had me hooked. You move the fielders, you move the hitter, and you even control the swing of the bat. So you get pretty involved in the whole thing. I really don't know much about computer games, in genera], but Fm glad I had the opportu- nity to design and create this one. Jermaine: Tbll me more about Pete Rose Pennant Fever. Orn Well, we used all baU dubs in the program. Players in the game were actu- Continued on page ! 14 92 DECEMBER 1988 Pete Rme Pennant Fever Rampage U.S.S. Ocean Ranger nnn -t«ilM • <■ ir-m i:-i false Down your group are slaughtered one by one, until you find yourself alone against an intergalactic nianhunter iwho stalks you for the sport of it). Predator is basically a fast-moving arcade game that ciiallenges the player to acquire the proper weapons and use them wisely to stay alive. Capcom U.S.A., Inc. Amiga: Late in the third quarter, Amiga translations oiBionic Commandos and Street Fighter will be introduced to the public. In case you haven't heard of Bionic Commandos, it's a futuristic military op- eration (where your soldier has telescop- ing arms, the latest weapons and bionic Silent Software Silent Software, a new name in the indus- try, is showing a lot of promise. Its people are veteran software developers, and they've set their sights higher than most of the Amiga competition. I recently inter- viewed Reichart Von Wolfshield, a repre- sentative of the group, who told me about their future plans. John Jermaine: TfeO me about your new software projects. Reichart Von Wolfshield: Do you remem- ber Jim Sachs, the programmer/artist who created Saucer Attack several years ago on the 64? He's currently working on an Amiga project called 20,000 Leagues Un- der The Sea. The graphics are absolutely incredible, and Jim is doing the job right. We expect to release the product some- time near the end of 1989. By the end of 1988, however, we hope to have Onion (.our first Amiga release) ready to put on the market. Onion is basi- cally a sophisticated black and white ani- mation tool that was originally developed for in-house use. I know what you're Onion enables our people to generate true animation in a hurry, without having to draw things out on paper a thousand times or more. thinking Why would anyone want to cre- ate a black and white paint package for the Amiga'.' The program is similar to a cartoonist's pencil test or "flip book" (where you flip through the pages to pro- C(jnt:iuicd on patji' ll.i powers). Players invade the enemy for- tress, slaying their foes and deactivating their doomsday weapons. Now that you've heard the briefing, the rest is up to you. Capcom's S/terms is a fast- moving arcade game that takes place in outer space. Street Fighter, on the other hand, is a quest to become the greatest street fighter of all time. You've accepted challenges to do battle around the world with ten oppo- nents who also want the title. Sometimes a fight is strictly a test of strength and skill, but several of your adversaries have magical powers. The program's graphics are great, the sounds are interesting, and the action never stops, Sidearms and 1943 will also be released during the fall. Capcora's Sidearms is a fast-moving arcade game that takes place in outer space. The user can aajuire a number of different weapons as he blasts his way through enemy fleets and zones of floating space debris. I really liked the 64 version of the game, but the Amiga trans- lation has been rewritten to take advan- tage of the system's superior sound and graphics capabilities. In 1943, Amiga software pilots fly mis- sions against the poweiful Japanese fleet as it prepares to invade Midway Island. This is a great shoot-'em-up, where the player has to deal with enemy bombers, fighters, aircraft carriers, destroyers and the like. It also pays to keep an eye out for the enemy's secret weapons. If they can't defeat you by conventional means, expect them to try something a bit more sinister. Coming in 1989: Forgotten Worlds, for the 64 and Amiga, is slated to ship early in the year. The user assumes the role of an intergalactic adventurer who is fighting for his life in a hostile sector of space. Players battle giant snakes that suddenly appear and tiy to swallow you, monsters that i«semble the creatures in Aliens, fierce warriors who look like ancient Egyptians and a number of other lethal foes. In the two-player mode, the heroes join forces to save the universe. It's inter- esting to note that the characters have maximum fire power when they're close together, so don't let your enemies drive you apart. The program also features amazing 3D graphics, eight different colorful scenes, a store that sells various types of weapons, and a new way of look- COMMODORE MAGAZINE 93 ing at things (you can rotate your perspec- tive a full 360 degrees). In short, I believe Forgotten Worlds is destined to become a software classic. As the third quarter comes to a close, Ghosts and Gobliiis: Part II should be out for both the 64 and Amiga home comput- ers. The program contains ghastly zom- bies, snakes that come up from the ground, a terrible storm (with plenty of wind, rain and lightning), and numerous interesting visual effects. If you're addict- ed to action-packed arcade games, Ghosts and Goblins H will have you hooked in a matter of seconds. Strider, for the two systems, is also scheduled to ship in June or July. No de- tails are available at this time, however. Cinemaware Corporation [Editor's Note: See ' 'Cinemaware: In Search of Interactive Excellence" in the November issue o/" Commodore Magazine for a complete update on Cinemaware's re- leases through 1988.] Coming in 1989: Bob Jacobs, president of Cinemaware tells me they have no plans to develop a sequel to Tlie Three Stooges in the near fiiture. There wilt be two fol- low-up TV Sports projects next yeai', one of which will be a basketball game. One of the best-kept secrets at Cinemaware, how- ever, is their new horror movie project based on classic 1950's black and white films. This program will be larger than Lords of th£ Rising Sun and promises to be an exciting experience. Data East 64/128: Victory Road (the sequel to Ikari Warriors) was scheduled for an October release. This time, the three heroes of Ikari Warriors battle the evil guardians of the Tfemple of Demons. The player can protect himself by picking up a number of weapons including: flame throwers, super grenades and several diflferent types of guns. A smart user manages his fire pow- er like a business because everything is in short supply. After completing many lev- els of play and destroying hordes of power- ful monsters, you finally reach your desti- nation and confront the mighty demon of the temple. Super Hang -On, an elaborate motorcy- cle simulation, is also scheduled to ship in October Coming in 1989: Early in the year, Robo- cop will be knocking down the doors of 64 owners. Data East couldn't reveal any in- formation about this product, except to The Honeymooners Mike Breggar, First Row's Director of Software Design, talked to me about The Honeymooners Game. Mike is a 35-year old trivia buff who's a podiatrist by day and a professional programmer by night. Ive also asked Howard Berk, Director of Licensing at Viacom Productions, to com- ment on the subject. Jerraaine: Tfell me about The Honey- mooners. Mike Breggar: Basically, it's an interac- tive situation comedy on the computer The Raccoon Lodge Convention is being held in Miami Beach, Florida, and you (as Ralph, Ed, Trixie or Alice) want to attend that special conference. This means the player has to earn a lot of money in oi-der to catch a train and journey to the land of swaying palm trees. The train moves v^^ong on railroad tracks, which resemble ft/]the spaces of a conventional board game. ^Players get to move one ti-ack space for "''eveiy SlO earned in the program. The Hone\'mwners also contains four diSerent seen arias (one about each of the famous L^characters). 94 DECEMBER 1988 Jermaine: What are the scenarios like? Breggar: Two mini-games are nearing completion. One scenario has you, as Ralph, sitting behind the wheel of a city bus where a number of things are taking place. Whenever people are waitit^ at a bus stop, for example, you must pick them up. Each passenger will tell you where he wants to go. Then you have to remember the name of that street and drop them off at the proper location. The user receives a certain amount of money for every pas- senger he takes to the right destination. In the Ed Norton challenge, the player goes into the sewer system and tries to fix leaks in the pipes. The farther you go into the sewer, the more money you earn mak- ing repairs. There's also a bonus leak, that's worth more money than the stan- dai"d leaks. So make as many repairs as possible, and get out, of the sewer before time runs out or you won't collect any money. .lermaine: How are the computers' capa- bilities used in The Honeymooners? Breggar: We're using digitized sound Continued im page 116 1 J„!,'" It iBuVi'iiVt"**! Mtiinei *s -' —- ^- ■• ■ • "" • uu'c. Mil- ri.<j . Jl.'. Neummancer The Twilight Zone ^^«i§i^ I . Boot Camp .•> *' «»■■ I IB . !*y j**''. !<y MMk«i*«*MriM«ll Jackd say it faithiully follows the storyline of the movie. More home computer coin-op translations are also imder development. These titles include: Bad Dudes, Guerilla Wars and Heavy Barrel (the hostage res- cue game). DigiTek 64/128 and Amiga: When Eambo is no- where in sight, you can always count on Joe Elude to get you out of a jam. The plot of this game is simple; Crax Bloodfinger, leader of an infamous band of terrorists, has kidnapped six important world lead- ers. Unless the countries pay $30 billion dollars, the heads of state will lose their heads. The captives are being held in Bloodfinger's fortified headquarters, which is crawling with members of his elite private army. As the deadline ap- proaches, the nations reftjse to pay the ransom in an act of defiance against glo- bal terrorism. Enter Joe Blade. He's a fearless individual who received his basic training in a Tibetan monasteiy. Armed with a semi-automatic gun, our hero infil- trates the enemy stronghold. Now it's time to rescue the prisoners and set explo- sives to decimate the place. When all six bombs have been activated, Joe has about twenty minutes to make his escape. Watch for this exciting new product on both the Commodore 64 and Amiga late in the year. Howdy, pardner! If you're looking for real western action, mosey on down to the keyboard and load up Western Games, a new multi-event program that dares you to participate in six unusual conteste. There's Arm Wrestling, Beer Shooting, Quid Spitting, a Dancing Contest, Cow Milking and an Eating Competition. This is a real break fitim the usual shoot-'em- up programs. Overall, I give Western GuTnes four stars (out of five) for its comi- cal graphics, colorfiil backgrounds, fluid motion and interesting sounds. You can buy this time capsule competition early in the fourth quarter The Cyber Complex, another fourth quarter release, transports you into the gloomy world of the 21st century. You live in an underground city, ruled by an ulti-a- powerful robot. This supercomputer has a problem: it's become a httle paranoid over the years. In fact, the machine is extermi- nating intelligent hxmian beings whom it considers a threat to its fiiture existence. You become the robot's chief trouble shoot- er; your job is "rubbing out" people the mechanism considers dangerous. When- ever you kill one of these characters, you can pick up his or her credits and any ob- jects that person was carrying. You can also purchase many useftd items includ- ing cars, bazookas, bombs, hand grenades, radar equipment, a solar calculator, etc. A little robot, your partner in these adven- tures, can also be equipped with numer- ous special attachments. As you gain ex- perience, your shirt changes color You gradually evolve into one of the intelli- gentsia. Now you are the hunted instead of the hunter. The Commodore 64 version should be available in October; the Amiga is scheduled to ship in November. Continued on page 113 Music-X I spoke with play-tester Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul and Mary), to find out more about MicrcDlusions Music-X. John Jermaine: Is Music-X a program for the average consumer who wants to make music on his Amiga? Paul Stookey: I have a feehng theyll real- ly have to love computers in order to use Ae product. Even though I haven't seen the manual yet, I believe Music-X was de- signed for the serious musician and the home computer hacker out there. Jermaine: What do you think of the pro- gram overall? Stookey: Tm initially impressed with its menu and basic capabilities. The sequenc- er allows you to save musical events two different ways: (1) in real time (as you're actually playing it), or (2) in step time (note by note on the keyboard). The advant^e of MTOI-oriented soft- ware is you're not committing anything to the medium. You're only committing the memoiy of generating mflsic to the medi- um. When you play the recording back, it's all first-generation sound. In simple terms, Music-X is like a robot that will continually repeat the same musical pat- tern you feed into it. That's why a lot of "garage tapes" are appearing on the mar- ket these days. All an artist has to do is pack up his equipment {an Amiga, Music- X and the instruments he uses), work m his garage for a while, take eveT3rthing to !a legitimate studio, and he can make re- , "cordings featuring first-generation back- ground music. In one pass, you can record genuine first-generation sound where tempo information occupies one track, the , I melody line is on another track, the base j ' hne is on still another track, etc. There ;i : Continued on page 117'f COiv'.f/iODORE M.'\GAZ1NE 95 PUMPING GEOS' GEOS 2.0 Berkeley Softworks' series of GEOS-compatible products opens up a world of opportunity to Commodore users. Take some tips from Mark Jordan and soon you too will be Pumping GEOS. GEOS 2.0 is new and improved. Very improved. No doubt you've seen the ads which tell of many of the refinements of the package. And it really is a package: now you get geoSpell, geoWrtte2.1, Text Grabber, and more with the GEOS sys- tem. Everything is faster, smoother and easier to use. It is truly a program that has come of age. But is it worth it? You may already have invested over $100 in GEOS soft- ware. Does the new, improved product merit another $25 dollars of your hai'd- eamed money? Or would you be happier spending it on a supreme pan pizza? Be- cause let's be honest, folks, if a piece of software can't pass the pizza test, it's just not worth buying. I think it's worth it. If you're a GEOS user you will appreciate more than any one particular feature, the more profes- sional "fee!" of the program. Ever>lhing seems to be getting even more intuitive than GEOS already was, and that's saying something. The Little Things Thke the clock, for instance. When you boot up GEOS 2.0, a clock/calendar is sit- ting up on the command line just waiting for you to type in the correct time and date. It takes about five seconds to do so. Just click on it and type. There's no hunt- ing around for drop-down menus or wait- ing for this or that to load into memory. Ifs there and it's working. The proof of its value is that I find myself always using it as soon as I boot up. This is in contrast to the dozens of other programs and operat- ing systems I've used where I never ever input the time. Another real nice touch is the fact that mgeoPaint you can now use the cursor keys to move the pointer a pixel at a time. With a mouse or joystick it's tough to make such delicate movements, and lots of times it's delicate movements you want. This feature, though not promoted as much as some of the others, adds im- Everything seems to be getting even more intuitive than GEOS already was, and that's saying something. mensely to the professional feel of GEOS. Here's another subtle improvement: now, when you open the Photo Manager, it automatically opens the first file on disk. When using geoPuhlish, this saves one step. Not much, until you start ^eoPi/6- lishmg a lot, in which case any steps saved are appreciated. Ever trashed a file you wished you hadn't? You can now un-trash it, so long as it's the last one trashed. The Other Things The Desklbp seems to be spiffed up and sped up in almost every way Now you can move icons around on the disk note pad where you want them instead of fu-st posi- tion fu^t, etc. And now, if you select a new printer driver or input driver, the icons will exchange position on the disk note pad automatically. I also appreciated the multiple-icon fea- ture. Now you can select more than one icon at a time to move, copy, trash, what- ever. The procedure is simple and intu- itive: simply hold down the COMMO- DORE key as you click icons, then when you want to perform some action on the group, click on any of the highlighted icons, and you'll get a new icon called "Mult-file" which you can manipulate. A feature that 1571 owners will really like is the one that lets you now use both sides of your disk. No longer is a two-drive system a minimum setup. You can put lots of fonts and files on disk and still have more than a byte or two left. They say in the literature that file copy- ing is faster, though I couldn't verify this. Just like they say thai geoSpell is faster — 38% faster— though I couldn't verify this by Mark Jordan either because I never had the original geoSpell. I can verify that eveiything seems faster. And guess what. You can now color-code your icons by type. Thus you could have all your applications blue, your geoWrite files red, and so on. Fm a believer in color- coding but it takes long-term use to really make it work. At any rate, with the old GEOS, you couldn't do it and now you can. GeoWrite is version 2.1 which a lot of you already have. If you're still working with an earlier version, this inclusion alone may make GEOS 2.0 a must buy. GeoPaint is where I feel the most useftil improvements have come. A constrain feature— which works with lines, circles, and boxes — has been added. With it you can draw lines that are either vertical, horizontal, or 45-degree angles (and noth- ing else). With constrain and circle select- ed, you will draw perfect circles. Shut it off and your circles will become ellipses. Him it back on and select the box icon and you'll get boxes only, no rectangles. Shut it off and rectangles are available. The bitmap scaling feature is my favor- ite. If you own geoPublish, you'll quickly recognize it from that program. Now you can enlarge, stretch or shrink any item you grab. It's easy to do, just use the Edit box tool to grab something, go to the Edit menu and choose "copy" or "cut," define a new region any size with the Edit box tool, and choose "paste" from the Edit menu. You'll get a dialog box that will let you center your original item if you wish, or scale it to size. You can smooth it (get rid of the jaggies) in the piwess and/or make it either transparent or opaque. Last of all, you can even change the pattern of the graphic. This means that instead of all black areas being black, you can make them any of the standard GEOS patterns. Check out the 'Pumping GEOS" docu- ment to see bitmap scaling in action. There are several other improvements to geoPaint, many of which I haven't real- ly tested yet. As I stated earlier, the cursor control of the pointer is a big small im- provement, if you know what I mean. Conclusions Is everything perfect now in GEOS- land? No. I still don't particularly like sit- ting and waiting so much when I'm using the system. I don't have the RAM expand- er and that would make a big difference, Continued on page 112 96 DECEMBER 1988 Pumping GEOS/GEOS 2.0 • IVol, 1, Num 4] The Ongoing Adventures of geoPete The best new features of the GEOS 20 package come with gcoPaint And the best of these features is the Bitmap scaling feature Below I have re-created a geoPaint screen to show what kind of effects can I>c easily achieved using bitmap scaling Also, fast for fun, Ive included a few errors in frames 2 - 4 of geoPete To be exact, there arc 3 of them per frame Use the first frame as your {excuse the pun) frame of reference geoPaint is excellent at creating these kind of observation-powers puzzles In an upcoming issue, ril make a real tricky one Mouse Specks Nov that the mouse has become an integral part of many home computer systems, the question arises, vhat do you call more than one of them. That's easy, comes the hasty response — nice. Anyone knovs that the plural of mouse is mice. But not so fast. The vord lice is the plural of loase and you knov 8.s veil as 1 do that you'd never call those tvo jerks vho vork at the office lice. You'd call them the a couple of louses. Berkeley Softvorks seems to think mice is the acceptable form. Page 2-27 of the GEOS 1.2 User's Manual states "Berkeley Softvorks is vorking vith Commodore and other mice manufacturers ." I beg to differ. 1 have tvo mouses at my house and instinctively, vhenever anybody in the family mentions them in the plural., they say, "Hey, hov come both mouses are alvays missing?" What's right!* ¥ell, I happen to knov that, contrary to p'Opular t>elief, the real rules for language come not from a f ev elitists guarding the store, but from you and me and all the other speakers in the land. So nov's your chance: vrite to me in care of Commodore Magazine and tell me, mouses or mice. I'll report the results in an upcoming issue. q«o? I file ; edit ; option; ; tcnl f«oPe(e - 1 depressed. 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Skyfox II Mars Saga Zany Golf Modem Wars COMING SOON FROM ELECTRONIC ARTS AFFILIATED LABELS Amiga Double Dragon -Arcadia Heroes of the Lance - SSI Master Ninja • Paragon Pub Games - Datasoft Reach for the Stars -SSG Rubicon Alliance - Datasoft Scrabble - Virgin Games Twilight's Ramson - Paragon Wizard Wars - Paragon C-64 Alien Fires- Paragon American Civil War vol 3-SSG Battle of the Bulge -SSG Batles of Napoeon - SSI Demon's Winter -SSI Double Dragon - Arcadia First Over Germany - SS I Heroes of the Lance - SSI Napoleonic Wars - SSG CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-456-1162 PROGRAMMING' by Mark Jordan A Beginner's Guide to 1541/1571 Disk FUes Suppose you buy a business, a solid business, Youi" fii"st day at the place you are astounded at the hundt-eds of file cabinets. You ask one of the employees, "How does anyone know what record is in what file?" He responds, "Simple, just ask Hilda." Hilda, it turns out, is a one-eyed file Hbrarian. And she's mean. So you decide to leave all that kind of work to the others while you sit in the office and do presidential stuff like giving orders. For a while, this works. Then one night you are at the office late, reading box scores fiiom USA Today. The phone rings. You answer. The caller, your biggest customer, wants to know about his account. Sweat beads appear on your brow. You just knew this day was go- ing to come. You lush to the files and be- gin thrashing about. Two hom-s later you leave, file foldere stiiewn on the floor and one less customer to wony about. An un- likely scenario? Not if you see it as an analogy. Let me interpret it. The business you bought is your computer. Hilda is the operating system (DOS I that comes with your disk drive. The files, ah need you ask? They are your disk files. And the late-night call? That's the first time you decide you need to personally get at your disk files. Have you had your late-night call yet? You will. Maybe it will happen when you purchase a new word processor and want to transfer your old files to the new sys- tem. Or maybe one day for who-knows- what reason some old files won't load. Oi- maybe it will come when you decide to write a little program that needs to save information on the disk. I cannot tell you when it will happen, but happen it will and this much I can do: prepare you. That way, instead of panic, anger, and regrettable behavior, you can answer that "phone" with confidence. This Better Not Get Complicated I think the reason so many computer owners shy away from learning how to master the disk drive is because they've read a little about the processes, and it has left them blank. Too many teims, like block, track and sector, and too many crj-ptic abbreviations, like BAJVl, GRC, and MFM, As Curley of Three Stooges fame might say, "This is confusing." Jar- gon is okay — in fact, it's quite usefiil — but not for this article. Let the following "the- ory" be sufficient: disks hold data like I'e- cord albums hold sound. The disk drive's brain knows where to "drop the needle" if we just ask it to. It knows this because it keeps a catalog, or dii^ectory, of just where everything is located on the disk. Think of this like a library with its card catalog telling where all the books ai-e. In this li- brary, however, users are not allowed to get any books themselves: they must re- quest their information from a reference librarian. The reference librarian in youi" disk drive is the operating system — one-eyed Hilda. I My invention: don't expect to find this in your manual index. Her one eye, by the way, is the disk drive's light.) And Hilda is extremely etiquette-conscious. Hcky. If you want information from her you will have to ask for it in just the right manner or risk her angry stare. Of course, this applies not only to get- ting infoi-mation from your disk, but also to storing it there as well. You will work via this same nit-picking librarian and you will obey all rules. That's the bad news. The good news is that there are only ten rules for you to worry about. Tfen?! Yes, but a mere three program lines will accomplish all ten. lb learn the process, you will need a disk that you can save to. Get one and put it in the disk drive and turn youi- comput- er on .. . it's time head down to the library. Writing a File We will start by writing a short file to the disk, lb write a file means to create a new one on the disk, even if we don't put anything in it. We'll give it a name and Hilda, our disk drive, will put it into the card catalog. Then it's there for whenever we want it. So let's get creating and learn the rules. Type the following line: 10 OPEN 2,8,2,"TEST,W" RLILE 1: Politely get Hilda's (your disk drive's) attention. The OPEN statement is the equivalent of saying to your disk drive, "Er, excuse me but I need some help." RULE 2: Tkke a number, the first of 3. This number is your "file number." Hilda won't mess with you if you don't have it. The number should be bet%veen 1 and 127. We chose a 2 in this instance. Why 2? Why not? Place this file number immediately after each OPEN statement with no punc- tuation between the two. A comma should follow it and all other numbers in your OPEN statement. Once a file is OPENed, any time we want to refer to it, we simply use this number. RULE 3: Pick an 8. This is the device number Why 8? Commodore disk drives 100 DECEMBER 1988 Programming/A Beginner's Guide to 1541/1571 Disk Files' come shipped as device number 8. It's this number that assures Hilda that you're talking to her. Had we put a 4 here, the printer would have stiired. A 1 would've put the cassette recorder into motion, if we had one. When working with Commodore disk diives, we will always use the num- ber 8 as our device number, unless we have a second drive. Those of you who do, already know that you had to change its device number, most likely to 9. It's veiy simple to write (or read) fix)m the second drive — you just change this number to 9. By the way, don't forget your comma after this number RULE 4: Pick another number, this time one between 2 and 15. Again, a com- ma must follow it. This number is official- ly known as the channel number, but most folks refer to it as the secondary ad- dj'ess. Secondajy addresses are the source of much confusion when dealing with printers and interfaces. With disk drives, you only need to know the following: an address of is reserved for program loads, 1 is reserved for progi'am saves, and 15 is resei-ved for special disk di-ive commands. So why are we using a 2 hei«? Because we used 2 as oiu- file number. It just makes it easier to keep ti'ack of things. RULE 5; Tell the disk dri\'e the name of the file you want to store. Oui- example hei-e chose the name "TEST". Don't omit the quotations mai'ks or you'll get about as far with Hilda as a child tiying to train a cat to sit. RULE 6: Tfell the disk drive whether you want to store or retrieve a file. The commaAV tells her that you want store one (the W stands for "wiite" which is syn- onymous with "store"), Later, we'll learn to use a comma/R to rettieve a file. Since we're writing a file, it's impoitant to om- disk drive to see if a file already exists by that name. Hilda will check. If none ex- ists, she will get a file folder out of the drawer and create a new entiy to catalog. That's what she's doing now. There, that wasn't so bad. Now that we've got our file on Hilda's desk, any time we want her to do anything with the file all we need to do is refer to it by its number So let's do something with it. 20 PRINT#2,"THIS IS A TEST" RULE 7: TfcU the disk drive to place something in our file. PRINT# is what Hilda needs to hear. RULE 8: Tfell the disk diive which file. It's 2, remember. And don't forget to follow the number with the comma, as always. RULE 9: Tfell the disk drive what to put in the file. Now here you have some op- tions. You can put things in the file just the same way you can print things onto the screen: with direct quotes, with varia- bles, or with plain old numbers. In our line 20, we simply put what we wanted to save inside of quotes and that was that. But it would have worked just as well to send that data in the foim of a variable. For example, w-e could have defined A$='THIS IS A TEST" and then simply used this format: PRINT#2,A$ This is a much more versatile method and one you'll usually use when writing programs. If we wanted to send a number to the file, we could have done it like this: PRINT#2,7 Or we could have used a variable there also instead of the direct number As in: N=7:PRINT#2,N After line 20 executes, Hilda v^ill do ex- actly as she's told, plus she will add a RE- TURN to the end of what we've printed. This little habit of our computer is impor- tant to know about. For those of you new to programming, a RETURN to you is simply a press of the RETURN key The result is that the cursor will jump to the next line on the left mai'gin. It gets its name fhim electric typevmters which re- turn the caniage each time it is pressed. The computer, however, views RE- TURN a little differently Each time you press RETURN the computer inserts a single character into whatever you're do- ing. This character doesn't show on the screen. It is just a number — 13. Well, Hilda, our disk drive librarian, is fastidious about putting a 13 at the end of each PRINT# statement we use. You may think of this as a bookmark. Later, when viewing a file's contents, we'll see how use- ful these bookmai'ks can be. Guess what? We're done with our file. But we need one more line to finish things up. It's mostly a courtesy to Hilda, but like all aspects of our relationship with this woman, it's crucial to obey all fonnalities. 30 CLOSE 2 That's it? That's it. The rule is this: RULE 10: TfeU Hilda to put the file away CLOSE does that and 2 is the file number Now, run this program. The disk drive will work a little (but now we know the truth — it's just Hilda) and then peace wiU descend upon the land. We've just written a file and saved it to disk. Hilda's happy, we're happy, everybodys happy. Our whimsical little exercise may not seem all that earthshaking, but if you've stuck with me this far, you now have a Canlinued un fiage 110 ADVERTISEMENT Fiighf notes #2E -^ Wrapping Gp Europe - The deadline for entering our "Find Red Square" contest was Movember 15th. 1988. Current plans call for a mid-December drawing to determine the contestwinner. This contest, requiring you to use Flight Simulator or Jet to locale Red Square on our new "Western European Tour" Sceneiy Disk, was as much fun for us as it was for you! Watch for another Scenery Disk promo contest next year. -^ The success of Stealth Mission has really surprised us. Rather than develop product quickly for an increasingly cost-conscious consumer market, our engineering staff decided to spare no expense and create the ultimate simulation in terms of strategic depth and program polish. One example of Stealth Mission's strategic depth is the ability to choose your aircraft type. Your ability to fly either an F- 19 Stealth fighter, the experimental forward-swept wing X-29. or a Mavy F-14 Tomcat provides a first-hand perspective on the way mission challenges can vary depending on your stealth capabilities. Stealth Mission's polish is like nothing you've ever experienced before. One much-appreciated new feature is the ability to pause aircraft motion while you adjust your strategies (such as weapon/target selection) or system settings. For fumble-fingered computer pilots like myself, this feature lets me concentrate more on my strategies rather than on perfecting my sensory-motor skills. Autopilot landing and airborne refueling systems eliminate much of the difficulties and frustrations of flying. Stealth Mission is unlike any other simulation I've ever flown. It's truly a gem. Enjoy! -^ Its Back! Not advertised since early 1964, the classic Might Mission Pinball will be back in production once again by the time you read this. Priced at only S29.95, now everyone can afford to add this classic to their software collection. If you're a family person like myself, be prepared to be without your computer for extended periods of time. Pinball's uncanny realism and general appeal has a way of captivating everyone. 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ICON f aclory 25 Krack Jax ArlDis<Sl-tOEA 13 Newsroom 17 PC Circuit Board Maker 79 Page Illustrator 129 29 Party Ware 12 Perspectives 2 1 3D| 39 PnoloFinisn 19 Postcards 1 9 Printmaster An I 15 Pnnlmaster An II 15 Pnnlmaster An in Fantasy 1 7 Prinimasier Plus 25 Prinlshop 35 Pnntsnop Holiday Library 19 Screen F(X 25 Slideshow Creator 1 3 Toy Shop 22 VTS Graphic Companion 2 1 7 Vitfeo Title Shop wiGr Comp 1 25 GARAGE SALE Brainpower Decision Maker IS Brainpower Forecaster 15 Brainpower Numbers at Work 1 5 Brainpower Protect Planner 1 5 C Power 128 IS C Power 64 15 Fiexi Aided 0es)5n 15 HOW to Gel Mosi Geos BkyDisk 1 2 Jewels ot Darkness 1 Maps ot Europe Game 12 Maps ol USA Game 12 Maps ol World Came 12 S-kon Dreams 10 Super C 128 Super C 64 Super Cat Super Disk Libfanan C! 2B Super Disk Librarian C64 Super Drsk Utilities CI 28 Super Pascal 126 Super Pascal 64 Super Snapshot V3 Super Snapshot w/CI 28 Disable SynIKh BBS Synlecn BBS Games Disk 45 45 22 19 29 29 45 45 49 54 39 15 GEOS-RELATED Becker Basic 64 Deskpak Plus 64/1 28 Fonlpak Plus 64/1 28 GEOS 128 GEOS 64 Geocaici28 Geocalc 64 Geoliie128 Geoliie 64 Geos Programmef 64 Geopublish 84 Geospeii Geowrite Workstiop 1 28 Geowrite Workshop 64 '»Vcrdout3iisher 35 22 22 45 39 ■4S 39 45 39 45 45 19 45 39 28 PERSONAL ENRICHMENT Bodyiog; Caidio Exercise 75 Bodyiog Enhanced Stress Heduct 229 49 54 89 12 22 30 22 19 Bodyiog Harilab Bodyiog Muscle DevelDpement Bodyiog Stress Reduction Boston eartendei's Guide Budge 5 Ctiessmaster 2000 Or Rum's Bk Good Sex Dream Machine Analyser Family Tree 128 Family Tree 64 Jeopardy 2 Monopoly Paul Whitehead Chess Setabbie SciubOies Sexual fdge Stridor's Classical Music EA Tarot12a Wheel ol Fortune 2 SPREADSHEETS Pocket Planner 2 Swiltcaic 1 28 w/Sidewiys Swittcaic 64w/Sidd«ays Vizistar 128 EDUCATIONAL AipnaoeiZM S 18 Aip^abuiid 6 Calc uius by Numeric Methods 27 Counting Parade 6 Early Learning friends 6 Easy Sign (sign Language) 17 Evelyn Wood Dynamic Reader 1 7 Pacemaker 1 6 First Men Moon Man 1 9 Hayoen SAT Preparation 32 How 10 Program m Basic 24 Kids on Keys 18 Kidsword (large characters) 35 Kidwrder 22 Kindercorap 1 8 Linkword French 19 Linkword Frencn2 19 Linkword German 19 Linkword Italian 19 Linkword: Russian 1 9 Linkword: Spanish 1 9 Little Computer People 1 2 Mithbusters 22 Mavis Beacon Typing 30 Memory Academy 1 5 RS.VP, 21 Reading 1 (Peier Rabbit) 19 Reading 2 (Jungle Book] I 9 SWM AddfSublract 22 SWHAdd/SuDiractw/Decimals 22 SWM AddlSutllract w/Fraclions 22 SWM MItply/Divide w/Decimais 22 SWM Mllply/Divide wi'Fraclions 22 SWM Multpiy;Di»ide 22 Sky Travel 35 Slickybear ABC's 22 Stickybear Math 1 22 Sbckybear Math 2 22 Stickybear Numbers 22 Stickybear Opoosites 22 Stickybear Reading 22 Stickybear Reading Comp 22 Stickybear Speilgratber 22 Stickybear Townbmkjer 22 Ticket to London 21 Ticket to Pans 21 Ticket to Spam 21 Ticket to Washington DC 21 Where Caimen-Europe 29 Where Carmen USA 29 Where Carmen-World 29 Widham Below the Root 1 2 Widham-Swiss Family Robsin 1 2 Widham-Wijard ot OZ 12 Widham Alice m Wnnderland 1 2 WOnOPROCESSORS Bank Street Writer 35 fleet Syslem 2 + (C64) 39 Fleet System 4 |C1 28) 52 Fontmasler 1 28 w/Sjcller 39 Fontmaster II (C64) 35 Paperclio 3 39 Pocket Dictionary 64'1 28 10 Pocket Writer 2 39 Superscript 1 28 45 Vi;istarl2B 60 WordPro 1 28 wrSpell w/Filer 30 WordPro 64 wISpell 30 Wordwriter 1 28 37 Wordwnter 3 (C64) 3D Write Stull 128 NEW 24 WntBSlull64 19 Write Stull 64 w/Talker 24 Cirnrc AifGnmEnT 1541/1571 Oriue Alignment This excellent alignment program is a must have for every Commodore owner. Easy to use. it helps you to align your drive so that it runs just as if it were new! The simple instructional manual and on-screen help prompt you thru the alignment procedure and help you adjust the speed and head stop of your drives. It even includes instructions on how to load the alignment program when nothing else will load. Don't be caught short! We get more RED LABEL orders for this program, then any other program we sell. Save yourself the expense! Order now, keep it in your library and use the 1541/1571 Drive Alignment program regulady!! Works on the C64, CI 28. and SX64 lor both the 1541 and 1571 drives. STILL ONLY $25.00 Home Designer Home Designer CAD 128 Given glowing ratings by evefy major Commodore magazine, this CAD system outclasses every other CAD program, because of its object-based design. With over 50 powerful commands, 5 drawing layers, superb support of library figures and lazBr-quality printouts at ANY scale on your dot matrix printer or plotter, you can create drawings so accurate that a blueprint can be made from them! Tired of working with poor quality/inaccurate print- outs, manipulating little dots on a bit-map, giving up on detailed work because you can't zoom in close enough? Join the professionals! only $45.00 mouse Of joystick rgqurrcd NEW!EnQineerin;j Librae disK avaitabte mf, StQ.DO LlF'f Vf Super ai Utifities This full-featured disk utilities system, for your 1581 drive, is available in both C64 and C128 versions. Among the many features included in this line package are: •Copy whole unprotected t541j157l disks lo 15B1 partitions •Copy unprolecled 1541(1571 tiles lo 1581 disks •Copy unprotected ib8i tites 10 1571 disks •Backup 1581 files or disks *ith 1 oi 2 ISBI's •1561 Disk Editor. Ofive Monitor and RAM Writer •Includes numerous DOS commands sucti as Bename a lile'dlsk, •SciatchiUnscratch tiles, Lock/Unlock tiles. Create AuM-Boot and moifi Tired of not being ahle to use your 1581? Super 81 will get that great little drive out of the closet and into use only $29.00 (please specify C64 version or C128 version) CATALOGS People teif us our catafog Is the BEST! Find out tor yourseff. Our 40 page catalog is crammed full of detaiied descriptions of hundreds of C64/C128 products. Call or write for your copy today! BONUS DOLLARS EAHN BONUS SS$ WHEN YOU ORDER!! Fof eveiy $50 of software and accessories that you ordef, you eam one bonus dollar. That's an additional 2% discount!! Use your bonus dollars on future purchases. en i WALL SOLID PRODUCTS & SOLID SUPPORT P O Bo? 129 I 63 Noble SIfeei KulJlown. PA 19530 24 HOURS - TOLL FREE 1-800-638-5757 '^ I ^ RAM-DISK RatiDOS 128 'r'es...we know that Ram Expanders are scarce these days. But for you lucky ones that already have one, RamDOS 128 is just for you! This complete RAM based "Disk" Operating System lor the 1750 RAM Expander, will turn ALL or part of your expansion memory into a lightning-last RAM- DISK! Under fiamDOS, a 50K lile( 1 90 blocks) will load in just V2 second. Load entire disks or individual files into your expansion memory and get to work. When done save the entire memory or individual files back to your disk lor permanent storage. RamDOS makes your work fast and easy! only $29.00 (C126 and 1 750 Ram txpandei required) The most productive CI 28 word processor on the market! Features? The list is so fong, but... 60 User-definabie macros. Up to 64K divided into 10 work areas. Built-in Outline Generator, File Translator lor other w/p documents. Quick preview for up to 250 columns, WYSIWYG preview. Industrial strength printer macros. Load/save to 16K buffer. Support 1700/1750 RAM Expanders, Split screen option. Alarm clock. Micro justification/line pitch control; Create custom characters, and much more! The Write Stuff, with it's weil-written manuai. on-line help and full keyboard overlay, is easy to use. And if you need power, you won't find another w/p system on the market that can match it! ONLY $24.00 PRQTOLINC BBS 128 nnkM This fast & flexible multi-message base Bulletin Board System lor your CI 28 is easy to setup and packed fufi of features. It supports 1 500 Users, all memory resident for lightning fast log ons. No relative files are used in the board, so you won't be plagued by file crashes. Full Remote Sysop control. Multi-level menu forease-of-use, supports up to 8 drives and a host of protocols including Punter. Xmodem, Checksum $ Xmodem CRC. Works with 1650, 1670 and most 100% Hayes compatible modems. If you have been searching for a BBS that uses the speed and power of your CI 28, Protolinc BBS is your answer NEW PRICE - $29.00 (40 & 80 columns supported) TAROT-I28 hJow you can consult your computer about love and romance, marnage, business and personal challenges, spiritual matters and search for wisdom. Learn about the divinatory and reversed meaning of afl 78 cards. Pnnt out your readings for future reference. Reafly interesting!! Memory Academy 128 f/emory Academy will help you improve your ablli ty to recall colors, words, numbers and story details! It IS packed full of practice routines (you set the numfjer of items and display time) and a final exam. either only $15.00 (BO column monitor required) GREAT ACCESSORIES FOR VOUR CG4/C12B The Drive Box With some simple souldering you can make any Commodore drive switcbable bet- ween devices 8, 9, 10 or 11 and also write the unnotched side ol your disk - S27.DD 2-For-1 or 4-For 1 Serial Boxes - Connect 2 or 4 peripherals to the box and share with another device. Multiple computers sharing one drive. Multiple printers hooked lo one computer, etc. 2-For 1 Box Is $29.DD. 4-For-1 Box is S39.0G. Quick Brown Box - A great cartridge into which you can write programs, utilities or data files. What you store will remain intact, even with the cartridge unplugged or the computer turned off! 32K Box is S79.D0; 64K Box is S99.00. M3 Mouse - If you are looking for a reliable, well- built fufly proportional mouse, slop looking! Built by Contriver, the M3 Mouse is the best we've seen. $39.00. OROERINIi INSinUCTIDHS for your coovEnicnce. you can place a pHone order 2A HOURSr? DAYS A WEEK on our TOLL FHEE LINE I 500-636 576?- Price. Availability ami Compitability Checks irs also WElcome oo our order line. Monday toru Friday. 9AH -SPM EST. AFTER HOURS. Orders Only Pieassll When pijcinfl an order, please specily your COMPUTER MODEL. HOME 4 OAVTIME PriOKE NUMBER, SHIPPING ADDRESS. METHOD OF PAYMENT and ITEMS ORDERED To help u5 serve you better, please have all your inlormairon, including your CHARGE CARD number, ready betore you call us. ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS: We gladly accept payment by. PREPAID BY PERSONAL CHECK (will nol hold lor cleaiingi or MONEY ORDER: COD (continenlat USA only AND S4.00 ADDniONAL|: MASTERCARD: VISA: SCHOOL PURCHASE ORDEHS, All payment musl be in USA OOLLABS, THERE IS NO SURCHABOE FOR CHAitGE CARDS and your care] is NOT charged until we ship. 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All UPS shipments are sent SIGNATURE RE0UIHE0»N0 DRIVER RELEASE, ADO Ihe lollowing shipping Charges to your TOTAL soltware order UPS: GROUNO-Sil.OO (com USA ONLY); AIRfflUSH-S7.D0 (Includes Puerto Rico/Hawaii); 0VERNIGKT-S12-D0 PLUS S3-50 per item (musl he received by 12 NOON] PfltORny MAIL: USA-S4.00 (includes APO/FPOl: CANADA/MEXICO $6.00: OTHER FOHEIGN-S4.00 handling PLUS Actual Shipping (minimum SI 2.001 RETURN POLO We have a liberal return policy to belter service your needs. Sottware piracy is a problem, bul as long as our policy IS nol abused, we will continue lo honor It. If within 1 5 days Ijom the time yoy receive an item, you are nol saiislied with it for any reason, you may return il lo us tor either a refund, exchange or open crediS. REFUNDS ARE SUBJECT TO A 1 °'i HEST0CKiN(3 FEE PER ITEM RETURNED (5500 MINIMUM PER ITEM). A DEFECTIVE ITEM will he replaced with the same ilein (NO CHAaGE... ol course). EXCHANGES/OPEN CREDITS will gladly be issued for the FULL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE ITEM. PROGRAMMING' by Jared Gfoth Pokeless Sprites for the Commodore 64 Pokeless Sprites is a short (396 bytes I machine language utility that will al- low you to easilj' control sprites. Instead of looking up addresses to poke to or worry- ing about logical operators, all you will have to do is change a few variables. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced sprite programmer, you mil find Pokeless Sprites a valuable utility. Type the program in, then save it. Now run the program. If the data is correct, then you will see "pokeless on." Other- wise, check your data statements. The following explanation of how to use pokeless sprites assumes you understand the basics of sprite programming such as how they get their shapes, what multico- lor is, etc. If you don't, refer to the sprite section in your user's guide. Class One Variables: Color and Position The first variable in class one sets the pointer to the sprite's shape. The com- mand is: FTKsprite number) = value. If you want to set the pointer for sprite zero to 192, all you have to do is type: P?f(0) = 192. The second variable allows you to change the sprite's color. The vari- able C% acts in the same way as P/f does. Use C%(sprite number) - value to set it. The coordinates are set by using the var- iables X% and YVt. h\ the case of X<7f, val- ues range from 0-511. The "seam" is auto- matically taken care of The remaining two variables in class one, Ml% and M27c, set the multicolor one and two. Class Two Variables: On and Off, etc. All class two variables have binary val- ues. That is, their value is either 1 or 0, E% turns sprites on and off, H9f controls horizontal expansion, VVc conti-ols vertical expansion, M9f turns multicolor mode on and off, and B'7( sets priority over the background. For example, to turn on sprite five, just type E%(5) = 1. E%(5) = turns it off. How it Works Pokeless Sprites works by modifying BASIC through a technique called "bank switching," Underneath the BASIC ROM is a hidden RAM. Pokeless Sprites copies the ROM to RAM, and then switches the RAM in. Then key BASIC routines are modified so that they jump to Pokeless Sprites. This method of modiftang BASIC has several advantages. First, it doesn't slow BASIC down as much as other methods do. Second, it allows for shorter code. Third, it allows you to treat the variables exactly like you normally would. The big- ' gest disadvantage of this technique is that you can't use any programs that make use of the hidden RAM with Pokeless j switched on, ! A few final notes. Pokeless does not check to see if your variables are in range. However, you can prevent problems by di- mensioning arrays. Also, if you plan on moving screen memory, you won't be able to use P% unless you make the following pokes: POKE 53207,LO : POKE 53208,HI. HI and LO ai^e the high and low byte of the address for the first sprite pointer. Tb shut Pokeless off, use RUN/ STOP RESTORE. Finally, I have found Pokeless Sprites to be a valuable utility that makes sprite programming much less frustrating. I hope you do too. The author wishes to thank James Ghofijlpo for his help in preparing this ar- ticle. Quick Reference Table Name Range Explanation P%( ) 0-255 Sets pointer value C%{ ) 0-255 Sets color vaJue X%( ) 0-511 Sets X coordinate Y%() 0-255 Sets Y coordinate Ml'%( )0.255 Sets multicolor ( 1 ) value M2%( 10-255 Sets multicolor (2) value E%( ) 0-1 llims sprites on and off H%{ ) 0-1 Sets horizontal expansion V%( ) 0-1 Sets vertical expansion M9c{ ) 0-1 Sets multicolor mode oa'off B%( ) 0-1 Sets background priority Use: Name (sprite number) = value Q| 104 DECEMBER 1988 Programming/Pokeless Sprites" Before typing thi« progratn. rcid "Huw m Entet Ptogrims" and "How to L'sc ihe Magazine Emn- Ptogrira." Tht BASIC pri)gram> in this magazine are available on disk from Loidslar. P-0. Boi 30008, Shrevcpori, U -ll.W<]00", I-800-83I-2694. Pokeless Sprites 10 PRINT" (CLEAR] '"BATX 20 FOR X=0 TO 395:READ A : POKE 52 8 50+X,A:CK=CK+A:NEXT' JXTl 30 IF CKO55607 THEN PRINT"ERROR IN DATA STATEMENTS": END 'GIDL 40 SYS (52850) 'BHRB 50 PRINT"POKELESS ON"'BAWE 60 NEW'BALC 10001 DATA 169,000,162,160,133,095, 134'BCIW 10002 DATA 096,162,192,133,090,134, 091'BCRX 10003 DATA 133,088,134,089,032,191, 163'BCVy 10004 DATA 165,001,041,254,133,001, 173'BCUA 10005 DATA 178,207,174,179,207,141, 228 'BCDB 10006 DATA 177,142,229,177,160,076, 173'BCDC 10007 DATA 180,207,174,181,207,140, 211'BCFD 10008 DATA 169,141,212,169,142,213, 169'BCTE 10009 DATA 096,165,069,141,239,207, 165'BCFF 10010 DATA 070,141,240,207,140,237, 207'BCBW 10011 DATA 032,178,177,169,001,141, 241'BCNX 10012 DATA 207,165,101,172,237,207, 153'BCKY 10013 DATA 242,207,096,145,073,173, 241'BCRA 10014 DATA 207,208,001,096,169,000, 141'BCEB 10015 DATA 241,207,162,000,142,237, 207'BCAC 10016 DATA 189,182,207,009,128,205, 239'BCBD 10017 DATA 207,208,032,232,189,182, 207 'BCQE 10018 DATA 009,128,205,240,207,208, 021'BCCF 10019 DATA 232,189,182,207,141,253, 207'BCRA 10020 DATA 232,189,182,207,141,254, 207'BCSX 10021 DATA 232,189,182,207,108,253, 207'BCUY 10022 DATA 174,237,207,138,024,105, 005'BCJA 10023 DATA 170,224,090,144,199,096, 024'BCVB 10024 DATA 109,242,207,170,165,101, 157'BCJC 10025 DATA 000,208,096,174,242,207, 165'BCND 10026 DATA 101,157,248,007,096,141, 237'BCQE 10027 DATA 207,173,242,207,010,024, 109'BCBF 10028 DATA 237,207,168,165,101,153, 000'BCGA 10029 DATA 208,173,237,207,240,001, 096'BCLB 10030 DATA 174,242,207,169,001,224, 000'BCBY 10031 DATA 240,005,024,010,202,208, 252'BCNA 10032 DATA 141,237,207,165,100,208, 020'BCYB 10033 DATA 159,255,056,237,237,207, 141'BCAC 10034 DATA 237,207,173,016,208,045, 237'BCRD 10035 DATA 207,141,016,208,168,096, 173'BCUE , 10036 DATA 016,208,013,237,207,141, 016'BCCF 10037 DATA 208,096,170,165,101,157, 000'BCHA 10038 DATA 208,096,141,237,207,174, 242'BCTB 10039 DATA 207,169,001,224,000,240, 005'BCRC 10040 DATA 024,010,202,208,252,141, 238 'BCVA 10041 DATA 207,165,101,240,013,174, 237'BCEB • 10042 DATA 207,189,000,208,013,238, 207'BCKC 10043 DATA 157,000,208,096,169,255, 056'BCYD 10044 DATA 237,238,207,141,238,207, 174'BCVE 10045 DATA 237,207,189,000,208,045, 238'BCSF 10046 DATA 207,157,000,208,096,171, 206'BCLA 10047 DATA 201,206,080,000,029,207, 000'BCLB 10048 DATA 088,000,038,207,000,089, 000'BCAC 10049 DATA 038,207,001,067,000,018, 207'BCYD 10050 DATA 039,069,000,119,207,021, 072'BCGB 10051 DATA 000,119,207,029,086,000, 119'BCDC 10052 DATA 207,023,077,000,119,207, 028 'BCFD 10053 DATA 066,000,119,207,027,077, 049'BCPE 10054 DATA 112,207,037,077,050,112, 207'BCCF 10055 DATA 38,029,254,200,128,000, 000"BCSA 10056 DATA 000,000,000,000,000,000, 000'BCWB 10057 DATA 000,000,000,119'BPGA INO COMMODORE MAGAZINE 105 PROGRAMMING' by Mike Rivers Introducing Amiga CLI PaH3 The Startup-Sequence Last month we discussed the use of the Amiga's screen editor, ED. This month we will investigate the ''startup-se- quence," found in the "S" directoiy of the Workbench disk. The startup-sequence is an executable file which is invoked upon initialization or system reset. It is com- prised of CU commands that configure the Amiga and its operating system, and usually concludes by loading Workbench. You can use the CLI and ED to customize your startup-sequence to your needs. Let's look at the original startup-se- quence on the stock A500/A2000 Work- bench disk. (As always, work with a backup copy of yom- Workbench disk.) First, boot the Amiga and open a CLI win- dow. For those of you who missed the last two articles, refer to youi' system guide to see how this is done, lb view and edit the startup-sequence, type: "ed s'startup-se- quence" at the CLI prompt. ED will dis- play the contents of this file. Now let's look at a line-by-line description. The first thing we see is the "echo" com- mand. This "writes a given argument to the current output stream." You see this enigmatic sort of language used in the AmigaDOS manual. It illustrates the fact that there are all sorts of things which come under the heading of "arguments" and many ways for output to be directed. In this case, a message is printed to the screen, "A500/A2000 Workbench disk. Re- lease L2 version 33.59*N". The asterisk and the "N" generate a line feed and are not displayed when the message is printed. The next command to be executed is "BindDrivers." BINDDRIVERS is used to "bind" add-on hardware like hard disk drives to device drivers found in the SYS:Expansion directory. The hardware has to have been "auto-configured" by the expansion library. That is, the expansion library has put each board in its own ad- dress space or has linked memory boards into the "memory free" pool. Now we ojme to something that will look familiar to a programmer — the "If' command. if Exists sys:system Path sys:system add endif EXISTS checks to see if the object of the argument, the directory "system," exists in the root directory of the system disk, designated by the logical de\'ice "SYS:". Satisfied that the directory "system" ex- ists, a route through the directory is added to the operating system using the PATH command. The conditional statement is then terminated with the ENDIF com- mand. After this path to the system draw- er is established, the same thing is done for the utilities drawer in like fashion. Next, "Dir RAM:" is executed, which will cause the RAM disk icon to appear on the Workbench screen. A path to the RAM disk is added with the PATH com- mand. "SetMap" is a L2 command which is used to change the keymap for the key- board. Here, it is set to "usal" for the A500 and A2000. "Addbuffers dfD: 20" adds 20-sector cache buffers to the specified disk drive. As the comment says, it uses up some memoiy, but improves disk access time. Now we get to 'TjoadWb" which, as you may have guessed, loads Workbench. The next command is particulai-ly in- teresting, especially if you are used to see- ing "go/no-go" error messages in BASIC. 'Tailat 30" means that if the program gives a non-zero "return code" gi-eater than or equal to 30, then the command se- quence has failed and will abort. The i-e- tum code (30) indicates how serious the error was. The default value for FAILAT is 10. If the fail limit is increased, it means that you have designated certain classes of errors to be non-fatal and that the re- maining commands in the sequence may proceed. Immediately after setting the re- turn code limit at its highest level, 30, the command SETCLOCK is executed with its load option. The command sequence attempts to load the system clock with the time fi:tim the batteiy-backup clock. If the clock is not there or the battery is too low, the command SETCLOCK fails and re- turns an enxjr level of 5. Upon seeing this, the CLI compares this to the level 30 and says "no big deal, keep going," The ">" then redirects any messages to a logical device called NIL:. Any message directed to NIL: is not printed to the screen and prevents the CLI window fiiom getting cluttered with en-or messages. DATE dis- plays the date and finally the command ENDCLI is given. The CLI window disap- pears, and any message generated by this goes to NIL:. At this point Workbench is on the screen and ready to use. As you can see, a lot goes on during the execution of the startup-sequence; this is why there is a delay between the first startup message and the conclusion of the Continued on page 108 106 DECEMBER 1988 OUTSIDE USA--C4LL (718)692-0071 FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE Call Mon-Fri: 9:30-4:30 (718)692-114« Retail Outlet: Penn Station, Main Concourse (Beneath Madison Square Garden) NYC,N.Y.10001 Store Hour?: Mon-Fri 8:30-8/Sat-Sun 9:30-7 FOR ORDERS & INFORMATION CALL TOLL FREE IM'ftEXI-l-idl OR WRITE TO: Montgomery Grant Mail Order DepL P.O. Box 58 Brooklvn.NY 11230 FAX NO. 7186923372 TELEX 422132 MGRANT EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS: MON-FRI, 8:30-8/ SAT & SUN, 9:30-7 (EST) NO SURCHARGE FOR CREDIT CARD ORDERS/WE INVITE CORPORATE & EDUCATIONAL CUSTOMERS/CORPORATE LEASING AVAILABLE commodore W/J/j Geos Program! commodore om. COLOR PACKAGE Commodore C-64C Computer ■Commodore 1541/C Disk Drive Commodore Compuler Printer ■13"Coior Monitor ■Geos Software Program H7Q commoaore ;= 128s: D WEWC-72SD with Built-in Disk Drive Ml 5 commodore ^ DISK DRIVES O 1541/C 51 49.^51 1.71 5229.55 commodore PRINTERS I DPS 1101 DAISY WHEEL PRINTER ^149 MPS-1250 -„.Q PRINTER *Ziy commodore r» /K/Lf?' COMPLETE Q' m^i PACKAGE ■Commodore C-64C Compuler ■Commodore 1S41C Disk Drive Compuler Printer ■12' Monitor •Geos Software Program «349 corTnmodore O 128r D COMPLETE PKG. • C/128-DCOK^PUTER W/ BUILT-IN DISK DRIVE ■ COMPUTER PRINTER . 12-MONITOR $519 commodore - -„-__ DELUXE C=128rD PACKAGE •C-128DComputerw/Built-in Disk Drive • 1 902 Coior RGB Monitor • Commodore | Color Ptintef ^629 ^s^ ^^^ 40MB HARD DRIVES FOR C-64 C,C-64,C-1 28,01 28D-$1 1 69 PERIPHERALS «1764 Expansion l^odule $114.95| Xetac Super Gisphlx Jr ....$29.95 J XetBC Super Grapflix Sf. ...,S49.95 1 XetflcSuporGrapfticsGold J79.95I Magk: Voce Module ...$29.95 1 C-1 28 Powar Supply $59.95 1 C64/C54^C Power Supply $29,95l Cl 560 (Modern J19.95I Cl670MoO8fH $66,951 COMMODORE MOUSE '26, 88 WE CARRY ALL MAJOR BRAND SOFTWARE PRINTERS EPSON I FX-a» $339.96 FX-t050 54Sa.95 ,, Lasoo S3 15.95 jr^^Hjrri i I laeso 1509,95 /^ — ■----'^h I ! 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KXP-4450 LASER $1549.95 MONITORS Cx ;^*' $OQQ 95 PRINTERS NX-1000 $169.95 NX-10OOC..S169.95 NX-1000 aAINBOW,.S224.95 NX-IS S299.95 NX-2400 S304.95 N9-2410 $409,951 --/ atlZEN PRINTERS IN STOCK I HP LASER HP I JET 11 $1629.95 DESKjeT...$6e9.95 OKIDAIA I 0K:I0ATA-120 $189.9$ I OKIMATE20 4119.95 I OKIDATA-180 $189.95 I MAGNAVOX 13" RGB COLOH MONITOH THOf^ON HI-HES RGB 13- COLOH MONITOR $19995 $299.95 commodore COLT PACKAGE COMfulODORE COLT Computer 640K 4. 77-7. 16MHz 2 Floppy Disks Drives 1 2" l-tigfi Resolu- tion Ivlono fvlonitor All Hook-Up Cables & Adaspters Box of 10 Diskettes *719 AMIGA 50(51 A^l^ I AMIGA 2000 ,T»- ALL AMIGA ACCESSORIES & PERIPHERALS IN STOCK-CALL FOR PRICES ItJTijIi^firr 32H rca: ^.^i^jfilji mm " ^t^ ' ^t ' yvAf i ' Hi'trfi fj : Programming/Introducing Amiga CLI — The Games: Winter Edition Continued from page 106 sequence. By incoiporating your own com- mand sequences and sa\dng them using ED, you can customize your startup-se- quence so your Amiga will be configured just the way you want it when you boot up. For example, suppose you want a CLI window to be open when the staitup-se- quence is finished. All you have to do is insert NEWCLI in the file after the "Endc!i>NIL:" command. You could per- sonalize your staitup-sequence using the ECHO command by printing yom- own messages in the startup-sequence file. Bear in mind that the more you add to the startup-sequence, the longer it will take to execute. It's useful to use the startup-sequence to copy your favorite CLI commands to RAM, so they will be there when you be- gin a CLI session. Depending on what model Amiga you have and how much memory is available, you will experience varying degrees of success here. An unex- pended AlOOO isn't going to have a lot of space for RAM, but an A2000 with a cou- ple of megs of RAM will allow you to fit the entire Workbench disk in memory. Tb copy ' V commands to RAM, insert "Makedir RAM:C" after "PATH RAM: add" in the startup-sequence. Then copy your most frequently-used commands us- ing the COPY command. Foi- example, COPY c: to RAM:c. You can then assign the "c" director}' using the ASSIGN com- mand like this: ASSIGN c: RAM:c. Then every time AmigaDOS goes looking for a CLI command, it will look at RAM and not your Workbench disk. This can save on disk swaps. You may have a pair of applications you want to multitask and have them share the same chaj^acter font. You could modify the startup-sequence on a custom Work- bench disk to assign the logical device FONTS: to a particular disk. Here you would place "x^ssign SYS:fonts: to dfl:fonts" in the staitup-sequence. Then every time an application looks for a font itwilllooktodfl;. It's up to you to you decide what you need from youi- staitup-sequence. If you'd like to find out what other Amiga owners are doing with their startup-sequences you can find customized staiiup files on public domain disks that do some fairly clever things. Or you can check with your local user group. I've heard that some startup-sequences play digitized sounds or speak gi-eetings to their ptx)gi-ammei-s us- ing the SAY command. Collect 'em all! Trade 'em with vour fiiendsl ra Contin ued from page 20 Ski Jump Ski Jump is an exciting event, by fai- the game's best designed and executed. This one is miles above similar competi- tion found in Whiter Ga77ies. Players are given three tiies to achieve the greatest distance. The event begins with a menacing view of the ramp tower, yom" skier a mere dot on this imposing structuit!. Starting down the ramp, the view switches to an awesome 3D perspec- tive. Use the joystick to crouch down (foi- speed) and steer to the middle of the slope. Far below, the crow waits. The instant you see the end of the ramp, press the fire button to jump, A split sec- ond too late and you'll crash head first into the snow. Hit it on the money and you'll be soaring with the birds. The sen- sation of flight is tremendous, aided by top-notch graphics and sound effects. Player perspective now returns to third ; person, allowing you to view your skier j firom the side. Use the joystick to lean for- I waixi or back and raise or lower youi' i arms. Maintain a tight 45-degi'ee angle for the best distance and style points. Hit the joystick button in this stance to enter the landing position. Gainful — any other position and you'll only crash. When everylhing comes together per- fectly, this is the game's most satisfying event. In less creative hands, so many variations on a single theme would spell software overkill. Slalam Enter this seemingly innocent event and be prepared for a wild ride. WTiat looks simple turns out to be one of the toughest challenges ai^The Games. A split screen allows one or two playere to square off at a time. Two coui-se lengths (350 and 400 km i and two difficult}' levels are offei-ed. The object is to weave in and out of a series of flags without hitting a pole or the sides of the course. Pi'essing the fire button increases your speed. The racer with the fastest time wins. Another rhythm method event, players must utilize precise movements and strict concentration to survive. The fi-ustration factor runs high here — one mistake and the game is over For this i-eason, go easy on the fire button and don't hesitate for a second. Confidence is an essential trait lor slalam skiers. Speed Skating This one- or two-player event features outstanding animation and rigorous play- er intei'action. Break out the Epsom salts — you'll need it alter competing here. Piayere race one of four lengths on an oval track, from a one-half lap quickie to five arduous times around. Joystick con- trol features a maddening veision of the rhythm method that can easily lead to frustration. Play ere must move the stick left and right in perfect timing with the skater's legs. A window graphic helps with a close-up view of the skater Pi'epai'e for a lot of falling down until you master the right moves. Vertical skat- ing on the comers offers the most trouble. Watch youi" skater's left leg to capture the con-ect rhythm. Five-lap races between two skilled human competitois make this the best head-to-head contest of the entire game. Downhill Skiing This is another ambitious design that almost — but not quite — works as intend- ed. Once again, poor documentation hindei-s the already obscure design. One player at a time competes in this fast-moving event. Competition begins by placing fom- camci-as along the twisting mountain coiu"se. The event featm"es an increcfible first-pei-son 3D perepective on the sti-aightaways, switching to a side-an- gle view within range of the TV cameras. When in h-ont of the camei'as, skiere ai'e urged to show off by perfoiTning aerial flips. The pm-pose of downhill skiing is to pass through vaiious "gates " and achieve the fastest time. The action here moves fast and furious — so much so that most of your time will be spent tiying to slow down. The 3D gi-aphics are spectacular, but the gates are easily missed. Comei-s are difficult to maneuver at slow speeds, however And how many Olympic down- hill racei-s do flips for the TV cameras? Something's amiss here. If you can find the balance between speed and agility, Downhill Skiing has a lot to offer The Games: Winter Edition offers some of the sharpest gi-apliics and imimation of the entire Epyx series. Even experienced competito!"s will find the play action men- tally and physically uncompromising. Some events may run hot and cold, but as a whole, this is a solid addition to a grand tradition. Q 108 DECEMBER 1988 Amiga Update/Amiga Public Domain Conlinuvd from page 57 ShowANIM. (ShovvANIM doesn't even al- low you to alter anything while the ani- mation isplajing.l Display's loop mode is superior to ShowANIM's in that the pause between loops is much smaller. Display will even show an IFF picture (in overscan) if you ask it to. Display not only has its own icon, but it also comes with a file requester for selecting which animation to run. This means that you can now nm ANIM for- mat animations from the Workbench! Those who refuse to touch the CLI can now finally view on their own PD anima- tions from the likes of VideoScajx 3D and Animator: Apprentice. BlueMoon: by Tbny Vallot (AmigaZone file #13049; Shareware: amount not specified) | A decent no-frills functional solitaire card game in which you must align all four suits from low to high. King: by David Downing (AmigaZone file #12762) This is King's Komer, a solitaire game written in compiled AmigaBASIC. Al- though the graphics (for an AmigaBASIC game) are quite nice, the game requires virtually no strategy on the player's part. Chance is what usually dictates whether you will win or lose. SayDate: by David Czaya (AmigaZone file #13015) A simple program that will tell you the date (tut not the time.) via the Amiga's speech capabilities. Insane: by Ken Baer (AmigaZone file #12742) A fascinating variation on Leo Schwab's The Dream Goes Berserk. Fully titled "The Dream Goes Insane," this animation was the result of Ken \ismg Animation: Multiplane to add a blur effect to Leo's original animation. If you could imagine watching Leo's animation on a very long- persistance monitor, that's what The Dream Goes Insane looks like. Of course The Dream Goes Insane requires one me- gabyte of memory to run. Intelsat: by M. Vines (AmigaZone file #12853) A VideoScape 3D animation of a satel- lite orbiting a planet. Although this ani- mation at first looks quite good for a nor- mal VideoScape 3D animation, when you realize that the author used HAM, it doesn't seem to be very good at all. This animation requires one megabyte. MarilvTi: by Mitchell Hurst (AmigaZone file #13331 1 An interesting animation of Marihn Monroe giving a kiss through a window, with color wallpaper serving as a border for the animation. Mariljm was created with Animation: Multiplane and Anima- tion Stand from Hash Enterprises, and re- quires one megabyte of memory to run. As I was finishing this month's column I received Fish disks 147 through 154, so I will be talking about the contents of those disks next month. As always, I can be reached on the AmigaZone on PeopleLink (ID: G KINSEY), or on the IDCMP BBS (617) 769-3172 (300/1200/2400 baud, run- ning 24 hours a day), addressed to SY- SOP, If you have written a public domain/ shareware/freely distributable program, or have obtained one that you think is worth mentioning to all Amiga ownei-s, then please attempt to contact me via the above, or through Commodore Magazine. 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FULL DEPRECIATION SUPPORT Self-contained Depreciation program calculates and prints complete listing of depreciable assets ..all classes... any ength life .traditional methods plus old rules, ACRS. MACRS - - Halt-yr. mid-qtr & mid-monlh conventions Schedule attaches as supplement to FORM 4562. Comtnooorp 54 and Corrmodore 128 are TRAOE- MAf^KS of CotnrnDdorG Business MacrrnesCorp TaxPerfect 64S89 TaxPerfect 128^99 COMMODORE MAGAZINE Programming/A Beginner's Guide to 1541/1571 Disk Files Continued from page 101 fundamental underetanding of how to work with the disk drive. Next we'll see how to retrieve the data in our little file. Reading a File Ready? Let's muster up our courage and go ask Hilda to give us back our file. Hil- da may have her pei-sonality problems, but once you learn to speak her lingo she's a tireless worker. Type NEW and press RETURN. The rules for retrieving files and reading their contents are not much different than for writing them. Start by getting Hilda's atr tention again. 10 OPEN 2,8,2,'TEST.R" No new iides here. The only difference between this hne 10 and the one for writ- ing a file is the comma'R at the end which has already been explained. It tells oui- disk diive to read rather than write a file. 20 GET #2,AS Type that in and then let's try running the program to see what happens. What happened? Well, for one thing, the disk light is on— Hilda's ticked about something. Something must be wi-ong. Did you i-uin your disk? Did you ruin your computer? Did you tap into the CIA's se- cret files? No, no, no. You simply forgot to tell your disk drive that you were done with the file. In a minute Fll tell you how to do that. For now, let's see if we got any infor- mation at all. Type PRINT AS and press RETURN. You will see a 'T' on the screen. Know where that came fi"om? It's the first chai'- acter in the file we saved. So we did get something after all. But what about the rest of the file? How do we get it . . . and keep it? We need to add this line: 30IFST=OTHEN20 Continuing with our Hilda metaphor (bear with me, please), here's how it works. We ask Hilda to give us our file, a byte at a time (line 201. After she fetches each byte, she calls over to the main office and gets a fellow who goes by the initials ST and whispers something to him. She won't tell us directly so we have tn ask ST, What's wrong? ST usually answere cheer- fiJly, "Nothing." If STanswere "64" then we know that Hilda didn't find any more bytes. We've reached the end of our file. What happens then? Well, line 30, an ffiTHEN statement, is false so we fall through to the end of the program. What's going on here is that we are checking a variable. ST, the computer keeps track of Each time after requesting data irom the disk drive ST is updated. If it is a zero, everything's fine. If it's more than zero, something's amiss. Now let's try running our program E^ain to see what happens. Done? Okay, type PRINT AS again. This time you'll see nothing on the screen. TVy this: PRINT ASC IA$). Aha, a 13 ap- pears. Does that ring a bell? It's a RE- TURN. Remember, Hilda placed one at the end of the file. This proves we've got- ten all the characters in our file. Just to show you everything is working so far, add this temporary line: 25 PRINT A$; Now run the program and you'll see our text, "THIS IS A TEST" appear a charac- ter at a time. So everything's fine as far as getting the data is concerned. Except that we can only hang onto a byte at a time. We need a way to preserve each item. There ai-e several ways to do this. One way is to add A$ to another string each time thiDugh the loop. Like this: 25 B$ = B$ + A$ Now run the program and then type PRINT B$. You'll see the text just as we saved it. Another way is to preserve the data is to ase an array, lb do this you need to DIM the an-ay fii-st at the top of the pro- gram. Add these two lines: 5DIMA$(1000) 20GET#2A$(T):T=T+1 25 Note that we changed line 20 and de- leted line 25. Now after ruiming the pro- gram you can find out what each charac- ter of the file was by printing AS(X) where X equals whatever character you're look- ing for. For example, if you want to know what the third character was in the file, simply type PRINT A$(3) and vou'll find out (it'll be an 'T' in om- TEST file). If you want to see all the characters, type: FOR I - 1 TO TPRINT A$(I);:NEXT. This array method is superior to the previous one because it allows us to have more than 255 characters. Also, it is easi- er to deal with when we're looking for cer- tain characters as is often the case when converting files. More on that in the next instalhnent of this series. There's an even easier way to get our text from the file. Type this: 20 INPUT#2,A$ Run the program and print A$ and you'll see you got all the text at one fell swoop. Thanks, Hilda. But why? Because INPUT# grabs the chai-actei-s all the way to the next RETURN. Since we just opened the file, we grab ail of it up to the RETURN Hilda inserted. Easy. So if it's so easy, why not use INPUT# all the time? Because it has limitations. Tlie first limitation is that INPUT# will also stop reading data after it spots a comma, colon or period. If we had original- ly placed this in our file: 'THIS IS A TEST. HI MOM." INPUT* would stop at the first period. HI MOM would be lost. There's a way around this limitation. If you want to grab stiings of characters which may include punctuation marks, you must save them with a quotation mark at the beginning. For instance, when we wTote this file we could' ve done it hke this: PRINT#2,CHR$(34)"THIS IS A TEST HI MOM." That CHR$(34) is nothing other than a quotation mark. The reason we had tj'ped it out this way instead of simply pressing the quote key (SHIFT/2) is because we al- ready ai^e using quotes to set off the mes- sage we wish to send. That would've con- fiased Hilda. Another limitation of using INPUT# to get data fi^om your disk is that it can only get as many bytes as your computer's in- put buffer will hold. On the 64 that's 88 charactere; on the 128 the buffer's maxi- mum 8126 is 160 bjtes. This limitation isn't usually a problem, but it can be. Okay. All that's left to do is say goodbye and thank you to Hilda. Type this line: 40 CLOSE 2 That wasn't bad. If we run the progi'am again, the only change is that Hilda no longer glares at us upon completion. That's the end of pait one of our lesson. You have just learned how to .save data to disk in a sequential file. There are other file types (like relative and user) but se- quential files are the most common and the easiest to learn. At this point you may be ready to start doing some programming making use of your new knowledge. Or you might want to muse over these things until next month when we look at how to put our knowledge of disk writing skills to good use: to transfer files ftiom one form to an- other, to write programs that access the disk drive, and more. Or maybe you'll get a late-night phone call between now and then. Go ahead, an- swer the phone. Even if everybody else has gone home, Hilda's out there some- where. And now you know how to give her orders — politely. g 110 DECEMBER 1988 Projects/Sound Digitizer II Continued from page 48 Sa RYR 5"7812"S",8:POKE 43,1 :POKE 44,l«5?:POKE 768,174 :POKF 769,lfi7:.SYS 470(73 , 1 ' GSRV fin POKE 7R?,iq2;SYS 65493:SYS 42291 :LIST:POKE 44,S:POKE 768,139 :POKE 76q,22'7'HQVO fi2 PRINT: PRINT"PRESS ANY KEY TO RETURN TO MENU"'CBDN 64 GET KS:TF KR="" THEN 64'EHHK 66 GOTO 6'BRPT 6fl PRINT" rCLERR,D0WN21 LOADING ML ROrJTINF. . . " 'BAHQ "Jt* FOR X=4S64 TO 516B:READ A:POKE X,A :T=T+A:NEXT' lUVM 12 IP TOTRSfin THEN PRINT"ERROR IN DATA STATEMENTS" : END' GHAQ 74 GOTO 6'BBPH 76 DATA 12PI,W32, WPf4, 020, M24, 074,074, 074'BGHP 7fi DATA 074,172,000,020,234,234,234, 1 4^'BGOR 81^ DATA 253,169,000,234,234,234,032, 0f4 'BGQK 92 DATA 020,172,000,020,234,234,234, 041 'BGAM a4 DATA 240, 017, 2S^, 145, 253, 169, 000, ?34'BGXO Rfi DATA 234,2^4,200,140,000,020,192, 255'BGFQ 88 DATA 2(78,019,160,000,140,000,020, ?3 0'BG.S.S 90 DATA 254, 165, 254, 201, ]48, 208, 006, 1 69 'RGLL 92 DATA 022,133,254,088,096,162,001, 202'BGVN 94 DATA 208,253,076,001,019,120,172, 00 0'BGLP qfi DATA 020,2^4,2^4,234,177,253,234, 7"^^' BGBR 98 DATA 234,041,015,024,141,024,212, 03 2'BGCT 100 DATA 033,020,172,000,020,234,234, 2T4'BGBB 102 DATA 177,253,234,234,234,174,001, 02 0'BGVD 104 DATA 024,074,074,074,074,141,024, 21 2'BGVF 106 DATA 200,140,000,020,192,255,203, 026'BGFH 108 DATA 206,001,020,160,000,140,000, 020'BGFJ 110 DATA 224,000,240,022,230,254,165, 254'BGLC LI? DATA 201,148,208,006,169,022,133, 2 54'BGYE 114 DATA 088,096,160,036,136,208,253, 076'BGTG 116 DATA 078,019,162,016,142,001,020, 0a8'BGVI 118 DATA 165,197,201,017,240,004,120, 076'BGUK 120 DATA 140,019,120,198,254,202,208, 251 'BGXD 122 DATA 162,016,169,000,172,000,020, 2Td 'BGHF 124 DATA 234,234,177,253,234,234,234, 041'BGEH 126 DATA 015,024,141,024,212,032,033, 020'RGVJ 128 DATA 172,000,020,234,234,234,177, 253'BGSL 1^0 DATA 234,2^4,234,024,074,074,074, 074'BGGE 1^2 DATA 141,024,212,200,140,000,020, 192'RGRG n4 DATA 255,2^8,060,206,001,020,160, 000'BGAT ^■>.f. DATA 140,000,020,230,254,174,001, 020' RGRK 13R DATA 224,000,208,192,076,162,019, 1°1 'BGCM ld0 DATA 000,002,160,008,160,008,169, 000'BGCF 1'12 DATA 141,001,221,169,001,141,001, 221 'HGUH 144 DATA 136,192,000,208,241,173,013, 221 'BGNJ 146 DATA 17^,012,221,160,002,140,001, 221 'BGSL 148 DATA 096,162,036,202,208,253,096, 160'RGIN 150 DATA 036,136,208,253,076,188,019, 000'BGIG 152 DATA 2^5'BDFD ihd Attention Programmers Have you written a program ttiot you would like to share wltti ottiers — and make a little money while you're at it? Commodore Magazine is now accepting quality programs. • A BASIC routine for handling a difficult problem • A project that uses the Commodore 64, 128 or Amiga • A game ttiat is sure to win over the world • A utility for helping with mundane chores • A machine language routine to moke programming easier Send for your Guidelines for Writers today! Commodore Magazine, 1200 Wilson Drive, Wesf Ctiesler, PA 19380 ATTN: Guidelines for Wrifers COMMODORE MAGAZINE 111 Software Reviews /Dragon's Lair Conlinued [ram page 30 sion of true, smooth movement for slow, staggering jumps around the play field. Now I know this program, with its bulk and variety of challenges, packs plentj' of play into this adventui^e, and the uneven animation is only an occasional occui-- rence. But any lack of fluidit>' can be an unwanted handicap in a contest that re- quires so many timed, piiecise maneuvers. 64 and 128 Software Reviews/ Force 7— Pumping GEOS/GEOS 2.0" Seventeen different tests of strength, dexterity and perseverance have been devised, each presented as a distinct arcade game within the game. Aside from this problem, the only other foreseeable complaint might stem from an unusual play element found in the origi- nal game. When working your way through the tail's challenges that are looking for a specific joystick tug or pull, youi' suiTOgate will only react when the correct controller input is made, lb em- phasize, NO chai'acter movement will be made if you don't make the requii^ed joy- stick response. Players who trj' to initiate an incorrect on-screen move will often misinterpret the absence of action as a program flaw, screaming that they tried to avoid the danger, but their Dirk didn't react. 'lb the newcomer, it can be a frus- trating situation. But as stated eaiiier, this designed controller quirk is found in the \'ideodisc vereion of the game as well. Software Projects htts meivly carried this aspect over to the home adaptation. Like it or not, it's an accurate translation in an attempt to remain true to the original contest. Like many arcade 'adventures. Dragon's Lair is not for eveiybody. Its ai-cade foun- dation is apt to turn off those adventui-ers who like the more sti-ategic cerebral test, and its tough untbrgiving play will leave many of the younger or less tenacious joy- stick jockeys on the wayside. But for those of you who enjoyed the coin-op— especially those like myself who loved the challenge but had neither the time nor cash to follow through and save Daphne— this is an en- joyable, satisfying contest that makes a sincere, ambitious and ultimately success- ful attempt at reuniting us with an old friend. ra Continued from page 22 similar to the stairing nasties in the aforementioned film, these walking night- mares can rise out of the floor and spring into an attack at any given moment. They are quick, agile and incredibly strong. It will take neaiiy a half dozen well-placed blasts to bring one down. But don't despair, this is not a one-sided match. The crew that you will di-op into this dastai-dly labyiinth ai-e a competent lot of gung-ho soldiers. The skills and equipment that each surrogate has been outfitted with are widely varied, gi\ing you a full complement of highly talented professional fighters armed with the most advanced weapons available. Since only one soldier can explore at a time, the dele- gation of duties becomes the strategic key. Each person excels in a defined area, and must be called upon at the right time to demonstrate his expertise. If you don't as- sess the situation and assign duties cor- rectly, then this will undoubtedly be an abbreviated mission. lb aid you in your cause, at the base of the play field is an Information Panel, a narrow ship designed to provide a con- stant update of the players' vitals. Color coding helps you to quickly locate and read any specifics that might h»e needed. lb the right of this Panel is a Motion De- tector, a radar device which will flash to warn you whenever an Alien Leadei- is about to attack. The rest of the play screen provides a three-quarter overhead perspective of the plant floor on which your crew member is currently searching. The graphics are colorful, crisp and exacting. Each creatui'e has its own distinct look and move, with Alien Leaders actually grimacing before they wriggle to the floor to die. Every room is filled with an assortment of de- tailed furnishings. Tables, chairs, traps, food and ammunition are just some of the obstacles and goodies to be avoided or gathered during the rescue. A deep, rhythmic musical backdrop plays throughout the contest, providing a pulse- quickening instrumental that is ever present without being annoying. It's an effective, subtle audio touch. With Force 7, DataSoft epitomizes the action-strategy genre by offering a high- speed shoot-"em-up that requires plenty of tactical planning. Many of the nuances and strategic possibilities will only be discovered with repeat plays. That adds up to staying power, the earmark of eveiy quality program. Don't miss it. Let the Force be with you. g Conlinued from page 96 Fm told. I realize that an eight-bit ma- chine isn't ever going to behave like a 16- bitten But there are a few things afciout GEOS and its family of products that I bet could be sped up with some programming changes. For instance, when you delete a line on the screen in geoWrite, you must wait for the entire screen to rewrite itself Why couldn't a block memory move be done to hoist everything up a notch? (I can hear the engineers already: "Okay, Mr. Know- it-all, come on down and start hoisting.") Ch: couldn't geoPamt let users jump a drawing-window at a time around the screen instead of the inexact and slow pro- cesses now available? And here's a really big idea I've been kicking around: is there any way that GEOS could be put into a cartridge or a replaceable ROM chip? Or maybe some- how included with the RAM expander? I'm out of my league now because I don't know much about hardware, but I do know this: if there were a way to have GEOS always pop up when you turned on your computer, people would start using it a lot. GEOS is an evolving product and Berkeley Softworks is a company that listens to the user community. GEOS 2.0 is proof of that. Maybe these ideas would be difficult to ; implement. Maybe they'd be easy GEOS is an evolving product and Berkeley Softworks is a company that listens to the user community. GEOS 2.0 is proof of that. So, should you buy it? If you're a non- owner of GEOS I are there any out there?) and your main reason for having a Com- modore computer is for games, the answer is no. Well, let me qualify that: no, unless you have some interest in creating some fancy letters, reports or other documents. Then the answer is, yes, buy GEOS 2.0. The "Pumping GEOS" documents that 1 include with these columns are examples of some of the fiui you can have with GEOS. As for the rest of you, if you've read this far in a GEOS column, you must be a GEOS user and if you're that, then you better become a GEOS 2.0 user GEOS 2.0 passes the supreme pan pizza test. g 112 DECEMBER 1988 Coming Attractions Ciniiriiiri/ /'mm pafff 95 Amiga: Hole in One Miniature Golf, slated to ship in September, is absolutely fantas- tic. The progi-am contains a number of traditional holes (like the windmill, for ex- ample) and complicated 3D challenges (like the underwater hole and the castle hole) that make you think in a different manner. Up to four people can play, you can print out youi* score cai'ds, and the program contains two difficulty levels (normal and expertl. Hvle in One Minia- ture Go//" features a simple user interface, extremely coloi"ful graphics, realistic sounds, excellent animation, and four 18- hole coui-ses to m;ister. This is definitely one of the better Amiga games I've seen this year. F'our additional course diskettes (with t^vo to thi-ee com-ses per disk) will also hit the market in the near' fiiture, Digilfek's Poiverstyx program seems like a sophisticated version of the QuLx ar- cade game, The object is to gi'adually re- veal a picture that has been hidden be- hind a screen. This unusual sti'ategy game challenges you to cut out pieces of that screen, as opposing characters trj" to stop you. If you cai-ve out a paiticular area, that portio'i of the picture is re- vealed for all to see. Whenever 75% of the display has been unveiled, you progress to the next level of play. There is another way to advance in the game. Grab all the letters on the screen to spell out a word that has something to do with the picture. Coming in 1989: Amiga and 64 consumers are in for a big surprise around the first of the year. Terrorists have taken over a North Sea oil platform, killing several of its workers and holding the rest hostage. You become a member of an elite com- mando team that's been brought together to tackle this problem. North Sea Inferno is the most inci^Klible program I've seen in a long time. Its graphics are super realis- tic, and the digitized sounds ai-e unbeliev- able. You also become addicted to sounds of machine gun fire, the familiar roai- of choppers, realistic explosions, and the fuiy of a storm at sea. I'd like to go on record as saying North Sea Inferno is destined to be- come one of the hottest-selling products of 1989. The Persian Gulf Conflict (for the Amiga) will appear on the mai'ket late in the first quarter You ai-e the captain of a Navy destroyer in this authentic simula- tion of the Pereian Gulf conflict. George Johnson, president of DigiTek, tells me you will escort, neutral tankers, destroy enemy mines and keep an eye on air ti'af- fic and surface vessels in his area. I've heai-d rumore you nught have to deal with Silkworm Missiles and even a civilian air- liner in the game. Whatever the case, the Persian Gulf is a popular subject these days, and this progi-am has a lot of poten- tial. First Row Software (>}/128: What can I say about The Tivilighi Zone: Crossroads of Imagination? The product is an interactive graphic adven- ture, with over 35 colorful gi-aphic dis- plays. The story begins as you wake up one morning and hear a peculiar noise outside. You go to the door and look out- side. Everything appeal's to be normal, but as your character walks aixiund towTi, thin^ ai-en't as they seem. The I'est is up to you. Amiga: A second Twilight Zone graphic adventure, titled By The Book, will be ap- pearing on the market late in the year In this program, you assume the role of a mystery writer who never finishes a novel. In fact, you've worked on three or four books to date, but you can't seem to write the final chapters. All of a sudden, you're sucked into a literal^' universe where you must solve these mysteries before retum- mg to the real world. By The Book also contains an even greater mystery to solve, but ril let you find it on your own. After all, no one gets help in The Twilight Zone. (See box on Honeymooners on page 94.) Gamestar <>1/12S: How- would you like to jump into the ring and take the smirk off the face of one of those hot-shot wrestlers? Gamestar grants this request in Take Down, their new Commodore 64 wTestling simulation. Players mbs elbows with eight rowdy wrestlere, as they participate in authentic tag team action. You determine the If a knight takes an opposing pawn, you see the bold knight (armored and ready for action) sally forth to ' the enemy foot soldier. (Battle Chess) matches, select your own partner, and then jump into the "squared circle," Per- foiTn body slams, atomic dix)ps, pile diiv- ers, airplane spins and suplexes in the game, or leap off the rope for a big splash. Take Down also contains: single and dou- ble modes of play, hot graphics and inter- esting sounds. Take Down is softwaie wrestling at its best. You can battle your way to the top of the Gamestar Wrestling Federation starting in September. (See box on Pete Rose Pennant Fever on page 92.) Interplay Productions &t/128: A century ^m now, hacking can get you killed. Neuromaneer, adapted from the William Gibson sci-fi novel of the same name challenges you to explore 35 different databases and 25 futuristic real world locations. Hack your way through the infinite regions of cyber space, but watch out for ICE. It can put an end your quest very quickly. The program also fea- tures a digitized original soundtrack by Devo. Neuromancer is scheduled to hit the market in October. Amiga: It's one thing to convert a popular board game to the home computer envi- ronment, but Battle Chess is more than just an attractive chess program. The game features an excellent chess logic sys- tem, colorfid character graphics, incredi- bly fluid 3D animation, and a vaiiety of digitized sound effects. As you play Battle Chess, each move is graphically acted out on the screen. If a knight takes an oppos- ing pa\vn, for example, you see the bold knight (armored and ready for action) sal- ly forth to kill the enemy foot soldier. The program also contains ten levels of diffi- culty, remote play capability (where you can play the game with a modem), and a library of 30,000 opening moves, hi the past. Interplay Pniductions has created Bard's Tale I and //, two of the hottest role- playing games to hit the market in recent years. I firmly believe Battle Chess is their next software classic. Intracorp, Inc. (>I/12S and Amiga: Have you ever wanted to visit TYump Castle in Atlantic City? In- tracorp thought it would be great to make a TVump Castle home computer simula- tion, where everyone could play casino games and participate in all the ftin and excitement. The program (with the work- ing title "Trump Castle" i contains slot machines, video poker, a craps table, blackjack, keno and a roulette wheel. Ijook for this new Commodore 64 or Amiga gambling program sometime late in the fall. For nearly three-quarters of a century, people have talked about the mysteries of the Titanic (the luxury liner that report- edly struck an iceberg and sank in 1912). History chronicles the events of that terri- ble evening, but it took a man like Robert COMMODORE MAGAZINE 1 13 Joming Attractions D. Ballard (of the Woods Hole Oceanogra- phic Institution) to locate the remains of the Titanic and tiy to set the story straight. By the end of the year. Commodore 64 owners will be able to assume the role of Robert Ballai'd and search for the legend- ary vessel in a new program with the working title 'Titanic." (An Amiga ver- sion is also in the works — no release date was available at press time, i As the game begins, you play a shipm^eck archaeolo- gist fi'esh out of college. You must gain a reputation by locating and exploring oth- er sunken ships before you can get the necessaiT funding to start the seaixih for the Titanic. Obtaining the right search vessel for a particular expedition can also be a problem. You can rent, buy or borrow a ship, but it pays to know what you're getting in the deal. Once you have your boat, it's time to buy equipment, select a crew, and purchase the necessary pn)vi- sions. The long list of equipment includes weather radai; sonai; deep sonar, sonar/ camera platfontis, a magnetometer, navi- gational radios and even bathyscaphes and minisubs (that can be used with larg- er vessels I. E\'ery ship comes with an ex- perienced captain and na\igator on board, so you can concentrate on selecting the proper crewTnen needed to perfoiTn a par- ticular assignment. There aix' about 30 people in the game to choose from, includ- ing doctors, divers, a crane operator, a sea- level operations tech, etc. You also have to purchase provisions foi' the entire crew and enough fijel to successfully complete the mission. Located almost two miles dovra, the re- mains of the Titanic are almost impossible to reach ( let alone explore). Activate your minisubs on-board cameras to get a good look at things in general, and use the tethered robot camera platfoim to photo- graph objects at close range. Your long- tenn goal in this unusual simulation is to recover (fictional! diamonds fiiom one of three safes scattered around the ocean floor. The Titanic progi-am also contains digitized pictures of what the Ballard team saw, numerous objects waiting to be discovered, navigational problems to solve, and the opportunity' to take control of minisubs and bathyscaphes. Konami 64/128: Konami, a 20-year veteran of the arcade game revolution, is cuiTentiy tak- ing their best coin-op titles and porting them over to a number of different micro- computers (including the 64 and Amiga Pete Rose Pennant Fever Conlin!ie<l from page 92 114 DECEMBER 1988 "I try to teach my players to think positive, practice positive and play positive." ally patterned after major league stai-s, but because of licensing problems, we couldn't use their names. Pete Rose ap- pears in the progi-am. Pete helped us en- hance the logic of his computerized coun- terpart, so it reacts to a situation the same way he would in real life. Even though Pennant Fever focuses on action and graphics, there are also elements of coach- ing, management and general manage- ment in the pi"ogram. Jermaine: Pete, what do you like about Pennant Fever? Rose: First of all, I think the game will help youngsters to become more Hmda- mentally sound baseball playei"s in real life. There's a right way and a wi-ong way to play the game. It took me 25 years to leara the ins and outs of the sport. Pen- nant Fever will teach kids (at an early age) the way the "big boys" do things, so systems). Some original material will also be coming your way. Ajax, a sophisticated helicopter game, was slated for release in November. The program features an intense aerial com- bat scenario, which challenges the user to battle tanks, ships, jet fighters, aircrafl carriers and even other coptei-s. Saving the world is a tough job, but somebody's got to do it. I n7ac/f5/ several of your comrades have been captured and are being held as prisoners behind enemy lines. Life Force, another November release, is the sequel to the popular Gradius ar- cade game. Before the action takes place, Zelos (a huge planet-eating alien) con- sumes the worids of Gradius and Latis. The civilizations of these planets are doomed unless you can fight your way through six terror zones within the mon- ster. Each zone contains a number of threats to your health, including deadly fire creatures, lava-spewing volcanoes and theyll git)w up to become better baseball players overall. The pitching part of the program also looks pretty good. Any time you can call a fast ball or a change-up or a sciiew ball or a cun'e ball, that's pretty realistic. That's the way we do it at Candlestick Pai-k or Riverftx)nt Stadiimi or Shea Stadium. The game also gives the player realistic views of what he should be seeing. I know the ball, for example, comes off the bat to- wards a center-fielder differently than it does for a left-fielder, and differently than it does for the right-fielder. It's little things like these that make the game realistic and just like playing big league baseball. Jermaine: How do you feel about having your name on a computer game? Rose: I think having mj' name on some- thing that's fun is great. It's something my son and I can enjoy together and other kids can enjoy. I tiy to teach my players to think positive, practice positive and play positive. I think it's very important to get youn^ters to learn to be competitive, to learn to play the right way, and to play the positive way. You don't have to be on the dean's list or be a computer whiz to play Pennant Fever, and you have just as much fun as if you're in the ball park, g the dreaded Death Hand. When it comes to armaments, your star fighter is equipped with the latest ripple lasers, plu- tonic missiles and force fields. In the two- player mode, users work together to de- feat this colossal menace. If you like a lot of action in your games. Life Force is the product to buy In November, you can sign up for oper- ation Jackal. Several of your comrades have been captured and are being held as prisoners behind enemy lines. Someone I has to rescue them, so you volunteer for ' the mission. The assignment is really very simple. An elite group of soldiers will re- lease the captives and whisk them off to helipads in the army's new aJl-terrain at- tack jeeps. These special jeeps cany an ar- senal of guided missiles and an incendiary ' grenade launcher as standard equipment which makes them superior to most mili- tar>- vehicles. Once the prisoners are safe, it's time to knock out the enemy head- quarters. As arcade games go. Jackal is an incredible militarv" operation, which will hold your attention for quite a while. Speaking of the military, Metal Gear m\\ be shipping late in the fourth quarter Colonel Vermon CaTkffy (the radical lead- er of a foreign ai-my ) has activated Metal Gear, the ultimate weapon of destruction. Coming Attractions It's your job to locate this threat to world peace and destroy it. The player, an expert in hand-to-hand combat, can also pick up a number of weapons and useful objects along the way. These include: a bomb blast suit, body armor, mines, a gas mask, plastic explosives, an antidote to poisons, a semi-automatic submachine gun, etc. A transceiver lets the user communicate with the "Big Boss," who can give him special instructions or the locations of cer- tain objects. Metal Gear is an excellent program with good graphics and sounds. Amiga: Contra (a spectaculai- 64 product) should be in the hands of Amiga users by late November You must defeat Red Fal- con, the most vicious warrior in the gal- axy, or the Earth will cease to exist. This private little war takes place in the jun- gles of the Amazon Basin, where the play- er can pick up numerous weapons ( finm ultra-mcxleiT! lasers to rapid-fu-e machine guns). Fight your way through complicat- ed mazes, underground security systems and dangerous tropical rain forests. The disk also contains a two-player game, which challenges the users to work to- gether to defeat this enemy of the human race. Certain elements of Contra may seem familiar, but I believe most consum- ers will really enjoy the thrill of the hunt (and being hunted) by this unearthly "Predator" An Amiga version oi Jackal is also scheduled to ship in November, while Ajax will hit the market sometime Ijefore the end of the year. Coming in 1989: Atten-s/iun!!! At ease, Silent Software Continued from page 93 people to generate true animation in a huny, without having to draw things out on paper a thousand times or more. Onion is also DeluxePaint-compa.tMe and very easy to use. Jermaine: Why do you call your new pro- gram "Onion'? Von Wolfshield: I could have called it "Pencil Tfest," but I chose the name "On- ion" because it reminds me of onion paper. .lermaine: How powerftil is Onion? Von Wolfshield: I can illustrate that point by telling you a httle story about Rusty Mills. Mills, a professional animator, has worked on some very impressive projects over the last few years: Don Bluth's An American Tail. Disney's Sports Goofy Soc- cermania, Filmation's Pinocchio and the men! During the month of Januaiy, Boot Camp will be open for business. This real- istic military training facility dares you to master a numbei' of gruelling challenges (including an obstacle course, several dif- ferent firing ranges, arm wrestling comjx?- tition and others). The player gradually advances to the rank of captain and earns the respect of his superiors. Keep an eye on this product; it promises to be one of the better ones of the year. Castlei-ania is finally being ported over to the home computer environment. Tliis original Nintendo title has a loyal follow- ing, and Konami believes it will have the same affect on micro game players. The user has to fight ghosts, goblins, wolves, demons and bats (who are all out for blood). If that isn't enough, Count Dracula can't wait to sink his fangs into your jugu- lar. The game comes to an end when you destroy the evil count and put his legion to rest. Amiga owners am play Ciistle- mnia later this spring, while 64 consum- ers will see the progicun in early summer What do the names Leonaitlo, Michae- langelo, Donatello and Raphael mean to you'.' No, they're not members of a new British rock group. These are the famous Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who have their own Saturday morning cartoon show and a popular monthly comic book. In the game, our heroes on a half shell have to defeat carnivorous robots in Chinatown and the savage "Foot" clan Ninjitsu War- riors (who are running amok in downto\\'n New York I. Your team has access to wacko bombs, nunchukas, an armed blimp, and a machine gunnin' party bus. The Nin- Emperor of the Night, and the list goes on and on. Rusty had never used a home computer for animation, and the first sys- tem he saw artwork on was the Amiga (at Eric Daniels' house). Eric was working with Onion at the time, so he let Rusty play around with it for a while. Believe it or not, Rustj' is currently using the pro- gram to produce a cartoon for tele\'ision. Onion allows you to save out animation under three different formats. First of all, we have IFF format. It records the graphic data, the number of bit planes, how many colors are involved, etc. This fonnat per- mits you to save out indi\idual pictures in a few seconds. ANIM (another interesting format) stores the first picture of a se- quence on disk, examines the second one, saves out the differences, and continues the operation until the job is done. I really like this method of doing things because jitsu Warriors carry nunchukas, swords and other deadlj' weapons. Be careful when you face these powei-ful foes, or you might end up as turtle soup. Teenage Mu- tant Ninja 'Turtles, for both the 64 and Amiga computers, will be coming your way later this spring. Microlllusions Amiga: As you read this, Music-X should already be on the market. This unique product was designed for the serious musi- cian, as well as the person who just wants I to make music on the computer I don't know much about music software, but I Music-X's long list of features looks pretty impressive. (See box on page 95 . i ' Early in 1989, The : Flintstones, Johnny Quest, and TheJetsonswW be ' coming to an Amiga or Commodore 64 near you. I Early in the fourth qututer, an Amiga translation of S/f>' Travel — called The , Planetarium — will be coming your way. This classic Commodore 64 astronomy I program has been completely overhauled. It now contains more stars and all of the current NASA codes. The user interface is also easier to operate. Watch for Dungeon Construction Set \ late in the year. You can use DCS to cre- ate your own dungeons, monsters, etc. You , may also be able to take dungeons made when minimal changes are occurring in the picture, you end up saving verj- little. Finally we come to oui" special format. It allows us to compress and decompress code in real time on the computer. Onion also contains a unique playback routine, which allows you to watch the animated sequence at a certain frame rate on the screen. The program is preset to run things at one, two, 12, 15, 24, or even 30 frames per second guaranteed. But any frame rate can be set in Onion to make it easy for the guy who has to convert this type of material to video, where every- thing has to be properly timed. Running the program on an Amiga 512K machine, you can store from half a minute to a Ml minute of animation at a time. By the way, we're presently working with profes- sional animators to add new features to the program that I'm sure you'll enjoy COf^MODORE MAGAZ[NE 115 Coming Attractions Representatives of the U.S. Air Force are currently examining Fa/co/? as a possible low-cost flight trainer for their pilots. with this pixxiuct and interface them with software that is cuiTently under develop- ment. Coining in 1989: The Shrine of the Demon Soul, an Indiana Jones-tj'pe program scheduled for an eai'ly '89 release, chal- lenges you to perform a number of inter- esting tasks. This is a fast-moving arcade- style game, in which \'ou have to destroy terrible demons and rescue people. Faery Tale II will be available for the Amiga sometime next year. It will be a lot larger than the original pragi-am (which contains over 19,000 screensl. There are also Hanna-Barbera projects in the works. Early in 1989, The Flint- stones and Johnny Quest will be coming to a Commodore 64 near you. And The Jet- sons will be available for the Amiga. Oth- er Hanna-Barbera software projects ai-e planned, so stay tuned for fijture an- nouncements. Sierra On-Line Coming in 1989: Sierra On-Line has a number of superior Amiga projects slated for release in the first quailer. King's Quest N—The Perils ofRosella, chal- lenges you, as Rosella, to undertake a per- ilous journey to save the life of youi- ailing father, the king. Your mission becomes a number of quests, in which you must dis- cover the mysteries of a strange land, deal with its hostile inhabitants, and return home to save your father The progi'am features fantastic 3D gi-aphics, colorfijl de- tailed figures, excellent sounds and a fabulous soundtrack. By the way, the soundtrack was mitten by William Gold- stein (who wrote the music for the Fame television series), King's Quest TV is al- most like watching a full-length animated cartoon, so don't forget to move the joy- stick every now and then. Manhunter: New York, written by the authors of The Ancient Art of War, takes software in a totally new direction. The program is a tale of horror and suspense set in a large city approximately two years afl«r an alien invasion. The game is unique in that you stajt out being the bad guy You're basically a spy for the other 116 DECEMBER 1988 side, monitoring human activity in the city. If you detect a plot against the aliens, you identify the individuals, and report them to your alien masters. As you pro- gress you discover the true identity of the aliens and what they're planning to ac- complish. You then have to make the su- preme decision: should you continue serv- ing the aliens or help the underground overthrow them? Manhunter: New York contains excellent colorful gi^aphics, ad- , vanced windowing effects, split-screen ani- . mation, close-ups and overhead views of ; certain scenes. The program is a daring ' new software approach, that ( as of this writing) has no competition. Other scheduled relejises include: Space Quest III, Leisure Suit Lam- II, Police Quest II, and Gold Rush! Robeila Wil- liams is presently working on a classic munier mystery that takes place on a southern plantation. She also wants to do another program for children next year That pi-oduct will deal with American myths and legends (including Pecos Bill, Johnny Appleseed, Paul Buny^m and many others). Spectrum HoloByte (>1/128: PT-lOy. an amazing pati-ol boat simulation, is scheduled for September re- If you're a history buff, Pf-i(99 allows you to perform 45 missions typical of the period. lease. This authentic re-creation of W\\TI PT boat operations is top-notch. You have to deal vrith enemy submarines and air- The Honeymooners CiiiiUmiL'd from /xi^'i' .^if throughout the Amiga version of the prxxi- uct. When Ed Norton appears on the bus, for example, you hear Ait Camy's voice saying "Hey there, Ralphie Boy." There are approximately 20 other phrases in the program including 'To the moon!" and "I've got a big mouth." There are 50 spaces between New York and Miami Beach, and once you've reached your goal. the game is over. I like to think of this pro- ject as a tribute to good old-fashioned fam- ily entertainment and the genius of the late Jackie Gleason. Howard Berk: The Honeynwoners charac- , ters were supposedly based on real people finm Jackie Gleason's old neighborhood in BrookljTi. Many years ago, when the show was in production, some company offered craft, as you seaix:h lor battleships and other mighty vessels. If you're a historv' buff, PT-109 allows you to perfomi 45 mis- sions typical of the period. These assign- ments can be day or night scenarios, and the more difficult ones simulate the eaiiy days of the war (when the lightly-armored craft didn't always carry what it took to get home). Your armaments include: tor- pedos, cannon, submachine guns, depth charges, etc. By the way. light nx;kets were actually used late in the war to ptti- tect the boats torn air strikes. You will also find them in certain game scenarios. The program also contains: foiu" ai"eas of action (New Guinea, Phillipine Islands, Solomon Islands and the Mediterranean Sea), four 90-degree views, detailed dam- age reports, map displays, conti-ol panels and gauges, the abilitj' to see thin^ through binoculars, and the option to save a game in progress. You can even perfoim the same heroic mission in the Solomon Islands that made an unknown skipper named John F. Kennedy famous. PT-109 contains incredible graphics, great sounds and historicjil authenticity. .^raiga: If you think Tetris on the 64 is a great game, wait until you see the Amiga translation. Tetris (in case you ha\'en't heaixl) is the first Russian micixKomputer game to be sold in western mai'keta. This unusual strategy progi-am challenges you to put together pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, which can eventually fill in a work ai-ea. You take a variety of different shapes (as they drop fi-om the top of the screen), i-o- tate them, and tiy to put them together to form solid hoiizontal lines in the work area. W^en these lines are fonned, you earn bonus points, and that line of materi- al is removed from the picture. Tetris con- "I like to think of this project as a tribute to good old- fashioned family entertainment and the genius of the late Jackie Gleason." (Honeymooners) Gleason money to put one of their refiig- i erators in Ralph's apartment. He said no I because the Kraradens would never own a refrigerator They would always have an ice box in their apartment. This story il- lustrates the fact that Gleason worked hard to keep everything true to character, i Coming Attractions tains randomly-generated shapes, a spe- cial preview window i which allows you to look at the next piece that will falli, a su- per music soundtrack, and ten levels of difficulty. Everything has been revamped for this new version of the game, so expect to see some major changes. Keep an eye out for Tetris late in the third quarter. Strate^c Simulations, Inc. 61/128: Typhoon of Steel, the sequel to Panzer Strike!, is scheduled to ship early in the fourth quarter. There are three fixmts in the game to choose fk)m: Europe (Americans vs. Germans), Pacific (Ameri- cans vs. Japanese), and Asia (British vs. Japanese). The program also features spe- cial rules covering banzai charges, flame thrower attacks and naval support. When it comes to producing an authentic World War n battlefield simulation, SSI has done it again with Typhoon of Steel. During the final days of October, soft- ware pilots can join the first bomber gixjup (to strike deep in the heart of Nazi-occu- pied Europe) in First Over Germany. This B-17 flight simulator contains eight inter- esting training missions and approxi- mately 25 difficult combat assignments. Real-time flight elements, like the gunner shooting at incoming enemy aircraft, can also be found in the game. I like this type of program becaase it re-creates a unique real-life experience that few people can teil us about today. Amiga: Fakon, a sophisticated flight sim- ulator, will be taking off in November The program puts you in the cockpit of an F-16A fighter, where you learn to fly the craft like a pro. Approximately 20 man- year's have gone into the development of the game (for the i\IS DOS systems), and F-16 pilots actually contributed to the pro- duct design. Falcon featm-es an authentic F-16 cockpit design, a black box option (which i-ecords a particulai- flight for later evaluation), 12 typical F-16 missions and nine levels of difficulty. A number of me- dals can be earned along the way. Fakon is also especially user friendly. In the low est difficultj' level, for example, the new pilot can learn to fly the plane without being shot down or crashing under nonnal circumstances. As you become familial' with the contitils, you can pi-ogress to more complicated scenarios. The program docu- mentation is extensive. It contains about 300 pictures and diagrams, and eveiy- thing is written in simple language. One .\ctKi.vion 3885 Itoliamiun Drive Menlo Hark, CA 94025 1415) 329-0500 t'apcum U.S.A.. Inc. 128,'J-C MounUun View/Alviso Road Suniiyviile. CA 94039 i408i 74.T.7081 Cincniiiwan' Corporation 4165 Thousand Oaks BK-d. VVestlakc Village. CA 91362 tg06i 495-6515 Data East 470 Needles Drive San Jose, CA 95112 14081286-7074 DiKiTek 104 W. Senwa Suite 4 TainD;i.FL:«612 (8131 93;3-8023 Companies Mentioned in Coming Attractions First Kow Soflwan; 3624 Marlict St. Philadelpliia, PA 19406 (215)662-1400 GaiiHstar see Acli^Haion Intctplav Productions see Artinsion Intracnrp, inc. UltiOSW 139th Court Miami, FL;ai86 (80OI 468-7226 Komuni 815 Mitile Drive Wood Dalf.IL 60191 (3121 59.5-144.3 .Micmlltusiuns 17408 Chateworth Street P.O. Box:3475 Granada Hills. CA 91344 (800> 522-2041 (8181,360-3715 -Sierra On-ljne Sierra On-Lme Building P.0.li3x4«5 Coaisegold, CA 93614 12091683-6858 Silent Software '06 W. Broadwav Suite 202 Glendale,CA912W 1818)243-0313 Spectrum HoloU.vte 2061 Challenger l>nve AJameda. CA M501 (415 1 5^-3584 Stivteeii' Simulations, Inc. 1046 North Rengstorff .Kveaae Mountain View. CA 94043 14151964-1353 Subl>ugic 501 Kenvon Drive Champaign, IL 61820 1217)359-8482 more note of interest: representatives ol' the U.S. Air Force are currently examin- ing Fakon as a possible low-cost flight trainer for their pilots. If they think this product can be used to train their people, I'm sure it's realistic enough for the aver- age consumer. Coming in 1989: The Commodore 64 ver- sion of Falcon should be on the market early in the year, SubLogic Corporation (>4/128: Here's a real scoop! The long- awaited Scenery Disk #9 will be available to the pubhc late in the year. SubLogic pi- lots will finally be able to fly around the area of the midwest: St. Louis, MO; Chica- go, IL; Springfield and Indianapolis, IN; and Cincinnati, OH. As in the earlier sce- nery disks, this one displays rivers, lakes, roads, airport layouts and many interest- ing landmarks. In fact, if you're fl>ing over Champaign, IL you can see the homes of SubLogic pragrammers and de- velopment people beneath you (as well as the actual location of the company itself). Like the other iastallments in the series, Scenery Disk #9 is also tme to scale, easy to use, and a source of many hours of en- tertainment. B Music-X Continued from page 95 are 255 tracks available in the program (even though most people will use 24 tracks or less). You asked me to rate the program, so here are ray findings: In terms of presen- tation, I give Music-X an A+ . From what Fve been able to extract, the program seems to be excellent. When all is said and done, Music-X allows you to do so- phisticated homework that minimizes your time in a legitimate studio (that could cost you anywhere fitim $40 to $400 an hour) and yet maximizes your sound quality. I'm currently using Pro MIDI, but I would convert to Musk-X if I had a more technical background. Jermaine: Would you share a story about your work in Peter, Paul and Maiy? Stookey: The first Peter, Paul and Mary album (titled 1449] was originally re- leased in 1962. The material was recently re-mixed and re-released on compact disc this past July It's interesting to note that the original recording was done on three tracks because that was state-of-the-art technology at the time. Tbday it didn't take very long to re-mix that material, when we only had to worry about three tracks. IHe laughs.] COMMODORE MAGAZINE 117 Protectors Since 1979 COMPUTER DIRECT WE WON'T BE UNDERSOLD!* Prices Expire 12-31 -88 Complete C64€ ConmiOHore System FREE ;gamei • Commodore 64c Computer • 1541 II Disk Drive ■ 1 2" Monochrome Monitor • Genuine IBM® Printer With Interfoce AndOneRollOfPoper • GEOS Progrom For Word Processing & Drowing Our Low Sale Price $ 395 95 List $825 CliaD Computer • Full128 Detached Keyboord • 1571 Drive With 128K Of User Memory Expandable To 640K • 3 Operation Modes (C64,C128,SCP/M,Ver.3.0) •40/80 Column Output, 16 colors • Fre« Programmor't RoferMKe Guide Our Low Sale Price 95 ^419 Lis! $549 ir Amber Monitor 2 Yeor Limited Manufacturer's Worranty Eiy^MDEK • High Resolution • 80 Column • 1000 Lines At Center • Great For Business • Fontastic Value Our Low Sale Price *79 List J32<) S'A" Floppy Disks 19 Double Sided Double Density Minimum Ouanlity 50 Moximum Ouontity 250 Box of 30 t9.S0 (19* (without sf&evdi] Box of 50 $10.50 (31- Mch) (with si&evgs] Box of 100 (no limit) . . . »24.00 (24- eoch) (with sleeves & labels) •ach och) ^MMIGA HIW Hi-Speed NLQ 180-11 • 180 CPS • Lifetime Warraiity Economy Sleeves . . $1 .00 per quantity of 50 I Disk Labets S3, 95 per quantity of 100 I Disk Notchers $3.95 eoch 3</i"DS-D0 Micro Disks 99 Quantity of 10 . Ouantlty of SO . Quantify of 100. each 111.90 (t1.19«<ich) IM.SO (11.09 «ach) . . . 199.00 (99' each) Amiga 500 Computer Soie 51 2K Computer Compatible with Amigo 1000 Software List $799 Call For Price Amiga 1010 External Drive Saie Call For Price 3'/)"Compact-Size Micro-Disk Drive List $299 Amiga 1084 Color Monitor Sale 13" RGB 90 Column X 25 CpII FOr Price Row, 640x400 Pixel List $399 • 2yr. Immediate Replacement • Dot Addressable Graphics • High Speed Dot Matrix • Italics - Elite - Condensed - Pica • Tractor/Friction Feed • Centronics Parallel Port • • Lifetime Warranty on Print Head • 8K Print Buffer • Near Letter Quality from Front Panel • Low Cost Adapters available Our Low Sale Price 149 IMMIOIAnANSmB List $499 I 800 - BUY - WISE ^ 800 - 289 ■ 94T3 Mall Wb Love Our Customersl COMPUTER DIRECT 22292 N. Pepper Rd. Barrington, IL 6CX)10 BEST SERVICE IN THE USA'''^^^^°''"°"'' ' • Fast, Low Cost Delivery • 15 Day Home Trial • Free Technical Assistance • No Credit Card Fees • 90 Day Immediate Replacement • Free Catalogs Genuine IBM® Printer 8% "Letter Size •80 Column Limited Quantities ■ Upp«r& Lower Case (with true lower descenders) • Advanced Dot Matrix ■ Heot Transfer • Graphics With Commodore, & Apple Interfaces • Ready to Hook Up To Seriol Port Of IBM® PCjr. • Low Cost Adopters For IBM(») . Apple, Commodore, S Loser Computers • Underline S Enlarged Our Low Sale Price $49 95 Lis1$!99 SOOKSYz" Disk Drive Commodore 1581 Works With C64/C64c, ondC128/C128D. Over 800K Bytes of Formotted Storage On Double-Sided 3.5" AAicrodiskettes. C^ Our Low Sale Price $ 179 95 List $249 1 3" Color Composite Monitor • Anti-Glare Screen • Audio Speaker • Volume Control • Block Motrix Tube • Horizontal Resolution 260 Lines • Includes Composite Coble Our Low Sale Price Ma9 95 List $329 300/1200/2400 BPS External Modem 1541-11 Disk Drive 300/1200 BPS Migent Pociiet Modem Free Terminai Software Modem 2400 Features: • 2400 BAUD Bell 212A ai 300/1200/2400 BPS • Fully Hayes Compatible • 7 System Indicator Lights • Both Tone & Pulse Dialing • Built-in Speaker with Volume Control • Buffer That Holds Up To 40 Characters • Stores Dialed Numbers • Separate Line and Set Connectors • Uses RS-232C Interface (Cable Required) Our Lovf Sale Price Our Low Sale Price 114 9S $ Li>r $349 159 95 List $299 • Hayes compatible ' Runs on AC or battery • Turns on/off automatically • Small enough to put in your pocket • Plugs directly into your serial port on many computers • Easy to use; no switches to set • On-screen status lights show call progress Our Lew Sale Price 99 95 List S4I3 VISA $t Prices do not include Shipping Ctiarges. Call to gel Your Lowest Delivered Cost. Wc insure all stiipments at no extra cost to you! Ail packages are normally shipped UPS Ground. 2nd Day or y- A rir> Overnight delivery available. Minimum stiippingctiarge per order is S3. 75, Illinois residents add MASTER CARD 6'/2<yo sates tax. Wc ship to all points in the U.S; Canada, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii. Virgin Islands and APO-FPO. (Monitors only shipped in Continental USA) Prices and availability subject f /~vr^ to change without notice. Computer Direct will match any valid nationally advertised delivcrod '"^^'^ price on the exact same product & payment method (excluding sales taxes) HOW TO ENTER PROGRAMS The programs which appear in this magazine have been run, tested and checked for bugs and errore. Alter a pro- gram is tested, it is printed on a letter quality printer with some formatting changes. This listing is theo photo- graphed directly and printed in the maga- zine. Using this method ensures the most error-free program listings possible. Whenever you see a word inside brack- ets, such as [DOWN I, the word represents a keystroke or series of keystrokes on the keyboard. The word [DOWN] would be entered by pressing the cui"sor-down key. If multiple keystrokes are required, the number will directly follow the word. For example, [D0WN4J would mean to press the cursor-dowTi key four times. If there are multiple words within one set of brackets, enter the keystrokes directly after one another. For example, [DOWN, RIGHT2] would mean to press the cursor- down key once and then the cursor-right key twice. Note: Do not enter the commas. In addition to these graphic symbols, the keyboard graphics are all represented by a word and a letter. The word is either SHFT or CMD and represents the SfflFT key or the Commodore key. The letter is one of the letters on the keyboard. The combination [SHFT E[ would be entered by holding down the SHIFP key and pressing the E. A number following the letter tells you how manv times to type the letter. For example, [SHFT A4.CMD B3[ would mean to hold the SHIFT key and press the A four times, then hold down the Commodore key and press the B three times. The following chart tells you the keys to press for any word or words inside of brackets. Refer to this chart whenever you aren't sure what keys to press. The little graphic next to the keystrokes shows you what you will see on the screen. SYNTAX ERROR This is by far the most common error encountered while entering a program. Usually (sorry folks) this means that you have typed something incorrectly on the line the syntax error refers to. If you get the message "?Syntax Error Break In Line 270", tj-pe LIST 270 and press RETURN. This mil list line 270 to the screen. Look for any non-obvious mis- takes like a zero in place of an or vice- versa. Check for semicolons and colons re- versed and extra or missing parenthesis. All of these things will cause a syntax error. There is only one time a syntax error will tell you the "wrong" line to look at. If the line the sjTitax error refers to has a function call (i.e., FN A(3)), the sjTitax error may be in the line that defines the fimction, rather than the line named in the error message. Look for a line near the beginning of the progi'am (usually) that has DEF FN AiX) in it with an equa- tion following it. Look for a typo in the equation part of this definition, ILLEG.\L QUANTITY ERROR This is another common eiTor message. This can also be caused by a typing error, but it is a little harder to find. Once again, list the line number that the enxir mes- sage refers to. There is probably a poke statement on this line. If there is, then the error is referring to what is trying to be poked. A number must be in the range of H"|HOME!'* = UNSHnTED CUV HOME n "ICLEAB!- "SHIFTED CLP/HOME H ■■[DOWNl" = CURSORDOWN n ■■1UP|'-=CUHS0RUP n ■lEUGHTl" =CURSOR RIGHT n "ILEFTl'-CUHSOR LEFT R ■■[RVS1-=C0NTB0L9 I "|RVOFF]'- = CONTHOLa EI ■■lEl.ACKr=CONTRQL 1 [1 -IWHrrEl'- = CONTROL 2 Rj -IREDl'^ CONTROL 3 y '|CYANr = C0NTF,0L4 n ■|PURPLE|" = CONTROL 5 n IGREENI'" CONTROLS R •■lBLUEl-= CONTROL 7 H ■•[YELLOWr- = CONTROL 8 n lORANCEl-^COMMODORE 1 I] "[BROWN]" -COMMODORE 2 n "IL REDI"- COMMODORE 3 n '{GRAYir'-COMMODORE-l Q "(GRA¥2|" = C0MM0D0RE 5 II • |L GREENI"- COMMODORE 6 n^lLBLUEr' -COMMODORE 7 2 inr'=Fi g-iF2r-=n g"[F31-=F3 E •■|F4| • = F4 [|"[F5r' = F5 O iFer-FB |"[F7r=F7 n ■•[F3|"=FB ^■IPOUND|- = ENGLISH POUND Q ISHFT 'I ■ = ?[ SYMBOL fflri" = UPABROW IGRAYSl" = COMMODORE 3 GRAPHIC SYMBOLS WILL BE REPRESENTED AS EITHER THE LETTERS SHFT (SHIFT) AND A KEY ("[SHFT Q.SHFT J.SHFT D.SHFT S]") OR THE LETTERS CMDR (COMMODORE) AND A KEY ("[CMDR Q.CMDR G.COMDR Y.CMDR Hj"). IF A SYMBOL IS REPEATED, THE NUMBER OF REPITITIONS WILL BE DIRECTLY AFTER THE KEY AND BEFORE THE COMMA ("[SPACES, SHFT S4,CMDR M21"). zero to 255 to be poke-able. For example, the statement POKE 1024,260 would pro- duce an illegal quantity error because 260 is greater than 25.5. Most often, the value being poked is a variable (A,X,.,). This error is telling you that this variable is out of range. If the variable is being read from data state- ments, then the problem is somew'here in the data statements. Check the data statements for missing commas or other typos. If the variable is not coming from data : statements, then the problem will be a lit- I tie harder to find. Check each line that contains the variable for typing mistakes. OUT OF DATA ERROR This error message is always related to the data statements in a program. If this error occurs, it means that the program has run out of data items before it was supposed to. It is usually caused by a prob- lem or typo in the data statements. Check ' first to see if you have left out a whole line of data. Next, check for missing commas between numbers. Reading data fitim a page of a magazine can be a strain on the brain, so use a ruler or a piece of paper or anything else to help you keep track of where you are as you enter the data. OTHER PROBLEMS It is impoilant to remember that the 64 and the PET/CBM computers will only ac- cept a line up to 80 characters long. The VIC 20 will accept a line up to 88 charac- ters long. Sometimes you will find a line in a program that mns over this number of characters. This is not a mistake in the listing. Sometimes programmers get so carried away crunching programs that they use abbreviated commands to get more than 80 (or 88) characters on one line. You can enter these lines by abbrevi- ating the commands when you enter the line. The abbrexiations for BASIC com- mands are on pages 133-134 of the VIC 20 user guide and 130-131 of the Commodore 64 user's guide. If you type a line that is longer than 80 (or 88) characters, the computer will act as if everything is ok, until you press RE- TLTIN. Then, a syntax error will be dis- played (without a line numlaer). Many people write that the computer gives them a syntax error when they type the line, or that the computer refuses to accept a line. Both of these problems are results of typ- ing a line of more than 80 (or 88) charac- ters. 120 DECEI^BER 1988 How to Enter Programs THE PROGRAM WONT RUN!! This is the hardest of problems to re- solve; no error message is displayed, but the program just doesn't run. This can be caused by many small mistakes typing a program in. First check that the program was written for the computer you are us- ing. Check to see if you have left out any lines of the program. Check each line of the program for typos or missing parts. Fi- nally, press the RUN/STOP key while the program is "running". Write down the line the program broke at and try to follow the program backwards from this point, look- ing for problems. IFALLELSEFMLS You've come to the end of your rope. You can't get che program to nm and you can't find any errors in your tj'ping. What do you do? As always, we suggest that you try a local user group for help. In a group of even just a dozen members, someone is bound to have typed in the same program. The user group may also have the pro- gram on a library disk and be willing to make a copy for you. If you do get a working copy, be sure to compare it to your own version so that you can learn from your errors and increase you understanding of programming. If you live in the countn', don't have a local user group, or you simply can't get any help, write to us. If you do write to us, include the following information about the program you are having problems with: The name of the progi-am The issue of the magazine it was in The computer you are using Any error messages and the line numbers Anything displayed on the screen A printout of your listing (if possible) All of this information is helpfril in an- swering your questions about why a pro- gram doesn't work. A letter that simply states "I get an error in line 250 whenever I run the program" doesn't give us much to go on. Send your questions to: Commodore Magazine 1200 Wilson Drive 'West Chester, PA 19380 ATTN: Program Problem Have fun with the programsl Q HOW TO USE THE MAGAZINE ENTRY PROGRAMS' The Magazine Entry Programs on the next pages are two BASIC machine language programs that will assist you in entering the programs in this magazine correctly. There are versions for both the Commodore 64 and the Commodore 128. Once the program is in place, it works its magic without you having to do anything else. The program will not let you enter a line if there is a typing mistake on it, and better yet, it identifies the kind of error for you. Getting Started Type in the Magazine Entry Program carefliUy and save it as you go along (just in case). Once the whole program is typed in, save it again on tape or disk. Now RUN the program. The word POKING will appear on the top of the screen with a number. The number will increment from 49152 up to 49900 (4864-5545 on the 128) and just lets you know that the progi'am is running. If everything is ok, the program will finish running and say DONE. Then type NEW. If there is a problem with the data statements, the program will tell you where to find the problem. Otherwise the program will say "mistake in data state- ments." Check to see if commas are miss- ing, or if you have used periods instead of commas. Also check the individual data items. Once the program has run, it is in memory ready to go. To activate the pro- gram type SYS49152 iSYS4864 on the 128), and press RETURN. You are now ready to enter the programs imm the magazine. To disable the Entry Program, just type KILL [RETURN] on the 64 or SYS4867 on the 128. The checksums for each line are the same for both the 64 and 128, so you can enter your 64 programs on the 128 if you'd like. Typing the Programs All the BASIC program listings in this magazine that are for the 64 or 128 have an apostrophe followed by four letters at the end of the line (e.g., 'ACDF). If you plan to use the Magazine Entry Program to enter youi' programs, the apostrophe and letters should be entered along with the rest of the line. This is a checksum that the Magazine Entry Program uses. Enter the line and the letters at the end and then press RETURN, just as you nor- mally would. If the line is entered correctly, a bell is sounded and the line is entered into the computer's memory (without the charac- ters at the end). If a mistake was made while entering the line, a noise is sounded and an error message is displayed. Read the error mes- sage, then press any key to erase the mes- sage and correct the line. liMPORTANT If the Magazine Entry Pi-ogram sees a mistake on a line, it does not enter that line into memory. This makes it impossi- ble to enter a line incorrectly. Error Messages and What They Mean There are five error messages that the Magazine Entry Program uses. Here they are, along with what they mean and how to fix them. NO CHECKSUM: This means that you forgot to enter the apostrophe and the four letters at the end of the line. Move the cursor to the end of the line you just typed and enter the checksum. QUOTE: This means that you forgot (or added) a quote mai'k somewhere in the line. Check the line in the magazine and correct the quote, i KEYWORD: This means that you have i either forgotten a command or spelled one of the BASIC keywords (GOTO, I PRINT. . ) incorrectly. Check the line in the magazine again and check your spell- ing. # OF CH.\RACTERS: This means that you have either entered extra charac- ters or missed some characters. Check the line in the magazine again. This error message will also occur if you misspell a BASIC command, but create another keyword in doing so. For example, if you misspell PRINT as PRONT, the 64 sees the letter P and R, the BASIC keyword ON and then the letter T. Because it sees the keyword ON, it thinks you've got too many characters, instead of a simple mis- spelling. Check spelling of BASIC com- mands if you can't find anything else wrong. UNIDENTIFIED: This means that you have either made a simple spelling error, you typed the wrong line number, or you typed the checksum incorrectly. Spelling errors could be the wrong number of spaces inside quotes, a variable spelled wrong, or a word misspelled. Check the line in the magazine again and correct the mistake. B COIVIMODORE M/SGA2INE 121 Magazine Entry Program— 64 The Magazine Entry Programs are available imdist,. along with iitherprograriHiniiiismajazine. for S9.95. To Older, conlacl Loadstar at I - KIKI- S3 1-2694. 10 PRINT" [CLEAR] POKING -"; 20 P=49152 :REM $C000 (END AT 49900/$C2EC) 30 READ A$:IF A$="END"THEN 110 40 L=ASCCMID$CA$,2,1) ) 50 H=ASC(MID$(A5,1,1) ) 60 L=L-48:IF L>9 THEN L=L-7 70 H=H-48:IF H>9 THEN H=H-7 80 PRINT" [HOME, RIGHT121 "P; 90 IF H>15 OR L>15 THEN PRINT :PRINT"DATA ERROR IN LINE"; 1000+INT{(P-49152)/8) :STOP 100 B=H*16+L: POKE P , B : T=T+B : P=P+ 1 •.GOTO 3 110 IF TO86200 THEN PRINT :PRINT"MISTAKE IN DATA --> CHECK DATA STATEMENTS" : END 120 PRINT" 1000 DATA 1001 DATA 1002 DATA 1003 DATA 1004 DATA 1005 DATA 1006 DATA 1007 1008 1009 1010 1011 1012 1013 1014 1015 1016 1017 1018 1019 1020 1021 1022 1023 1024 1025 1026 1027 1028 1029 1030 1031 DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DATA DONE" 4C,1F 00,00 CI, 27 C1,EA 05, BD F8,60 D9,04 A0,05 88,10 40, EF 7B,4C A5,7A C9,01 00,02 00, 4C C9,3A C8,B1 D0,F7 7A,F0 03, C0 69,00 18, 6D 03, EE CE,C1 C0,90 C0,60 FB,B9 A9,12 06,20 BC,C2 18, B9 10, F7 :END ,C0,00 ,00,00 ,C1,2F ,EA,EA ,19,C0 ,60,A0 ,C1,D0 ,B9,A2 ,F7,A9 ,C0,E6 ,79,00 ,C9,FF ,D0,E7 ,20,74 ,A9,C1 ,10,02 ,7A,C9 ,B1,7A ,37,C9 ,8D,03 ,8D,04 ,05,C0 ,06,C0 ,18,6D ,03, EE ,0A,A8 ,10,C0 ,20,D2 ,D2,FF ,20,E4 ,08, CI ,68,68 ,00,00,00,00 ,00,00,00,21 ,C1,3F,C1,4C ,4C,54,C0,A2 ,95, 73, CA, 10 ,03,89,00,02 ,F5,88,10,F5 ,E3,99,73,0fl ,00,8D, 1B,D4 ,7A,D0,02,E6 ,A5,9D,F0,F3 ,D0,ED,A5,7B ,20,2B,C0, AD ,C0,90,DC,A0 ,C9,30,30,06 ,38,60,18,60 ,20,D0,03,C3 ,60,1B,C8,B1 ,22,F0,F5,6D ,C0,AD,04,C0 ,C0,4C,8E,C0 ,8D,05,C0,90 ,EE,09,C0,4C ,08,C0,8D,08 ,07,C0,EE,0A ,B9,0F,C0,85 ,85,FC, A0,00 ,FF,B1,FB,F0 ,C8,D0,F6,20 ,FF,F0,FB,A0 ,20,D2,FF,88 ,A9, 00,80,00 1032 DATA 1033 DATA 1034 DATA 1035 DATA 1036 DATA 1037 DATA 1038 DATA 1039 DATA 1040 DATA 1041 DATA 1042 DATA 1043 DATA 1044 DATA 1045 DATA 1046 DATA 1047 DATA 1048 DATA 1049 DATA 1050 DATA 1051 DATA 1052 DATA 1053 DATA 1054 DATA 1055 DATA 1056 DATA 1057 DATA 1058 DATA 1059 DATA 1060 DATA 1061 DATA 1062 DATA 1063 DATA 1064 DATA 1065 DATA 1066 DATA 1067 DATA 1068 DATA 1069 DATA 1070 DATA 1071 DATA 1072 DATA 1073 DATA 1074 DATA 1075 DATA 1076 DATA 1077 DATA 1078 DATA 1079 DATA 1080 DATA 1081 DATA 1082 DATA 1083 DATA 1084 DATA 1085 DATA 1086 DATA 1087 DATA 1088 DATA 1089 DATA 1090 DATA 1091 DATA 1092 DATA 1093 DATA 2,4C,74,A4,4B,49,4C,4C 91,91,00,20,20,20,20,20 20,20,20,20,20,20,20,20 20,20,20,20,20,20,20,91 00, 51, 55, 4F, 54, 45, 00, 48 45, 59, 57, 4F, 52, 44, 00, 23 20, 4F, 46, 20, 43, 48, 41, 52 41,43,54,45,52,53,00,55 4E, 49, 44, 45, 4E, 54, 49, 46 49,45,44, 00, 4E,4F, 20, 43 48, 45, 43, 4B, 53, 55,40,00 CB , Bl , 7A , D0 , FB , 8 4 , FD , C0 09, 10, 03, 4C, 84, CI, 88, 88 8 8,88,88,B1,7A,C9,27,D0 13,A9,00,91,7A,C8,A2,00 B1,7A,9D, 3C,0 3,C8,E8,E0 04,D0,F5,60,A9,04,4C,CA C0,A0, 00, 89,00,02,99, 40 3,F0,F0,C8,O0,F5,A0,00 B9,40,03,F0,E6,99,00,02 C8,D0,F5,20,96,C1,4C,12 C2,A0,09,A9,00,99,03,C0 8D,3C,03,88,10,F7,A9,80 85, 02, A0, 00, 20, 58, CI, 20 89,C1,20,ED,C1,E6,7A,E6 7B,20,7C,A5,A0,00,20,a0 C0,F0,D0,24,02,F0,06,4C A8,C0,4C,CE,C1,C9,22,D0 06,20,8D,C0,4C,CE,C1,20 BA,C0,4C,CE,C1,A0,0 0,B9 00,02,20,74,C0,C8,90,0A 18,6D,07,C0,8D,0 7,C0,4C EF,C1,B8,A2,00,B9,00,02 9D,00,0 2,F0,0 4,E8,C8,D0 F4, 60, 18, AD, 09, C0, 69, 41 8D,09,C0,3 8,AD,0A,C0,E9 19,90,06,8D,0A,C0,4C,1C C2,AD,0A,C0,69,41,8D,0A C0,AD,03,C0,6D,05,C0,48 AD,04,C0, 6D,0 6,CO,8D,0C C0,68,6D,0 8,C0,8D,0B,C0 AD,0C,C0,6D,0 7,C0,8D,0C C0,38,E9,19,90,06,8D,0C C0,4C,52,C2,AD,0C,C0,6 9 41,8D,0C,C0,AD,0B,C0,E9 19,90,0 6,8D,0B,C0,4C,67 C2,AD,0B,C0,6 9,41f8D,0B C0,A0,01,AD,0 9,C0,CD,3C 03,D0,20,C8,AD,0A,C0,CD 30,0 3,0 0, 17, C8, AD, 08, C0 CD,3E,0 3,D0,0E,AD,0C,C0 CD,3F,03,D0,06,20,CC,C2 4C,4B,C0,98,48,68,4C,CA C0,A9,20,8D,00,D4,8D,01 D4,A9,0 9,8D,0 5,D4,A9,0F 8D,18,D4,60,20,A9,C2,A9 81,20,DF,C2,A9,80,20,DF C2,4C,D9,C2,20,A9,C2,A9 ll,2e,DF,C2,A9,10,20,DF C2,A9, 00, 80,04,04, 60, 30 04, 04, A2, 70, A0, 00, 88, 00 FD,CA,D0,PA,60,END ehq 122 DECEMBER 1988 Magazine Entt7 Program — 128 5 TRAP 200 10 PRINT"[CLEAR] POKING -"; 20 P=4864 :REM S1300 (END AT 5545/$15A9) 3iS READ A$:IF A$="END"THEN 110 80 PRINT" [HOME, RIGHT12] "P; 100 B=DEC(A$) :POKE P , B : T=T+B : P=P+1 :GOTO 30 110 IF T059382 THEN PRINT :PRINT"MISTAKE IN DATA — > CHECK DATA STATEMENTS" ; END . 120 PRINT"DONE":END 200 PRINT:PHINT"DATA ERROR IN LINE"; 1000+INT( (P-4 864)/8) :END 1000 DATA 4C,1E,13,4C,3A,13,00,00 1001 DATA 8E, 00, F7, 00, 42, 41, 51, 57 1002 DATA 0D,00,0D,43,08,14,0E,14 1003 DATA 16, 14, 26, 14, 33, 14, A9, 00 1004 DATA 8D, 00, FF, AD, 04,03,80,12 1005 DATA 13, AD, 05, 03, 8D, 13, 13, A2 1006 DATA 4A, A0, 13, 8E, 04, 03,80,05 1007 DATA 03, 60, AD, 12, 13, 8D, 04, 03 1008 DATA AD, 13, 13, 80,05,03, 60, 6C 1009 DATA 12,13,A5,7F,D0,F9,AD,00 1010 DATA 02,20,5B,13,90,F1,A0,00 1011 DATA 4C,6F,14,C9,30,30,06,C9 1012 DATA 3A, 10, 02, 38, 60, 18, 60, C8 1013 DATA B1,3D,C9,20,D0,03,C8,D0 1014 DATA F7,B1,3D,60,18,C8,B1,3D 1015 DATA F0,35,C9,22,F0,F5,6D,06 1016 DATA 13, 8D, 06, 13, AO, 07, 13, 69 1017 DATA 00, 8D, 07, 13, 4C, 75, 13, 18 1018 DATA 60,08,13,80,08,13,90,03 1019 DATA EE, 09, 13, EE, 00,13,60,18 1020 DATA 60, 0B, 13, 80, 0B, 13, 90, 03 1021 DATA EE,0A,13,EE,0D,13,60,0A 1022 DATA A8,B9,14,13,85,FB,B9,15 1023 DATA 13,85,FC,A0,00,8C,00,FF 1024 DATA A9,12,20,D2,FF,B1,FB,F0 1025 DATA 06,20,D2,FF,C8,D0,F6,20 1026 DATA 79,15,20,A3,15,20,E4,FF 1027 DATA F0,FB,A0,1B,B9,EF,13,20 1028 DATA D2,FF,88,10,F7,68,68,A9 1029 DATA 00,8D,00,02,4C,B7,4D,91 1030 DATA 91,00,20,20,20,20,20,20 1031 DATA 20,20,20,20,20,20,20,20 1032 DATA 20,20,20,20,20,20,91,00 1033 DATA 51, 55, 4F, 54, 45, 00, 4B, 45 1034 DATA 59, 57, 4F, 52, 44, 00, 23, 20 1035 DATA 4F, 46, 20, 43, 48, 41, 52, 41 1036 DATA 1037 DATA 1038 DATA 1039 DATA 1040 DATA 1041 DATA 1042 DATA 10^3 DATA 1044 DATA 1045 DATA 1046 DATA 1047 DATA 1048 DATA 1049 DATA 1050 DATA 1051 DATA 1052 DATA 1053 DATA 1054 DATA 1055 DATA 1056 DATA 1057 DATA 1058 DATA 1059 DATA 1060 DATA 1061 DATA 1062 DATA 1063 DATA 1064 DATA 1065 DATA 1066 DATA 1067 DATA 1068 DATA 1069 DATA 1070 DATA 1071 DATA 1072 DATA 1073 DATA 1074 DATA 1075 DATA 1076 DATA 1077 DATA 1078 DATA 1079 DATA 1080 DATA 1081 DATA 1082 DATA 1083 DATA 1084 DATA 1085 DATA 43, 54, 45, 52, 53, 00, 55, 4E 49, 44, 45, 4E, 54, 49, 46, 49 45,44,00,4E,4F,20,43,48 45, 43, 48,53,55, 40,00,08 B1,3D,D0,FB,98,30,04,C9 06, 30, IE, 88, 88, 88, 8 8, 8 8 Bl,3D,C9,27,D0,13,A9,00 91,3D,C8,A2,00,B1,3D,9D 00',0B,C8,E8,E0,04,O0,F5 60, 40, 50, 15, 4C, 05, 14, A0 09, A9, 00, 99, 06, 13,80,00 0B,88,10,F7,A9,80,8 5,FD A0,00,20,3F,14,20,AE,14 20,0D,4 3,84,FA,A0,FF,2 67,13,F0,D8,24,FD,F0,06 20, 8F, 13, 40, 8F, 14, 09, 22 00, 6, 2 0,74, 13, 40, 8F, 14 20,9F,13,4C,8F,14,A0,00 89,00,02, 20, 58,13,08, 90 0A,18,6D,0A,13,8D,0A,13 40, B0, 14, 8 8, 6 0,1 8, AD, 00 13, 6 9, 4 1,80, 00,13, 38, AD 0D, 13, E9, 19, 90, 06,80,00 13, 40, OF, 14, AD, 00, 13, 6 9 41, 8D, 00, 13, AD, 06,13,60 08, 13, 48, AD, 07, 13, 60, 09 13,8D,0F,13,68,6D,0B,13 8O,0E,13,AO,0F,13,6D,0A 13,8D,0F,13,38,E9,19,90 06 , 80 , 0F , 1 3 , 40 , 5 , 1 5 , AD 0F,13,69,41,8D,0F,13,AD 0E,13,E9,19,90,06,8D,0E 13,4C,1A,15,AD,0E,13,69 41,8D,0E,13,A0,01,AD,0C 13,CD,00,0B,D0,20,C8,AD 0D, 13, 00,01,06,00,1 7, 08 AO,0E,13,OD,02,0B,D0,0E AD, 0F, 13, CD, 03,08,00,06 2 0, 8 9, 1 5, A4, FA, 60, 98, 48 68,4C,AF,13,A9,04,4C,AF 13,A9,00,8D,00,FF,A9,20 8O,00,D4,8D,01,D4,A9,09 8O,0 5,O4,A9,0F,8D,18,D4 60, 20, 61, 15, A9, 81, 20, 90 15, A9, 80, 20, 90, 15, 40, 96 15, 20, 61, 15, A9, 11, 20, 90 15, A9, 10, 20, 90, 15, A9, 00 8D,04,D4,60,8D,04,D4,A2 70,A0,00,8 8,D0,FD,OA,D0 FA, 60, END END COMMODORE MAGAZINE 123 Gold Mine ■ — — Continued from page 19 Maniac Mansion: To open the Garage Door you must go up- stairs and use the Hunk-0-Matic Machine. Then go dowTistairs and open the Gai'age. You will see a cai* If you want to open the trunk, you must get the Yellow Key in the Green Ibntacle's Room. The Tools can be used to fk the Phone in the Library, but you must use a certain teenager to fix it. Billy Freedman Glendale,NY Might and Magic: The Wizard Agar is behind a secret passage in the Inn, at the town of Erliquim. Ttlgoram is in the southeast comer of the Maze in Dusk. The code to turn off' the Dancing Lights is Y1CU2ME3. Robert Mikre Upper Montclair, NJ One-On-One: On any level, when you miss a shot and the com- puter gets the rebound, block him from getting past the fiiee throw line to dear the ball. If you stay with him long enough, the 24-second clock will sound and you will get the ball. Jeff Bloomberg Northbrook, IL PHM Pegasus: Your weapons have an effective range not men- tioned in the manual. Use missiles under about 36 miles, can- non under ten miles, and chaif under two miles. Compress time to 128 X and reduce to 4 x when you get into hea\'y action. One more thing: over-controlling is suicidal! Matt McLaine Walterboro, SC Pirates: When fighting against unbelievable odds don't panic. Choose the longsword instead of the rapier or cutlass. Keep us- ing the "slashing-high" attack to cause the most damage. You may get down to only one man left, but you can still defeat the enemy captain. After you win, select Send A Prize Crew, so you'll have enough people to sail your ship. Jason Bradley Hamilton, OH Plundered Hearts: On the pirate ship, tear a rag from the cotton frock. Then soak it in the water barrel. You can now throw it on the fuse to put out the fire. Aaron Maupin Fresno, OH Raid 0>'er Moscow: Tb get some extra points on screen four (missile silos), destroy all the silos except the main one. Now fly to the left side of the ,sct^>en and shoot the enemy planes as soon as they appear. Continue destroying the planes until time has almost run out, then desti^oy the main silo. Doug Smith Milton, FL Silent Service: If you're sick of being chased and depth charged by destroyers, choose Game Scenario and pick a Night Mission. •nie destroyers can't see you in the dark, so you are able to stay on the smface. The advantages of surface action are that you can use your deck gun, and you can go twice as fast if you were submerged. Adrian Ali Bradford, Ontario, Canada Spy vs Spy I: Go straight to the door where you fly the plane and let the other guy change the stuff. When he tries to go out, kill him. Get the passport and go out the door. Patrick Goguen Plymouth, MA Superstar lee Hockey: If you really have to vvin the Cup try this: During your first year, recruit a player and give him no skills. IVade him to a good team like Edmonton, Philadelphia, Wash- ington, Calgary or MinnesoUi. During the season have your re- cord end 3-4. Recmit players with no skill and trade for good players. You don't have to include trading points. Lance Gater Address Unknown Lltima IV: When fighting large numbers of pirate ships, hop ships when yom-s get low on ship points. Run from fights onh^ in dire emergencies; running counts against you and can hinder your attempt to become the avatar. The seer will tell you when to go to the shrine and meditate. Ask him about each of the eight virtues of avatarhood, and he'll tell you how far along you are on each. Don't cheat blind ladies or steal fi'om the king. It counts , against you and can prevent you fi'om becoming the avatar, I Ronnie Hall , Lake City, FL Up Periscope: When you are in a tight situation or a destroyer is about to ram you, jast go into big chart navigation. There you can get away easily and safely. George Rath Congers, NY Winter Gaines: In the Ski Jump, it is possible to get an overall performance of 225.9 by jumping off the ramp and tapping your joystick's lower-right petition everv half second. This doesn't al- ways work because maybe youi' timing is off or the position of the joystick handle. But with a little luck, you'll get a good jump. Bob Taylor Saegertown.PA Yie-Ar Rung Fu: lb beat the fii-st sbi opponents except for Pole, hold the joystick up while depressing the fire button. For Pole, you must pull down until he almost touches you, then push the fire button to kick him. When he crosses back to the other side of I the screen and approaches you again, repeat this move until he 1 is beaten. (Be careful — Pole is very dangerous). ' Robert Earte Perkins Address Unknown Zork I: Get as many treasmies as you can (preferably heavy ones! and confront the thief in his Lair One by one give him your treasures. Seem strange'? Well for each item you give him. his load gets hea™r and heavier, making it harder for him to defend! You will now have a few chances in which to kill the thief ; Alan Barrett I Boise, Idaho a 124 DECEMBER 1988 Tips & Tricks /64 and 128 Continued from pu^'i' 16 digit and by the pi-oduct of the numbers it's touching horizontal- ly and vertically once it lands. Any digit that isn't launched before it moves off the sci-een costs you 20 points. The game ends when any digit lands next to or on top of an identical one. When typing the program, you must leave a space between the ET and the OR in the middle of line 9. As shown, Reach! is for 64 mode. For 128 mode use, change the lO's to 12's in lines 1 and 13, and change the 198 to 208 in line 3. Carlos J. Velazquez Hobe Sound. FL ^ DTM MM! ,Tfl) ,A (40) :H=f256*PEEK(251) +PFFK(252) ) * (PEFK(IH) ) :FOR N=l TO 40 :L.'^ = LS + " r.SHFT *1 " 2 NFXT: PRINT" f CLEAR, DOWN] ";L$r" r DOWN 2 (? 1 " L S ; S PC (1 ) " H I T f RVS 1 S P ACE FRVOFFl TO LAUNCH" D=48+INT (RND{0) *9+l) :P=1 RNn{0}<.5 THEN P=-l POKE 19R,n :N=1 RfS-^ :TF N=N+P:POKE N,D:POKF N~P,32:GET A$ :IF A?=" "THEN C=ABS (N-1864) :N=N-40 :GOTO 7 ^ TF p = -l AND N<T9PI'^ OR p = -l AND N>]Rfi4 THEN 4 fi R=S-2R:P0KE N, 32 : Z=0: GOTO 10 1 AfC) =A fCl +1 :E = in(i4+A{C)*40+C :FOP L=N TO E f!TEP-40 : POKE L,D tPOKE L+40,32:NEXT fl X = C+1 : Y = A fCi : Z = D-48:M (X,Y1 =Z :np=M(X,Y-l) :D0=MCX,Y+11 :LF=M(X-1 ,Y} :RT=M fX+l, Y) ^ TF Z=UP OR Z=DO OR Z=RT OR Z=LF THEN 12 IPI S = S + Z* fDO + UP + LF + RTI +Z :TF S>H THEN H=S n PR TNT" rHOME,SPACE4,LEFT41 " ;S, ,"HI"; H:GOT0 3 1? r;ET AS:PRTNT TAB ( 1 0) " f RVS] PLAY AGAIN (Y/N) fUP21 " : TF AS=""THEN 12 13 TF AS="Y"THEN HB=INT ( H/25 6 ) :LB=H-HB*2Sfi:P0KE 251, HB :POKE 2 5 2, LB: POKE 10,1: RUN 1 d PRINT" rCLEARlGOODBYE rD0WN2] " :PRINT"RUN rOP^l " M Datamiiker: Tired of entering DATA statements? Or would you like another way to compact data in your programs? Use one of the accompanying Datiimaker progi'ams. These progi-ams not only create DATA statements for you, but they also create the subroutine to load theml Jast mn either program and enter the starting and ending addreases of the daUi you want to convert, along with the line number of the first DATA statement that will appear in S'our program. Datamaker creates the data and entei-s the copy rou- tines, and then asks you if you want to delete Datamaker At this point, you can simultaneously press STOP and RESTORE to stop, or press RETURN to delete Datamaker 's program lines. (Ignore the "U'NDEFINED LINE NmiBER" en-or) The difference between the two Datamaker programs is the form of data thev create. In DATAMAKER.DEC. the data is stored as the usual decimal numbers — bulky, but easy to work with, DATAMAKER.ASC, on the other hand, converts each val- ue into a two-letter code, which stores more compactly in the program. Otherwise, they both do identical jobs. David Pankhurst Mimtival, Quebec Canada f.-xninp PRINT"DATAMAKER.DEC BY &-i.cf]n TNPUT"MEMORY START, END, AND 1ST LINE NUMBER "; AS ,AE , LS :X=fi?03n f5Tp!21 XS = "RR[SHFT ,'^l:FfSHFT 0] I=0TO-1ST rSHFT E1-1:R[SHFT El XS :T=vrSHFT A1 (XS) =-1 iNfSHFT E] :X=" + STR.<:fAS) +":DfSHFT A]-l" :GOTO 6307W fi''(?nr;? X.?="RrSHFT El Y: IFY0999T [SHFT H] PrSHFT 01X,Y:X=X+1 rGfSHFT 01 "+STRS ( LS ): X= 63040 :G0T0 6 3 070 6^Pi4fl XS="RErSHFT Tr':X=f530S0 :G0T0 fi3070 6^0S0 FOR 1=0 TO fi:XS=XS+RIGHTS(STR$ .3) +' :AS=AS+1 fi3060 6307n 6:^PIR0 fi'^090 fi3l Hfl fi 3 1 ? n "+LEFTS(X$, "LS;XS HOME! "; riE7 + PEEK (AS) ) : 1 = 1- (AS>AE) *9 NEXT:XS="DrSHFT A] LEN(XS)-l) :X=63090 PRINT" rCLEAR,D0WN2 : PRINT"AS="AS": AE="AE" :LS="LS+10";GfSHFT 01"X' :P0KE 6^1,13 POKE 632,13:POKE 198,2:END IF AS<=AE THEN 63050 XS="DrSHFT Al 999":X=63110 :G0T0 6T07n X=630ClPf;INPnT"READY TO DELETE" XS PRINT" rCLEAR,D0WN21 "X :PRINT"X="X+)0":G[SHFT 01 6 3120 fHONIEl " ; :POKE 631. :POKE 19 8,2: END 1 3:P0KE 532,13 fi^0nci TNPUT'"MEMORy START, END, AND 1ST LINE NUMBER" ; AS , AE , LS :X=6302R fiT01PI XS = "REfSHFT Sl:FfSHFT 01 I = [;tT0-1ST [SHFT E1-1:R[SHFT E) XS I=vrSHFT AHXS) =-l:NrSHFT E] X=" + STRS (AS) +" :D rSHFT Al-1" GOTO fi^nqq fi3n20 YS=CHRS(34) :XS="RrSHFT ElX$ :IFXS="+YS + "/E"-HY$ + "T[SHFT H] RE rSHFT Tl ":X=63030:GOTO 63090 fi-?mn XS = "FrSHFT 0) I = 1T0LEN (XS) ST rSHFT E12:PrSHFT OlX,A[SHFT SI (MfSHFT II fXS,T ,1) )*16 + A rSHFT S] (MISHFT II (XS,I+1, 1) )-1105" fiTP(4n x=6''ra'^0:GOTO 6'»090 6TPIS0 XS = "X=X+1 :NEXT:GrSHFT 01 "+STRS (LS-20) :X=6T"60:GOTO 63090 ^1060 FOR I=fl TO 1 •^:X=PEEK (AS) :Y = INT(X/t;) f,->(pilPi XS = XS+CHRS (Y-H6.S) +CHRS (X-Y*16 + 65) COMMODORE MAGAZINE 125 "ips & Tricks/64 and 128 6^1 P(0 6 ? T 1 H fill ^P fi^l4fl :AS=AS+ :XS="Df X = fi31]ff PRINT" r : PRINT" :LS="LS :POKE 6 POKF 6^ TF AS<= xs="Drs :GOTO 6 XS PRINT" r ; PRINT" fHOMEl " :POKF 1 1:1 = I-(AS>AE) * 99: NEXT SHFT A] "+XS CLEAR, DOWN 21 "LS ;XS AS="AS":AE="AE" +I0":GrSHFT ni" X" [ HOMEl " ; ?1. ,13 2,IT:P0KE 198,2:END AE THEN fi?0fi0 HFT A] /E":X=f;3130 :TNPUT"READY TO DELETE"; CLEAR, D0WN21 "X X="X+lC":GrSHFT 0163140 ;:POKE 631,13:POKE 632,13 98, 2: END &1 Sea Battle: You, the intrepid WWI flying ace, embark on a mission against an enemy ship. Your biplane gets ten flights, armed with one bomb each, to inflict sufficient damage to destroy the ship. As you pass over the target, press any key to release your bomb. It will follow a normal trajectory affected by your altitude and speed, which are selected at random for each flight. Each bomb hit scores points; the total is displayed on the screen. Direct hits amidships score the highest, and it takes ten or more points to destroy the enemy ship. If you fail to destitiy her, you watch helplessly as she makes her successful escape. The game gets more difficult as the ship approaches the left of the screen, since you have less and less time to react to the rela- tive motion of the plane and its target. Bob and David Snader Baltimore, MD 10 1 5 20 25 "!n 3S 40 ds ■^0 ss POKE 646,I5:PPINT" rCLEARl SCORE : 0rSPACES,RVSl =SEA BATTLE= f RVOFFl " :POKF 915,16:0=1774 FOR P=0 TO 9:READ L ,M : A { P) =L : B ( P) =M :NEXT:FOR T=0 TO 26:READ L :POKE R32+T,L:NEXT V=53248:S=S429fi:POKE V+39,0 : POKE V+4PI,1:P0KE 2040,13 :POKE 20dl,14:POKE V+33,1'1 FOR T=0 TO 9:C=RND(TI) * (100)+65:B=C :K = 0=0-2; :NEXT: :POKE FOR X = : POKE FOR P=0 TO 9:P0KE Q+A(P),B(P) G=0:D=C/26:POKE V+21,3 V+1,C TO 25S STEP DrPOKE S,15 .S,C!:POKE V,X:POKE V+2,X :GET KS:IF KS<>""THEN K=l G=G+(.2*K) :B=B+G:POKE V+ ^ , B :POKE V+32,7:IF B>212 THEN POKE V+21,l:K=a;G=0 TF PEEKfV+31)<>0 THEN H=H+1 :PR1NT" THOME] SCORE: "; H : POKE V+32,2 :POKF V+21,1:K=0:G=0 NEXT:IF H>9 THEN PRINT" fCLEARl SHIP DESTROYED" :FOR T=0 TO 60 :POKE V+3^,T:NEXT:END NEXT:PRTNT" TRY AGAIN!" rFOR T=0 TO 24:FOR P=0 TO 9 :POKE 0+A(P) ,B(P) : NEXT : Q=Q- 2 : NEXT 60 DATA 0,101,1,32,2,32,38,95,39,247, ^0,I6tJ, 4 1,99, 42, 98, 43, 32, 44, 32, 224, 127,192 65 DATA 240, R, 1 28,248,5,4,63,255,228, 7, 255, 2^2, fi, 127, 228,(1, -1,132, 0,0, 1 28,0,1 ,192 128 Restore Colors: If you have a 128 and ai"e tired of its default color combinations, tiy this progi^am. It sets the coloi*s that ap- pear when you press the STOP/RESTORE combination, and it also prints youi" owti custom message at the top of the sci-een! Just type the program and save it to disk, then iim it. If everything works correctly you will be prompted for the default border color, screen color and cui-sor color. You'll then be asked to type in the message that will appeal' at the top of the screen. When entering the colors, use the numbers fixim 0-15 that you POKE into 53280 and 53281 to change your border and screen. David C. May Address Unknown 10 POR L=5120 TO 5175:READ X:SM=SM+X :POKE L,X:NEXT 20 TF SMO600R THEN PRINT"ERROR IN DATA! " 40 TNPdT" rCLEARl BORDER COLOR" ;BC : INPUT"SCREEN COLOR"; SC : INPUT"CURSOR COLOR" ;CC 70 POKE 5146,RC:POKE 5141, SC :POKE 5T51,CC:POKE 2560,0 :POKE 2561,20 80 BS="":PRTNT"MESSAGF: ":FOR 1=0 TO 39 :DO:GET KEY A.'JrLOOP WHILE(AS<" "OR AS>"rBACK ARROWr')AND AS<>CHRS(13) :P.<5 = B.5-i-AS: PRINT A.5;:IF AS = CHRS (131 THEN LG=I : I =39 : ELSE NEXT 90 PRINT:IF 1 = 40 THEN B$ = BS-hCHRS { 1 3 ) :LG = T loa POKE 5164,LG+l:FOR 1=0 TO LG :POKE =^175+1, ASC (MIDS{BS,I-H,1) ) : NEXT: PR INT "ACTIVE! " =^120 DATA R32, 204, 255, 032, 122, 065, 032, 141 5128 DATA 065,012,018,065,032,056,082, 169 5136 DATA 0H0, 1^3, 021, 088, 169, 000, 141, 013 51id DATA 208,169,000,141,^32,208,169, 000 5152 DATA 1 13 , 2d 1 , 1 fi 2 , 000 , 1 89 , 05 5 , 020 , 012 51fiH DATA 210,255,232,224,001,208,245, 169 5168 DATA Rl 3 , 03 2 , 21 , 2 55 , 076 , 55 , 077 , 000 128. Arahic to Roman Conversion: This makes those pesky Roman Numeral conversions that trouble so many of our lives. You can use it when designing the cornerstones for government buildings, when composing the ending credits for motion pic- tures, or when channeling with prominent citizens of ancient Rome. Actually, it's a poweiful little program that accepts Arabic nu- 126 DECEMBER 1988 n Tips I Tricks/64 and 128 merals into the millions, and conveiis them quickly and flaw- lessly. With a little additional progi'amming, you could output to a printer, or even print all the Roman numerals from 1 to 3.999,999, To express numbers larger than 3999, Caesar, Brutus and this program draw lines over the letters in the Roman numerals. The letter M stands for one thousand, but M with a line over it stands for a thousand thousand, or a million. Jim O'Neill Whiting, NJ 1 T=2S:PRTNT" f CLEAR, WHITE, RVSl ARARTC TO ROMAN CONVRRSTON - rRVOFFl":DIM ASfT),AfT) :R."=;=" rup,CMnR a, down, left i" :S.=;=" rtJP,CMDR (a 2, DOWN, LEFT 21 " :FOR D=13 TO T:READ AS (D) , A (D) : NEXT :FnR D=l TO 12:A(D)=A(D+12)*1000 :MEXT 2 FOR D=1 TO n STEP 2 : MS = M.? + " f D0WN4 1" :AS(D)=RS + AS(D + 12) :A.5(D+1) =S.« + AS m + 1 '^1 :NEXT:Cfi="M" + RS :MS=LEFTS (MS,2l) : PS=" [LEFTl " T N = :'999999:PRINT" [H0ME,D0WN2] INTEGER FROM 1 TO"N"OR TO END?" :AS(12) =C.=! + "V":R.'5=CHR.5 (13) 4 DATA M,l«'^0,CM,900,D,5fja,Cn,400,C, 1''0,XC,90,L,S0,XL,4 0,X,10,IX,9,V,5, IV, 4, 1,1 5 KS = "": JS="":WINDOW (T , 3 , 3 8 , ? , 1 : DO :KS = KS + J.'5:L = LEN(KS) : PRINT" [HOME] "KS"[CMDR @r';:GET KFY J$ :IF L>PI AND J$=CHRS(20)THEN KS= LEFTS (KS,L-1) : PRINT" [LEFT] [HOME! "KS"rCMDR (ai";:ELSE IF L>0 AND jf; = p,'^THEN EXIT fi 0S=" rH0ME2,D0WNl ":IF VAL{JS)=0 AND JS<>"0"THEN JS=" ■7 LOOP WHILE L<T:PRINT P.-^ : K = VAL { KS ) :TF K>N OR JSORSTHEN 5 :EL.SE IF K=0 THEN PRINT QS"[DOWN]" :END R KS=STRS fK1 :FOR D=LEN(KS)TO 8 :KS = " " + KS:NFXT:WINDOW P!, 5, 39, 24 : PRINT M.-^jKS" = "; Q=0:DO:Q=Q+1 :LOOP UNTIL K-A{Q)>=0 :K=K-A(0) :PRINT AS(Q);:IF K=0 THEN 5 rELSE q &1 Timetrial: The green flag waves, and you're ofi! Three times around the track will prove what you're made of— three times around a viciously oil-slicked roadway! Your car is a distinctly un-sportj- purple square. You control it with a joystick in port 2. Be warned that once the car starts mov- ing on the slippery track, it takes an equal amount of reverse joystick to stop it. If you run off the track, the car will come to a stop, then respond very slowly until it's once again in the race. If, I said, if! (Heh, heh, heh). 64 Timetrial comes complete with sound effects and a timing clock. In case you lose count during youi- fi-ustration, a lap counter is displayed top left on the screen. When the counter reaches three, the race is over. Note your time, and press the fire button to race again. A time of 40 seconds is vety good. Get down to 3.5, and you're ready for Indianapolisl Scott Glazer Rem, NV ]R PRTMT" f CLE ART ";:V=5324fl:S=S4272 :pnKE V+'^? ,'>:POKF. V+33,n 20 FOR T=fT7 TO 9?B:P0KE T, -^S"^* fAB.S fT-Rfll.S) <4] ) :NFXT :POKE 2040,13:POKF 2041,14 30 X='=;2:Y = 1. 3f;:P0KE V+27,2:P0KE V+2],3 :POKF V+2<1,?:P0KE V4-3q,4 : POKE V+40,5:POKE V+2,J2 40 POKE V+3,12R:POKE V+21,3 :0=PEFK(V+^1 ) : PRINT" fCYANl 0fDOWN6] " :TS=" fRVS,RROWN,SPACE161 " ■^0 TS = TS + " rsPACEfil " : US = LEFTS (TS , 20) :PRTNT TAB (1 21 US:FOR T=l TO 10 : PRINT TAB(10)T.'=: f^PI NEXT:PRINT TAB(121 USrPOKE .S + 24 , 1 5 tPOKE S+fi,240:POKE S+4,49 :TTS="W00000" 70 POKE V+1,Y:P0KK V+16,X/256 :POKF V,X-PRRKfV+1fi1 *?56 :O=PFEK(V+T0) =PKEK (V+'^l) R0 PRINT" f HOME, DOWNi:', RVSl "TAR(1«) TNT(TI/6) /10:J= PEEK (56320) :F = q* fABS (A) +ABS (01 ) Q0 D=D+((,T AND 1)=01-((J AND 2)=0) :A=A+f'J AND 4)=0)-((J AND 81=0) :X=X+A: Y=Y+D:POKE S,F 100 IF PERK(V+^1)AND ] OR X<24 OR y<47 OR y>229 OR X>32R THEN POKE V+iq , 1 :A=0:D=0:POKE V+39,4 110 IF C*PEEK(V+30)THEN C=0:L=L+1 :POKE S-V,4'^ + L:IF L=3 THEN WAIT 56320, lfi,16:RUN 120 C=C+ (X>27R1 * (ABS fY-160) <101 :GOTO 70 M Timer: This uses what we call "interrupts" to display the time in hh:mm:ss format in the top-right comer of the sci'een. The 64's seldom-used Time Of Day (TOD) clock keeps track of the time, instead of the commoner but less accurate TIS variable. What all this means is that you can have a time display, up- dated 60 times each second, while working or running another program. The interrupts are used only to display the time, not to keep track of it. STOP/RESTORE deactivates the display, but executing a SYS 49152 will re-enable it. Even with the display deactivated, the clock just keeps on ticking! Stephane St-Louis Ste-Therese, Quebec Canada 2 FOR 0=49752 TO 49266:READ A:POKE Q,A :T = T-hA:NFXT: IF T09872 THEN PRINT"DATA ERROR":END 3 DATA 1 20,1 fi9, 19, 1^1, 20,^,169, 192, Id 1, 21, ^,RB, 96, 41, 15, 24,1 05, 'IR, 96, T'3,11 ,2?0 4 DATA ^2,1^,197,141,32,4,173,10,220, 37, 13, 192, 14 1,T^, 4, 171, 9, 220, 32, 13, 192,141 5 DATA 38,4,1-73,11,720,^2,110,192,41, COMMODORE MAGAZINE 127 lps&Tricks/64andl28 4fl DATA 41, 2?.n,?2,l 17,4,169 DATA 12, 141 ,11,4 214,74,7 DATA 74, TNPnT"H :TF LFN HH=VAL( :POKK 5 IF LENf ms,i ) ) MM=VAL ( :PnKE 5 :POKE S 192, 141, 3 1,4, 171, 10, 220, 32, 7,12,15,192,141,34,4,173,9, in,iq2,41 ,7,32,15,192,141, 141 ,1^1,4,141,19,4,169,58, ,141, 16, 4, 173, 8, 220, 76, 49, 4 74,96 OUR fSPACE21 " ;HS (HS)>1 THEN H=16 RIGHTS (HS, 1) 1 :H=H+HH 6 3 31,H: INPUT "MINUTE"; MS M?;)>1 THEN M=16*VAL (LEFTS RIGHTS (MS, 1 ) ) :M = M + MM 633C!,M:POKE 56329,0 6328,fl:SYS 49152 ADVERTISERS IKDEX Advertiser frl Break-Fast; This little game brings back the enjoyment of an arcade classic. To play, use a joystick in port 2. Though the game isn't fast enough for aixade hot shots, it re- quires concentration and fast reflexes. Your goal is to break through the wall of bricks at the top of the sci"een. You only have one ball, so there's little room for error. If you think you're too good for a little game like this, try to beat my own high score of 8600 points. Ghislain de Blois Timmins, Ontario Canada 1 FOR X=l TO 4fI:AS = AS+" rRVS,SHFT 0]" :NEXT:POKE 532 0,6:POKE 53281,14 :POKE 6^6 , C1:DX=1 :DY=1 :PX=3a 2 PY=10: PRINT" [CLEAR 1 "TAB (151 ; "BREAK-FAST FD0WN21 " : PP=18 :PPS="rSHPT 0,CMDR Y2,SHFT P]" : PRINT" (BLACK 1 " ;AS;" fBLUE] ";AS; 3 PRINT"fL. GRRENT'jAS;" [YELLOW] ";A$; " rWHITEl ";AS;" TBLACKl " 4 PRINT" fH0ME,D0WN2 2] " ; TAB (PP) ;PPS :Z7 = PX + 4PI*PY:P0KE 1PI24 + ZZ,81 5 PRINT" fH0ME,D0WN221 " ;TAB (PP) ; " rSPACEil "tPOKE S4296 + Z;Z,0 6 X= (PFEKf5632PI) AND 1 5) :IF X = n THEN PP=PP-1 :IF PP<0 THEN PP=0 7 IF X=7 THEN PP=PP+1:IF PP>36 THEN PP = 16 in PRINT" [HnME,D0WN2 21 ";TAB (PP) ;PPS :P0KE 1024+ZZ,32:PX=PX+DX 11 TF PX<=0 OR PX>=T9 THEN DX=-DX 12 PY = PY+DY:IF PY< = (^ THEN DY = -DY 11 ZZ=PEEK(1024+PX+40*PY) :TF PY>21 THEN 20 15 IP ZZ=207 THEN SC=SC+100 :POKE 54296, 15:P0KB 54 296 , fl : DY=-DY rGOi'O 4 16 IF ZZ081 AND ZZ012 THEN DY = -DY :GOTO 4 17 IF SC<1O000 THEN 4 20 PRINT" [CLEAR, DOWN, RIGHTIGAME OVER " :PRTNT" FRIGHTl .9C0RE"SC n Microlllusions MicroProse Reader Response No. Page Ht>. Berkeley Softworks 1 62,63 BriwQll 2 102,103 CinemowQfe • 39 CompuServe 3 37 Computer Direct (Protecto) 4 118,119 Dota East e 41 Discovery So Itwa re 6 45 Electronic Arts 7 55,68,69 Epyx 8 C2,9,n, 13,14,15,17,19 21,23,57,59,60,61 Finoncial Services Marketing 9 109 Gamestar 10 49 Joker Internotional 11 2 Konomi 12 34 Loodstor 13 1 Lucosfilm • 33 IVIastertronics 14 31 C3 16 27,47,53 Mindscape 4 24,25 Montgomery GronI 17 107 New Line Video 18 66 Origin Systems 19 29,51 Precision Softwore 20 43 Quantum Computer Service 21 64,65 Strategic Simulations 22 C4 SubLogic Corporation 23 101 levex 24 98,99 lussey Computer Products 25 5,6,7 *No Reoder Response [dumber given at Advertiser's Request. 128 DECEMBER 1988 xd^e^kure/ <^-H^ NOW AVAfLABLE ON COMMODORE 64/128 Fear (tnd death have tome to the once peacefyl land of Holm/Ogres plague/the ' roods ^d wraiths waUt the night! Fw riie.« Netrilmanter has stofen the Tohsman that onci kept the world iafe, but hope is not lost With your help/ three brothers may ve jtiire forth throudh thick woods t^d fonely mduntains, across v ist oceans mi sWampy i bogs in search of the evil Necromancer and a / Je of purpose and wu may complete the i Fa^fale Adventure! J: me Faery Tole Adventiire is o superiorfcome of exceptional sou/ratt^ck sets the mood for wandermg, combat and ni{»ittime sequences throdgh tjur" magical landj^ must for everYone'stibt^l QUEST AND EXPLORATION GUIDEBOOK AVAILABLE la liel|) you (oinplGte the Faoiy ToId Adventure! All Mkiofllutiont EnlgilniMcnl mi Eduinlional jiioltiih oic dcMbpoil ctpnially lor ond mil nmlabli an Amigo, C64/?1B, MAC, Appln ll/GS, and PC/MS OOVlendy foimoli. Advanced Dungeonsl^''^'^ COMPUTER PRODUCTS OonS Role-Playing Action Utility POOL OF JLuuvicE fulfills all your gaming fantasies. The legendaiy ADVANCED DUNQEOnS & DRAQOnS* role-playing system springs to life on your computerl Embark on dangerous quests in the magi- cal FORQOTTEn REALMS'" game world ~ made incredibly real by advanced com- puter animation and combat that adheres strictly to ADSD^ game standards. Prepare yourself for the ultimate fantasy role- playing experience! IBN APPLE C-64/128 m Heroes of the Laike gives you non-stop excitement and fully animated action on the mystical DRAQOrtU\MCE« game worid. Qulde eight Companions, each with differ- ent skills, deep into the treacherous ruins of the temple Xah Tsaroth. They will need all of your skills to help them survive the attacks of giant spiders, demons, dragons and countless other terrors. Retrieve the precious Disks of Mishakal if you canl IBM C-64/128 AMIGA ATARI ST ADVUnCEO DUNQCOnS « DRAQOtlS, ADatD, rORQOTFtJI REAU1S uid DRAOOriLAnCE aie tradcnwtts owned by and used under license from TSR, tnt e 1968 TSfi. Ino C 1968 Strategic SbnuUkHis, Inc. All iight5 poeived. DUNGEOn MASTERS AS^STATfT, VoLUHE I: EfiaxmEits is a utility program designed to help Dungeon Masters gener- ate encounters for ADSfD^ campaigns. It provides more than 1000 encounters, and over 1300 monsters and characters, including all of the monsters found in AOeeD* Monster Manuals I & II. DMs can modify the existing data and add original monsters and encoun- ters to the database. IBM APPLE C-64/128 L How To Order: Visit your retailer or call 1-800-245-4525. To receive SSI's complete product catalog, please send $1.00 to: Strate^c Simulations, Inc., 1046 n, Rengstorff Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94045. STRATEGIC SIMULATIONS, INC.